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Unpacking the Multifaceted Benefits of Indigenous Crops for Food Security: A Review of Nutritional, Economic and Environmental Impacts in Southern Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Lethu Inneth Mgwenya

    (School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa)

  • Isaac Azikiwe Agholor

    (School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa)

  • Ndiko Ludidi

    (School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa)

  • Mishal Trevor Morepje

    (School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa)

  • Moses Zakhele Sithole

    (School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa)

  • Nomzamo Sharon Msweli

    (School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa)

  • Variety Nkateko Thabane

    (School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa)

Abstract
Indigenous and traditional food crops (ITFCs) are essential to initiatives aimed at increasing food and nutrition security and diversifying the food supply. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate the benefits associated with ITFCs, particularly for food security. The Vigna subterranea (Bambara groundnut), Vigna unguiculata (Cowpea), Colocasia esculenta (Taro), and Sinapis arvensis (Wild mustard) are examples of indigenous crops that were introduced for food security in Southern Africa. This review assessed the advantages of indigenous crops for food security and examined literature, reports, and case studies from 2009 to 2024 using academic databases, like Scopus, Web of Science, JSTOR, Google Scholar, and AGRIS, to assess how indigenous crops impact on food security and the benefits thereof. The primary inclusion criteria were nutritional, economic and environmental impacts of these indigenous crops for food security in Southern Africa. The review concludes that maximizing these benefits requires removing obstacles through capacity-building and policy reforms. The need to integrate precision agriculture to increase production of indigenous crops should be considered and the coherent use of food crops associated with food security must be developed by the government. A comprehensive strategy centered on investment in sustainable farming and climate smart agriculture is recommended to ensure food security.

Suggested Citation

  • Lethu Inneth Mgwenya & Isaac Azikiwe Agholor & Ndiko Ludidi & Mishal Trevor Morepje & Moses Zakhele Sithole & Nomzamo Sharon Msweli & Variety Nkateko Thabane, 2025. "Unpacking the Multifaceted Benefits of Indigenous Crops for Food Security: A Review of Nutritional, Economic and Environmental Impacts in Southern Africa," World, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-23, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jworld:v:6:y:2025:i:1:p:16-:d:1566444
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Nonkululeko Thandeka Brightness Zondi & Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas Ngidi & Temitope Oluwaseun Ojo & Simphiwe Innocentia Hlatshwayo, 2022. "Impact of Market Participation of Indigenous Crops on Household Food Security of Smallholder Farmers of South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-19, November.
    2. Zoe Nomakhushe Nxusani & Mthokozisi Kwazi Zuma & Xikombiso Gertrude Mbhenyane, 2023. "A Systematic Review of Indigenous Food Plant Usage in Southern Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-27, May.
    3. Racheal Akinola & Laura Maureen Pereira & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi & Francia-Marié de Bruin & Loubie Rusch, 2020. "A Review of Indigenous Food Crops in Africa and the Implications for more Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-30, April.
    4. Ortmann, Gerald F. & King, Robert P., 2007. "Agricultural cooperatives II: Can they facilitate access of small-scale farmers in South Africa to input and product markets?," Agrekon, Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), vol. 46(2), pages 1-26, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nomzamo Sharon Msweli & Isaac Azikiwe Agholor & Mishal Trevor Morepje & Moses Zakhele Sithole & Tapelo Blessing Nkambule & Variety Nkateko Thabane & Lethu Inneth Mgwenya & Nombuso Precious Nkosi, 2025. "Optimizing Water Conservation in South Africa’s Arid and Semi-Arid Regions Through the Cultivation of Indigenous Climate-Resilient Food Crops," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-20, January.

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