Research gaps in neglected indigenous vegetables in sub-Saharan Africa: A roadmap to mainstreaming

Abstract

Background: Agrobiodiversity is critical to food security, environmental sustainability and climate resilience in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, mainstream agriculture has marginalised neglected and underutilised indigenous vegetables (NUIVs), despite their adaptability, cultural significance and nutritional value.
Aim: This review aimed to identify and synthesise knowledge gaps impeding the sustainable utilisation and mainstreaming of NUIVs in SSA.
Setting: The study focuses on the SSA region, where food insecurity, malnutrition and climate-induced stresses challenge agricultural productivity and dietary diversity.
Methods: A structured literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed sources accessed via ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. Article selection prioritised recent and relevant studies focused on vegetable species, particularly those with documented ecological, nutritional and socio-economic benefits related to NUIVs.
Results: Major gaps were identified in agronomy, nutritional profiling (including bioavailability), post-harvest handling, markets and policy. Evidence from East Africa shows progress in seed systems and breeding for Cleome gynandra and Solanum scabrum, while Southern and Central Africa remain constrained by informal seed sectors and weak institutional support. Research outputs have risen since 2019, yet transdisciplinary integration is still limited.
Conclusion: Region-specific strategies linking agronomy, breeding, value chains and policy are needed. This review offers a research and policy roadmap to mainstream NUIVs into climate-smart, nutrition-sensitive food systems, enhancing food security and resilience in SSA.
Contribution: This review guides future research, policy and development interventions. It highlights NUIVs as viable candidates for integration into climate-smart, nutrition-sensitive food systems in SSA and calls for their elevation within agricultural agendas to advance food security goals.