Neglected and Underutilised Crops: A Systematic Review of Their Potential as Food and Herbal Medicinal Crops in South Africa

Abstract

The African continent harbours many native species with nutraceutical and pharmaceutical potential. This study reviewed underutilised crops in South Africa to determine their potential as food and herbal medicinal crops. Over 5,000 species have been identified and earmarked for their medical attributes in formal and informal setups. Researchers, plant breeders and policymakers have mostly ignored the development potential of these crops. Consequently, their value chains are poorly developed. In South Africa, there is a wide range of neglected and underutilised crops, which were historically popular and used by communities; however, over the years, they have lost their status within farming systems and been relegated to the status of neglected and underutilised. Recently, driven by the need to transition to more sustainable and resilient food systems, there has been renewed interest in their potential as food and herbal medicinal crops to establish new value chains that include vulnerable groups. They are now gaining global attention, and their conservation and sustainable utilisation are now being prioritized. The review confirmed that several of these crops possess nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties, highlighting their potential for development as food and herbal medicines. However, current production levels are too low to meet the requirements for industrial development; research and development should focus on all aspects of their value chain, from crop improvement to utilisation. A transdisciplinary approach involving a wide range of actors is needed to develop the identified neglected and underutilised crops’ potential as food and herbal medicinal crops and support the development of new and inclusive value chains.

Cleome gynandra: A wonder climate-smart plant for nutritional security for millions in semi-arid areas

“…For instance, Indigenous knowledge system (IKS) funding of South African Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and National Research Foundation (NRF) made efforts to support research that focuses on IKS, indigenous crops, community development and involvement (NRF, 2018). However, these attempts have been met with several constraints such as lack of value chain of indigenous crops and poor conservation practices (Mudau et al, 2022). Despite the unique qualities of C. gynandra, it has received little research attention or extension activities and has been ignored by the international science mainstream (Aworh, 2018;Rugube et al, 2019).…”

“…Nutritional analysis after cooking and/or processing of C. gynandra could be fundamental to marketing as this is vital in offering quality assurance and integrity to consumers. Currently, there is poor development in the value chain of most orphan crops and C. gynandra is not an exception (Mudau et al, 2022). Therefore, this leafy vegetable provides many opportunities to expand current food systems and thereby contributing to job creation, food security and poverty alleviation.…”

“…However, the displacement of indigenous crops by a few major crops has inevitably contributed, in part, to the limited success of the global food systems (Mbhenyane, 2016;Coq-Huelva et al, 2017;Mabhaudhi et al, 2019b). With a growing shift towards healthy diets, underutilised functional food crops are now gaining popularity due to their nutritional, pharmacological, therapeutic and nutraceutical benefits (Mudau et al, 2022). There are hundreds of traditional wild leafy vegetables that are of agricultural and nutritional significance in Africa and have the potential to add diversity to traditional diets by providing unique flavours, textures and other sensory attributes (Uusiku et al, 2010).…”

Industrial applications of taro (Colocasia esculenta) as a novel food ingredient: A review

“…The overwhelming evidence linking food, health, and disease occurrences has strengthened these research interests. Nutritional foods and herbal medicinal plants have been an important aspect of human existence and traditional healthcare systems throughout recorded history (Mudau et al, 2022). With increased health awareness and dietary trends toward healthier foods, the popularity, production, and marketing of functional food crops such as taro have increased.…”

Bambara Groundnut Rhizobacteria Antimicrobial and Biofertilization Potential

“…The term ‘NUCS’ is used to mean wild species of plant, which are non-commodity cultivated. They form part of a large agro biodiversity portfolio that is not used as a result of an array of factors, such as agronomic, genetic, economic, social, and cultural factors ( Chivenge et al, 2015 ; Mudau et al, 2022 ). They are traditionally grown by subsistence farmers in their various localities where they are useful in supporting and securing nutrition in local communities in order to meet their sociocultural needs and traditional uses.…”