Articles
Assessing the production practices and postharvest preservation methods of underutilised fruits in Sub-Saharan Africa: the case of South Africa
Article number
1460_41
Pages
345 – 354
Language
English
Abstract
Food and nutrition insecurity remains a major challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, where there is limited access to diverse and affordable fruits and vegetables.
Southern Africa, in particular, is known for its rich diversity of indigenous food crops that have high nutritional and economic potential but remain marginalised within formal food systems.
This review discusses recent developments and advances in the production systems, nutritional and economic value, and postharvest behaviour of underutilised fruit (UFs) crops in Sub-Saharan Africa with a special focus on South Africa.
The review further examines the influence of preharvest factors on postharvest behaviour and physiology of UFs.
Sustainable postharvest interventions, such as agro-processing and value addition strategies and the role of market access in reducing postharvest losses are also discussed.
Although UFs are often resilient to harsh environmental growing conditions, poor pre- and postharvest handling practices, along with limited access to postharvest technologies, significantly constrain their commercialisation.
In addition, inadequate infrastructure and limited market access contribute to postharvest losses of indigenous and underutilised fruits.
Unlocking the potential of UFs as contributors to food security, economic development in various southern African regions, and advancing research on production practices, postharvest handling methods and market integration is of utmost importance.
Southern Africa, in particular, is known for its rich diversity of indigenous food crops that have high nutritional and economic potential but remain marginalised within formal food systems.
This review discusses recent developments and advances in the production systems, nutritional and economic value, and postharvest behaviour of underutilised fruit (UFs) crops in Sub-Saharan Africa with a special focus on South Africa.
The review further examines the influence of preharvest factors on postharvest behaviour and physiology of UFs.
Sustainable postharvest interventions, such as agro-processing and value addition strategies and the role of market access in reducing postharvest losses are also discussed.
Although UFs are often resilient to harsh environmental growing conditions, poor pre- and postharvest handling practices, along with limited access to postharvest technologies, significantly constrain their commercialisation.
In addition, inadequate infrastructure and limited market access contribute to postharvest losses of indigenous and underutilised fruits.
Unlocking the potential of UFs as contributors to food security, economic development in various southern African regions, and advancing research on production practices, postharvest handling methods and market integration is of utmost importance.
Authors
B.L. Ngcobo, A. Sogoni, K. Ncama, J. Malele, S. Mwelase, S. Mbuyisa, T. Kaseke
Keywords
hunger, Africa, human health, sustainable food production, agro-processing
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