Overview:

This working paper explores the potential of integrating new and orphan crops (NOC) into African food systems to address malnutrition and improve dietary diversity, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The paper places the work of the African Orphan Crops Consortium (AOCC) in context, highlighting the importance of these underutilized crops in combating “hidden hunger” and enhancing the resilience of farming systems. The AOCC focuses on 101 nutritionally important crops, many of which are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. The paper outlines a broad research program to support the integration of these crops into food systems, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address production, consumption, and policy challenges.

Key Findings:

1. Nutritional value of traditional crops: Many traditional and orphan crops are nutrient-dense, providing essential vitamins (e.g., vitamin C, vitamin A), minerals (e.g., iron, zinc), and antioxidants. Examples include baobab (rich in vitamin C),finger millet (high in micronutrients and essential amino acids), and African plum (rich in vitamins and amino acids). These crops can play a critical role in addressing micronutrient deficiencies, especially among vulnerable groups such as children under 5, adolescents, and women of reproductive age.

2. Dietary diversity and nutritional status: Integrating NOC into diets can improve dietary diversity, which is linked to better nutritional outcomes. Crop diversification can provide year-round nutrient availability, reducing seasonal hunger periods. However, the relationship between crop diversity and dietary diversity is complex and influenced by factors such as market access, income, and cultural preferences.

3. Resilience of farming systems: Traditional crops are often well-adapted to local environmental conditions, making them more resilient to climate change and extreme weather events. Diversifying farming systems with NOC can enhance resilience by spreading risks and providing alternative food sources during crop failures. Perennial crops, in particular, can contribute to soil health, water retention, and carbon sequestration, further enhancing ecosystem resilience.

4. Challenges for farmers: Limited research and development on NOC have resulted in low yields, propagation constraints, and high labor requirements. Farmers face challenges such as lack of access to improved seeds, limited knowledge of cultivation practices, and poor market infrastructure. Gender-related issues, such as women’s limited access to resources and decision-making power, can hinder the adoption of NOC.

5. Value Chain and market factors: Weak value chains and limited market demand for NOC can discourage farmers from cultivating these crops. Processing and storage challenges, such as the need for long cooking times or specialized equipment, can reduce the appeal of NOC for both farmers and consumers. Successful examples, such as the Smart Food Initiative by ICRISAT, demonstrate the potential for creating demand for NOC through product innovation and marketing.

Recommendations:

1. Promote Crop Diversification: Encourage the cultivation of nutrient-rich NOC to improve dietary diversity and address micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among vulnerable groups. Develop “crop portfolios” that ensure year-round nutrient availability and resilience to climate shocks.

2. Strengthen research and development: Invest in genomic research and breeding programs to improve the yields, nutritional content, and adaptability of NOC. Focus on traits that reduce labor requirements, improve storability, and enhance processing properties to make NOC more attractive to farmers and consumers.

3. Enhance value chains and market access: Develop value chains for NOC by improving market infrastructure, creating demand through product innovation, and linking farmers to urban markets. Support initiatives like the Smart Food Initiative that promote the use of NOC in processed foods and create consumer awareness.

4. Address gender-related barriers: Ensure that women have equal access to resources, training, and decision-making opportunities related to NOC cultivation and marketing. Promote labor-saving technologies and crop varieties that reduce the burden on women, particularly in food preparation and processing.

5. Leverage policies and institutions: Governments and institutions should provide incentives, subsidies, and supportive policies to encourage the production and consumption of NOC. Strengthen extension services to provide farmers with knowledge and skills for cultivating and processing NOC. Foster public-private partnerships to develop seed delivery systems and improve access to improved planting materials.

6. Climate change adaptation: Promote the use of NOC in climate-resilient farming systems, particularly in areas prone to drought, flooding, and other extreme weather events. Use ecological niche modeling to identify suitable areas for NOC cultivation under current and future climate scenarios.

Examples of ongoing initiatives:

• African Orphan Crops Consortium (AOCC): Focuses on sequencing the genomes of 101 NOC to support breeding programs and improve their nutritional and agronomic traits.
• Smart Food Initiative (ICRISAT): Promotes the use of underutilized crops like finger millet and sorghum in processed foods, creating demand and improving market access for farmers.
• African Plant Breeding Academy (AfPBA): Trains African plant breeders in advanced genomic techniques to improve NOC and integrate them into food systems.