With climate change reshaping agriculture globally, food security is increasingly under threat. Africa, already facing widespread famine due to crop failures and declining production, is particularly vulnerable. One potential solution lies in “forgotten” or neglected crops, which have long been overlooked but possess strong resilience to harsh conditions.
These indigenous crops, often referred to as “orphan” or “underutilized,” were historically cultivated by local farmers for their nutritional and medicinal value. These crops, including sorghum, millet, amaranth, eggplant, and kale, have fallen out of favor with modern agricultural practices. However, they offer considerable potential for building a sustainable food system, according to global organizations like Crop Trust.
Unfortunately, these orphan crops have received little attention from mainstream research, despite their importance for both farmers and consumers. Agricultural experts stress the role these crops can play in improving food security and generating income for small-scale farmers, particularly in Africa.
One notable example is the Bambara groundnut, a legume rich in nutrients that is grown across Africa. Despite its value, there is minimal data on its production, consumption, or economic impact. The lack of research and institutional support for crops like the Bambara groundnut has limited their use, even though they are well-adapted to local environments and crucial for livelihoods.
Orphan crops are naturally resilient to the effects of climate change, such as droughts, floods, and soil salinity. Improving their genetic resources and developing better farming practices could significantly boost their productivity, helping Africa tackle its food security challenges.
The shrinking diversity of crops worldwide is another issue. While farmers traditionally grew a variety of species to ensure a reliable food source and maintain nutritional diversity, the spread of monoculture—growing only one crop—has reduced this variety. Experts argue for a return to diverse farming systems, which are more sustainable and better equipped to withstand climate impacts.
Increasing awareness and governmental support for these neglected crops is crucial. Experts believe that more resources should be allocated to their promotion, cultivation, and research, ensuring that these crops are preserved in gene banks and accessible for future use. Preserving genetic diversity is vital for long-term food security, particularly as environmental conditions worsen.
Hunger remains a pressing issue, with over 700 million people facing food insecurity globally. In Africa, nearly 282 million people are undernourished. Investing in orphan crops could help address this, providing nutritious and resilient food sources that are well-suited to local conditions.
To ensure the survival and success of these crops, farmers must continue conserving them, as they have done for generations. Experts emphasize the importance of funding research, generating reliable data, and creating market opportunities for orphan crops. Without these efforts, the full potential of these crops will remain untapped, hindering the progress toward a more resilient and sustainable food system.
