Topic: 

The contribution of Underutilized Vegetable Species to Household Food and Nutritional Security and Agrobiodiversity in Cereal Based Cropping Systems

Abstract: 

Underutilised vegetable species are an important source of food in the cereal-based subsistence farming sector of rural southern Africa. Their main role is as relish as they are used as an accompaniment for staple cereal based diets. They are generally touted to be rich in micronutrients. Although they may be consumed in small quantities, they influence the intake of cereal staples, manage hunger and play a central role in household food security for the poorer rural groups. Mixing several of the vegetable species in one meal contributes to dietary diversity in terms of more vegetable types as well as in terms of choice of relish. For some very poor families, underutilised vegetables are substitutes for some food crops. The seasonal occurrence of these vegetables leaves many families without a food source during the off-season. Wild vegetables increase agro-biodiversity at the household level. This agrobiodiversity helps in buffering against the accumulation and multiplication of pests and diseases and provides important cover for the soil. Because of their weedy habit these species are also known to be hardy and tolerant to sub-optimal growing conditions that are otherwise unsuitable for conventional crops, thus they ensure availability and food stability under unfavourable climatic conditions.

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