From lesser‐known to super vegetables: the growing profile of African traditional leafy vegetables in promoting food security and wellness

Abstract

There are hundreds of traditional leafy vegetables and wild food plants of horticultural and nutritional significance in Africa. These lesser-known crops and wild food plants that are highly adapted to harsh growing conditions thrive with little care and are available when other sources of food fail or are out of season. They are rich in micronutrients and are often the cheapest sources of many essential vitamins and minerals in many localities. Many of them are very important functional foods in African traditional diets and are rich in nutraceuticals, including polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids and flavonols, that exert demonstrable antioxidant, free radical scavenging and enzyme inhibition activities and have antimicrobial properties that provide scientific justification and possible mechanisms for their use in the management of a wide range of ailments, including diet-related, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. African traditional leafy vegetables are invaluable in promoting food security and wellness in Africa on account of their availability and affordability, their great nutritional value, chemotherapeutic and health-promoting properties and other unique qualities. Long recognised by the rural populace as quality food items, they are becoming more popular even with the more affluent urban elites. There is the need to develop improved management practices for these super vegetables to promote their cultivation and boost their exploitation for food security and wellness in Africa. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Identifying Potential Markets for African Leafy Vegetables: Case Study of Farming Households in Limpopo Province, South Africa

“…Kamga et al [39] further stated that an increased production and consumption of these nutrient-rich ALVs would help reduce the nutritionrelated disorders in Africa. Some of these ALVs have also been found to contain medicinal properties, which can treat a wide range of diseases [40,41]. Periurban and urban areas have a significant number of supermarkets as well as fruit and vegetable outlets.…”

African Leafy Vegetables for Improved Human Nutrition and Food System Resilience in Southern Africa: A Scoping Review

“…capitate [4], which are widely consumed by urban populations. Moreover, ALVs are ideal for subsistence because they can be harvested frequently, in small quantities, and without the need for storage [5]. They are also closely tied to cultural traditions, and therefore have an essential role in supporting social diversity.…”

Effects of Cowpea-Amaranth Intercropping and Fertiliser Application on Soil Phosphatase Activities, Available Soil Phosphorus, and Crop Growth Response

“…These sources could potentially contribute to improved P supply in a non-legume crop through species interaction and P-acquisition [10], in an intercropping system [11]. Vigna unguiculata L. Walp (Cowpea), through its leaves and seeds, is an important legume crop nutritionally as it provides proteins and minerals that can be easily harnessed by resource-poor rural communities [12]. It is therefore important to embark on studies that will further enhance our understanding of P nutrition in relation to yield, quality and different environments where cowpea is grown [13] in an effort to ensure food and nutritional security for resource-constrained communities.…”