Science for Africa’s future food security: necessary steps to incorporate African vegetable biodiversity in food security

Abstract

Africa’s traditional vegetables, including African eggplant, African nightshade, amaranth, jute mallow, okra, and many more, are rich in micronutrients and hold considerable potential for improving nutrition, particularly for women of reproductive age as well as for children, and for improving household incomes, too. This article presents a 10-year roadmap, which was developed by the African Union Commission and its technical and development partners, to rescue, conserve, and use the genetic resources of African vegetables. This is a strategic framework which emphasises genetic resources conservation, the integration of Africa’s traditional vegetables into national food and nutrition policies, the strengthening of seed systems, the training of human resources, the leveraging of digital and genomic tools for crop improvement, and the creation of enabling policy environments. Safeguarding, using, and promoting Africa’s vegetable biodiversity is critical for enhancing nutrition, supporting nutrition-sensitive agriculture, diversifying income opportunities and building climate-resilient agricultural systems.

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