Researchers asked to research into nutritional benefits of neglected crops

Researchers have been called on to take keen interest in researching into neglected and under-utilized crops to educate people on the potential nutritional benefits and prospective ways of addressing food security.

“The neglected and under-utilized crops according to research have unrealized potential to contribute to human welfare and improve food security as well as reduce hidden hunger, which is caused by micro nutrient deficiencies resulting from uniform diets that rely on a limited number of food sources”.

Dr. Lawrence Aboagye, Director of the Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute (PGRRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, made the call at the end of a five-day training workshop on Research Design and Data Analysis with focus on Under-utilized Crops Research,” in Accra.

The workshop was organised by PGRRI in collaboration with the European Union and ACP Science and Technology Programme, for 22 science researchers from Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Mali and Senegal.

Dr. Aboagye indicated that more than 7000 edible species are being used by mankind and currently 50 per cent of the global requirement for proteins and calories depended only on maize, wheat and rice.

He said research has indicated that there were many crops that have nutritional needs for mankind but have not been utilized.

In Ghana, some of the neglected and under-utilized crops include Bambara, ground nuts, baobab and cocoyam.

Dr. Nighisty Ghezae, Head of Programmes for International Foundation for Science, urged governments and researchers to have a second look at neglected and under-utilized crops and give them the needed push to address nutritional needs of the people and address food security.**