Overview: 

Indigenous and traditional foods crops (ITFCs) have multiple uses within society, and most notably have an important role to play in the attempt to diversify the food in order to enhance food and nutrition security. However, research suggests that the benefits and value of indigenous foods within the South African and the African context have not been fully understood and synthesized. Their potential value to the African food system could be enhanced if their benefits were explored more comprehensively.

Key findings: 

This synthesis presents a literature review relating to underutilized indigenous crop species and foods in Africa. It organizes the findings into four main contributions:

- Nutritional: IFTCs are rich in essential micronutrients and macronutrients, surpassing commonly cultivated crops like maize, wheat and rice; many IFTCs are classified as “superfoods” due to their high nutrient density and ability to address malnutrition particularly in vulnerable populations; some indigenous crops such as African yam bean and Aizen offer multiple edible parts, ensuring year-round nutrition availability.

- Environmental: IFTCs are naturally adapted to harsh climates, making them more resilient to drought, poor soil fertility, and pest infestations; unlike staple monoculture, IFTCs promote biodiversity, enhance soil health and require fewer chemical inputs thus improving sustainability.

- Economics: IFTCs have the potential to provide alternative income sources for smallholder farmers and marginal communities. Their promotion in local and international markets could create value chains benefiting farmers, traders and processors. For example, baobab-derived snacks have gained traction in niche markets.

- Social-cultural: IFTCs are deeply embedded in African traditions, rituals, and culinary practices. Despite their decline due to modernization, these crops hold the potential to strengthen food sovereignty and cultural identity if promoted. Knowledge about IFTCs is gradually being lost, necessitating urgent documentation and integration into food security strategies.

Recommendations: 

The results show the need to recognize and enable indigenous foods as a key resource in ensuring healthy food systems in the African continent:

- Policy and Institutional Support: Governments should integrate ITFCs into agricultural policies, research agendas, and extension programs. Nutrition-sensitive policies should promote indigenous crops as key components of food security initiatives.

- Research and development: Investments in plant breeding, biotechnology, and seed system development are necessary to improve ITFC productivity. Research should focus on cost-effective processing methods to enhance the commercial appeal of indigenous crops.

- Awareness and market development: Public campaigns should educate consumers on the nutritional and economic benefits of indigenous food crops. Agro-processing innovations and improved packaging can make ITFCs more attractive to urban and international markets.

- Empowering local communities: Smallholder farmers, especially women who traditionally cultivate ITFCs, should be supported through training and financial incentives. Strengthening local supply chains will enhance the availability of ITFCs and improve food security at the community level.