Skip to main content
Knowledge4Policy
Knowledge for policy

Supporting policy with scientific evidence

We mobilise people and resources to create, curate, make sense of and use knowledge to inform policymaking across Europe.

  • Publication | 2025

The current challenges and solutions on utilizing the potential of underutilized and neglected crops for Africa's food security

Global Food and Nutrition Security

Africa has great potential to improve food security and increase climate resilience through underutilized and neglected crops (UNCs). These crops are still underutilized despite their advantageous nutritional qualities, ability to withstand harsh environments, and cultural significance. The main obstacles to their use are examined in this review, which include a lack of research and development, a lackluster market, inadequate policy frameworks, and sociocultural choices for staple crops like rice and maize that are widely used. These barriers are further compounded by insufficient extension services and a lack of awareness. This review suggests ways to maximize the potential of UNCs, including improved value chains, focused crop breeding research, policy changes, and enhanced farmer knowledge transfer. It also covered how consumer awareness campaigns fit into national plans for food security and how to incorporate them. The UNCs can significantly contribute to the achievement of sustainable food security and the diversification of food systems throughout Africa by tackling these issues.