From Neglected and Underutilized Crops to Powerful Sources of Vitamin A: Three Case Studies of Mozambican Cultivated Tacca leontopetaloides, Cowpea, and Cassava

Abstract

About 1 billion people are currently suffering from chronic hunger, malnutrition, and vitamin A deficiency, while it is predicted that world food production needs to increase by 70% by 2050 to satisfy 9.9 billion predicted population in the world, relying on a natural resource base that is reaching its limits and with climate change adding further pressures on agriculture and acting as the main driver of crop diversity loss. The main goal of this chapter was to discuss the role of neglected crops (arrowroot, cassava, and cowpea) as potential sources of vitamin A with case studies of Mozambique country where the current population (30.5 million-mid-2018) is predicted to more than double by mid-2050 (67.4 million) while vitamin A deficiency and food insecurity are serious issues. Crops have an important role in rural communities and are nutrient dense and can be used in diet diversification and vitamin A alleviation. They are highly adapted to agroecological niches and marginal areas. The current research reinforces that neglected crops are potential sources of vitamin A with an extra extensive phytochemical composition that together are important in alleviating vitamin A deficiency. Their production promotion must be reinforced and incorporated in crop diversification.

Prospective Role of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables as Functional Food Ingredients

“…When handled poorly, ILVs are quickly damaged and types such as amaranth are very susceptible to wilting. The loss of moisture during handling and storage is one of the post-harvest issues that results in weight loss [25]. Extending the shelf life of the ILVs through processing is a crucial opportunity to prevent needless losses [13].…”

“…In addition, ILVs are very diverse, colourful and tasty foods that can be used to play a strategic role in achieving balanced diets [6]. Maize, potatoes, rice and wheat are among those crops high in carbohydrates that account for more than 60% of global dietary energy intake [25]. However, as human nutrition suffers because of overdependence and concentration on these food crops [23], dietary diversity should be encouraged as it qualitatively measures food consumption and indicates household food security status, particularly as this is a practical, cost-effective and sustainable means of alleviating food insecurity [4,17,25].…”

“…Globally, over 7000 species of leafy vegetables are either cultivated or harvested from the wild for food [4,28]. Amongst these, ILVs that vary in shape, size, colour, taste and nutritional value are consumed in nearly all countries [9,25]. South Africa is home to over 100 species of wild and domesticated or cultivated ILVs including amaranth (Amaranthus spp.…”

“…Since they contain significant amounts of vitamins, pro-vitamin A in particular [43], ILVs are highly beneficial since they maintain health and prevent diseases [53]. As an antioxidant, vitamin A plays an important role in preventing free oxygen radicals from causing damage to cells and, by so doing, reduces the incidence of some cancers, heart attacks, strokes, and maintains eyesight and the immune, skeletal, respiratory, reproductive, and integumentary (skin) systems [25,43]. However, due to the underutilisation of ILVs, there is little available information regarding their nutritional value [54].…”

“…Vitamin C is important for iron absorption in addition to maintaining the health of teeth and gums [9,25]. Folic acid decreases the likelihood of birth defects and vitamin K protects bones from osteoporosis and helps to contain inflammation [9,55].…”