Underutilised food crops for improving food security and nutrition health in Nigeria and Uganda—a review

Food and nutrition insecurity are pressing global issues, pertinent to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 (zero hunger). About 1 in 10 people globally food insecure, with both COVID-19 pandemic Ukraine-Russia crisis exacerbating problem, partly due unprecedented shortages major commodities, such as wheat, rice, sunflower oil. security have been negatively impacted sub-Saharan African countries like Nigeria Uganda where, prior crises, 25% of population were already insecure children under five women reproductive age faced severe undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, their associated health challenges. The recent crises highlighted need for a paradigm shift from relying on few crops diversified, sustainable system that harnesses potential neglected underutilized species (NUS) solution, especially low middle-income countries. Despite abundance (>100 edible species) high nutritional value, various political, socio-cultural, infrastructural factors deterred commercialization utilization NUS Africa. Moreover, there limited sophisticated studies many local region. This review aimed discuss selected NUS, peculiar Nigeria, namely, walnut ( Tetracarpidium conophorium ), breadfruit Treculia africana Uganda, sesame Sesamus indicum L. ) pigeon pea Cajanus cajan sustainably contribute towards improved security. briefly described, indigenous uses, value medicinal properties highlighted. Issues relating production, processing, consumption, exportation reviewed considering contribution systems.