indigenous-crops
Indigenous crops are plant varieties traditionally cultivated by native populations and refined through generations of adaptation to specific environmental and cultural contexts. For plant science, these crops represent a vast reservoir of genetic diversity containing traits—such as stress tolerance, disease resistance, and nutritional density—that are essential for developing sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture. Studying indigenous crop genetics provides crucial insights for breeding programs and helps ensure global food security by preserving valuable germplasm adapted to diverse growing conditions.
PubMed · 2026-02-15
Orange-fleshed sweet potato is a nutrient-rich crop containing high levels of β-carotene and other beneficial compounds that can be incorporated into flour blends to boost vitamin A intake in staple foods across sub-Saharan Africa. Adoption is limited by processing challenges and low awareness, but promoting OFSP in composite flour represents a culturally appropriate, sustainable solution to vitamin A deficiency in the region.
OFSP is rich in β-carotene, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidant compounds, making it a viable biofortified crop for addressing micronutrient deficiencies
Incorporating OFSP into composite flour formulations significantly improves nutritional quality, functional properties, and consumer acceptability of staple foods
Adoption barriers include processing challenges, low consumer awareness, and weak integration into formal food value chains in sub-Saharan Africa