Climate change brings new focus to improve nutrition via indigenous crops

These crops are recognised for their ability to enhance nutrition and withstand extreme weather conditions, making them essential in addressing food insecurity and climate adaptation in Africa.

In 2023, the U.S. Department of State, African Union, FAO, and global institutions launched VACS, a $200 million initiative advancing research on traditional crops and soil restoration, especially for Africa.

Investments in indigenous crops are enabling researchers to develop drought-resistant and pest-resistant varieties more rapidly. Modern tools, such as CRISPR gene editing, offer further promise by allowing scientists to enhance disease resistance by mimicking traits found in wild plants.

Over the past 12 years, the African Orphan Crops Consortium (AOCC) has trained 172 scientists, 40% of whom are women, from 28 African countries in genomics-assisted crop improvement.

The AOCC is focused on 101 orphan crops identified as priorities for consumers and farmers in Africa. These crops are part of Africa’s historically neglected biodiversity. Many of these species are under threat, and if they are not improved and cultivated more widely now, the opportunity to do so may be lost forever. The plant species include a diverse range of nutritious foods, such as edible roots, leaves, seeds, and fruits.

Additionally, the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) initiative aims to accelerate research and development for traditional crops and restore Africa’s depleted soils. VACS represents a significant shift in agricultural policy, moving away from promoting monoculture systems dominated by maize towards embracing crop diversity.

In July 2024,the FAO and CIMMYT, a research branch of CGIAR, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a partnership for the VACS initiative. This partnership focuses on strengthening agrifood systems to enhance nutritional value and climate resilience by building resilient seed and climate-smart cropping systems that regenerate rather than degrade the soils essential for diets and livelihoods.

Later that year, in December 2024, the Eastern Africa Parliamentary Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition (EAPA FSN), during its 6th General Assembly, along with EALA and IGAD-IPU, agreed to promote policies that boost the production and consumption of indigenous and nutritious foods. They pledged to empower communities to combat food insecurity and malnutrition through climate-resilient indigenous crops, ensuring improved nutrition across the region.

Some African indigenous crops, such as millet and egusi (pumpkin seeds), are now gaining attention. In 2023, the United Nations General Assembly declared the year the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023). Millets are recognised for their diversity and ability to thrive in drylands with minimal inputs, making them crucial for improving food security and nutrition. Furthermore, as whole grains, millets have a lower glycaemic index compared to refined grains, making them a suitable option for those with high blood sugar or diabetes. Depending on the species, they can also be a cost-effective source of iron.

Egusi, a West African delicacy, contains oil, protein, and essential nutrients such as amino acids and vitamins, and has the potential to combat malnutrition while thriving in dry regions. Breeding varieties with shorter growth cycles could enhance the viability of this crop in arid areas. Similarly, pigeon peas and millet could significantly contribute to addressing dietary deficiencies and reducing reliance on maize.

Unlike maize, which has received attention in Africa since the 15th century, several of Africa's indigenous crops like cassava, sorghum, millet are more suited to the continent's varied climates and attention to them will increase food security. 

Maize, introduced to Africa after 1500, quickly became a dietary staple. However, despite its widespread consumption, maize has limitations. It requires nutrient-rich soils and specific weather conditions to thrive, conditions that are increasingly challenging to maintain across Africa.

In Kenya, for example, a recent two-year drought linked to global warming resulted in a 22% drop in maize production. Climate models predict that for every degree Celsius of warming, maize yields in tropical regions could decline by 5% in Africa.This climate vulnerability, coupled with soil depletion from the overuse of fertilizers to boost maize yields, has rendered the crop less viable in many areas of the continent.

Africa remains at the epicentre of drought, malnutrition, and famine. It accounts for nearly 20.4% of the global hunger crisis, with approximately 300 million people facing food insecurity. This shift could help boost food security in the region.