Compendium of Forgotten Foods in Africa

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aa.contributor.donorFAO
dc.contributor.authorFAO, FARA
dc.date.accessioned2026-05-29T15:28:10Z
dc.date.issued2024
dc.descriptionThis compendium represents the first major action undertaken by FAO and FARA to systematically identify and document forgotten foods across Africa. It presents a pictorial and descriptive catalogue of 100 food commodities, covering information on their taxonomy, production environments, nutritional attributes, traditional uses, medicinal applications, and market potential. The publication was developed through extensive stakeholder engagement and field documentation activities across several African countries. It aims to: - Promote awareness and utilization of forgotten foods. - Support scientific research and innovation. - Encourage investment in underutilized crops. - Inform nutrition programming and policy development. - Strengthen sustainable and resilient African food systems. The compendium includes detailed profiles of numerous indigenous and underutilized crops such as African yam bean, Bambara groundnut, baobab, African nightshade, African spiderflower, African locust bean, and many others.
dc.description.abstractThe Compendium of Forgotten Foods in Africa is a comprehensive reference resource documenting 100 forgotten food crops prioritized by stakeholders across Africa. Developed by FAO and FARA, the publication provides detailed information on botanical classification, agroecological suitability, agronomic requirements, nutritional composition, traditional and medicinal uses, and value-addition opportunities for a wide range of indigenous African food species. The compendium was produced as a response to the United Nations Food Systems Summit and the Global Manifesto on Forgotten Foods, providing evidence-based information to support the integration of forgotten foods into African food systems. It contributes to efforts aimed at improving access to nutritious foods, promoting sustainable consumption patterns, strengthening nature-positive food production systems, advancing equitable livelihoods, and enhancing resilience to shocks and climate-related challenges. Designed as a practical sourcebook, the publication serves researchers, nutritionists, policymakers, development practitioners, and other stakeholders seeking to promote, conserve, research, and commercialize Africa’s forgotten foods as part of broader food systems transformation initiatives.
dc.description.sponsorshipFAO
dc.identifier.isbn978-92-5-137756-7
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14659/331
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherFAO
dc.subjectForgotten Foods
dc.subjectNeglected and Underutilized Species
dc.subjectAgrobiodiversity
dc.subjectFood Security
dc.subjectNutrition
dc.subjectIndigenous Crops
dc.subjectTraditional Foods
dc.subjectSustainable Agriculture
dc.subjectClimate Resilience
dc.subjectValue Chains
dc.subjectAgricultural Research
dc.subjectFood Systems Transformation
dc.subjectBiodiversity Conservation
dc.titleCompendium of Forgotten Foods in Africa
dc.title.alternativeA Companion Publication for Integrating Africa’s Forgotten Foods for Better Nutrition
dc.typeOther

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