Edible indigenous fruits in Zimbabwe: A review on the post-harvest handling, processing, and commercial value

Nemapare, Prisca N.; Gadaga, T.H.; Mugadza, Desmond T.

doi:10.1080/23311886.2023.2229686

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 61 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Negative perceptions towards indigenous species due to Western influence in developing countries also contribute to their low consumption (Ng'endo et al., 2016; Poudyal et al., 2023; Yang & Keding, 2009). This has resulted in farmers preferring to cultivate exotic species especially vegetables and fruits that are widely accepted by consumers and have a ready market (Nemapare et al., 2023). This reduced cultivation is made worse by the fact that the consumption of indigenous species is mainly common among the elderly and women in rural areas, considered by the younger generation and urban dwellers as food used during times of food insecurity (Imathiu, 2021).…”

Section: Why Species Diversity Is Key For Food System Transformationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Crop species diversity: A key strategy for sustainable food system transformation and climate resilience

Zuza,

Lambert,

Macmillan

et al. 2024

Food and Energy Security

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The global food system's reliance on a few species threatens food and nutritional security. Species diversification, including indigenous species, is a viable option to address this issue. Diversity enhances food systems' resilience against climatic and economic shocks. It offers resources for improved breeds and allows farmers to mitigate risks. However, successful diversification demands collaboration among farmers, researchers, academics, professionals, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. This review analyzes the role of crop species diversity in food system transformation, focusing on monoculture vulnerabilities, diversification benefits, indigenous species' role in nutrition and food security, and the importance of integrated policies and multi‐stakeholder collaborations. We advocate for interdisciplinary research, participatory approaches, and supportive policies to foster diverse, resilient food systems that ensure food security, biodiversity conservation, and enhanced social well‐being amidst global challenges. While acknowledging the importance of diversity in animal species for food security, the focus of this review is on crop species diversity and its potential to transform food systems.

show abstract

Section: Why Species Diversity Is Key For Food System Transformationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Crop species diversity: A key strategy for sustainable food system transformation and climate resilience

Zuza,

Lambert,

Macmillan

et al. 2024

Food and Energy Security

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Africa is home to diverse wild trees and fruits, including baobab (Adansonia digitata), horned melon (Cucumis metulifer), monkey orange (Strychnos cocculoides, S. spinosa, and S. pungens), desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca), tamarind (Tamarindus indica), butterfruit (Dacryodes edulis), carissa (Carissa macrocarpa), and Kei apple (Dovyalis caffra;National Research Council, 2008;Nemapare et al, 2023). These fruits play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity, supporting agroecosystems, and improving the socioeconomic well-being of local communities (Bharucha and Pretty, 2010;Maroyi, 2022).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The future of African wild fruits – a drive towards responsible production and consumption of the marula fruit

Hlangwani,

Hal,

Moganedi

et al. 2023

Front. Sustain. Food Syst.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The marula fruit has played a central role in the dietary intake, socioeconomic standing, and cultural practices of communities in southern Africa for over 10,000 years. The marula fruit is rich in nutritional compounds such as vitamins, minerals, organic acids, and amino acids which contribute to the health properties of the final products. These products can be sold informally by locals or developed into commercially viable, export products. The recent domestic and international demand for marula fruit-based products has raised sustainability concerns such as over-harvesting, habitat destruction, and unsustainable production practices. Given these challenges, a responsible and inclusive approach to marula production and consumption is required to meet the nutritional needs and sustainably contribute to the socioeconomic development of these communities. As a result, a scoping review approach was used to map out the literature on the production and consumption of the marula fruit. All reviewed literature explicitly focused on the marula fruit, the responsible use of the marula fruit, and sustainability practices in the production and consumption of marula fruit-based products. Furthermore, this review examined the potential benefits and challenges of expanding the production and consumption of marula products and identified strategies for promoting sustainable practices and equitable distribution of benefits. Despite the challenges in pre-and-postharvest processing, the marula fruit has remained a valuable resource. Thus, the sustainable production and consumption of the marula fruit require a holistic approach that addresses these challenges and promotes sustainable practices and equitable distribution of benefits. Central to this approach is the application of various technologies to establish robust value chains so the marula fruit industry can thrive.

show abstract

The effect of herbal Lippia javanica extracts on the bioactive content, functional properties, and sensorial profile of biofortified-orange maize based fermented maheu

Chawafambira,

Jombo

2024

Applied Food Research

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Edible indigenous fruits in Zimbabwe: A review on the post-harvest handling, processing, and commercial value

Cited by 5 publications

References 61 publications

Crop species diversity: A key strategy for sustainable food system transformation and climate resilience

Crop species diversity: A key strategy for sustainable food system transformation and climate resilience

The future of African wild fruits – a drive towards responsible production and consumption of the marula fruit

The effect of herbal Lippia javanica extracts on the bioactive content, functional properties, and sensorial profile of biofortified-orange maize based fermented maheu

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About