Unlocking the potential of underutilized vegetables for sustainable and nutrition-sensitive food systems: A systematic review

Abstract

A limited number of staple crops, resulting in dietary homogenization, micronutrient deficiencies and reduced agro-biodiversity are the vital factors on which global food systems depend increasingly (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2019; Khoury et al., 2014). A diverse group of locally adapted crops with substantial nutritional, agronomic and socio-economic value are termed as underutilized vegetables (UVs) or neglected and underutilized species (NUS) (Mayes et al., 2012; Padulosi et al., 2013). The recent role of underutilized vegetables in enhancing dietary diversity, climate resilience and sustainable agricultural development has been critically synthesized in this systematic review. In comparison to commonly consumed vegetables, several UVs possess superior micronutrient density and depict tolerance to drought, poor soils and biotic stresses (Chivenge et al., 2015; Mabhaudhi et al., 2018). In spite of these advantages, their wider adaptation is constrained due to limited breeding efforts, weak seed systems, market fragmentation and policy neglect (Massawe et al., 2016; Tadele, 2019). Emerging opportunities for mainstreaming these crops include advances in genomics, participatory breeding and nutrition-sensitive policy frameworks (Jamnadass et al., 2020; Varshney et al., 2010). A viable pathway toward resilient, inclusive and biodiversity-rich food systems may be achieved by integrating underutilized vegetables into diversified production and consumption systems.