Cultivating opportunity: Revaluing traditional crops for nutrition, heritage and resilience in Africa

How can forgotten Amaranthus varieties, traditional Baobab ‘foodways’ and niche Fabirama tubers contribute to food systems transformation in Africa?

Today, wheat, maize and rice provide approximately 50% of our plant-derived calories; yet, diversification through ‘neglected and underutilized species’ (NUS) could support the creation of climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive food systems. NUS are the traditional, wild or semi-domesticated species that formed the basis of diets for generations, but that have largely disappeared from modern markets and diets due to changing consumer preferences. However, today more than ever, their unique qualities are attracting recognition: Traditional crops are often better adapted to local climates, have greater nutrient density than commercially cultivated varieties, and they are central to countries’ gastronomic heritage. As we search for solutions to environmental and public health challenges across Africa and beyond, diversifying food systems by reincorporating NUS could contribute multiple benefits. Here, we spotlight three crops – Amaranthus, Baobab and Fabirama – exploring how community-led initiatives are bringing them back to life, encouraging us to reimagine a ‘food systems transformation’ grounded in community and culture.