African Leafy Vegetables for Improved Human Nutrition and Food System Resilience in Southern Africa: A Scoping Review

The economic potential of African leafy vegetables (ALVs) remains obscured by a poorly developed value chain. This scoping review assembled and examined scattered knowledge generated on ALVs across southern Africa, focusing production, processing, marketing, consumption. Two electronic databases (Scopus Web Science) were screened, total 71 relevant studies included evaluated. provides state the art related to utilisation entire findings show that functional properties are prime importance in production consumption ALVs. However, lack improved germplasm non-existent seed supply system significant bottlenecks. Pests diseases affecting productivity remain mostly unexplored. Sun-drying boiling most reported post-harvest processing methods, suggesting traditional methods still prominent. Many also confirmed predominance informal markets trading as they fail penetrate formal because poor product positioning exclusion from produce demand forecasts. inception cultivar development, mechanised market linkages will enhance profitability region. enhances gaining insight into different chain components assist upscaling addition products, marketing efficiency. There is great opportunity for basic applied research