Bambara groundnut: an exemplar underutilised legume for resilience under climate change

Mayes S., Ho W.K., Chai H.H., Gao X., Kundy A.C., Mateva K.I., Zahrulakmal M., Hahiree M.K.I.M., Kendabie P., Licea L.C.S., Massawe F., Mabhaudhi T., Modi A.T., Berchie J.N., Amoah S., Faloye B., Abberton M., Olaniyi O., Azam-Ali S.N.

Planta

2019

This paper discusses the potential of bambara groundnut for improving food and nutrition security in the face of climate change. It explores the crop's adaptability to harsh environments and its nutritional benefits.

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Bambara groundnut Climate resilience Legumes

Crops For the Future (CFF): an overview of research efforts in the adoption of underutilised species

Gregory P.J., Mayes S., Hui H.C., Jahanshiri E., Julkifle A., Kuppusamy G., Kuan H.W., Lin T.X., Massawe F., Suhairi T.A.S.T.M., Azam-Ali S.N.

Planta

2019

This paper summarizes research activities at Crops For the Future (CFF) in pursuing its mission to develop solutions for diversifying future agriculture using underutilised crops.

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CFF Underutilized crops Research overview

Bambara Groundnut: An Underutilized Leguminous Crop for Global Food Security and Nutrition

Tan X.L., Azam-Ali S., Goh E.V., Mustafa M., Chai H.H., Ho W.K., Mayes S., Mabhaudhi T., Azam-Ali S., Massawe F.

Frontiers in Nutrition

2020

This review discusses the potential role of Bambara groundnut in diversifying agri-food systems and contributing to enhanced dietary and planetary sustainability, with emphasis on genetics, agroecology, nutrition, processing, and utilization.

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Bambara groundnut Food security Nutrition

Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.) for food and nutritional security: synthesis of past research and future direction

Tanzi A.S., Eagleton G.E., Ho W.K., Wong Q.N., Mayes S., Massawe F.

Planta

2019

This paper reviews the research on winged bean, discussing its potential for improving food and nutritional security, and outlines future directions for research.

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Winged bean Nutrition Food security

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Water Relations, Growth, and Productivity as Affected by Salinity in Two Soils with Contrasting Mineralogies

Souza J.R.M., Leal L.Y.C., Paulino M.K.S.S., Nunes J.A., Medeiros R.L.S., Santos M.A., Lins C.M.T., Souza Júnior V.S., Schaffer B., Souza E.R.

Soil Systems

2025

This study evaluated the plant water relations, growth, and yield of cowpea as affected by the salinity of the irrigation water in two different soil types with varying weathering levels and contrasting mineralogies.

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Cowpea Salinity Soil mineralogy

Climate adaptation of millet and sorghum varieties in North-Eastern Senegal: cross-referencing rainfall, thermal and phenological parameters

Sall A.A., Faye E., Guillemin P., Konté O., Saqalli M.

Physio-Géo - Géographie Physique et Environnement

2025

This study examines the climatic constraints faced by rainfed millet and sorghum varieties in North-Eastern Senegal, analysing their adaptation to changing climate conditions over time.

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Millet Sorghum Climate adaptation

Reports & Policy Briefs

Our research informs policy and practice in sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate resilience.

The Forgotten Foods Network: Rediscovering Traditional Crops

Crops For the Future UK

2023

This report summarizes the findings and recommendations from the Forgotten Foods Network initiative, which aims to rediscover and promote traditional food crops that have been marginalized by modern agriculture.

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Forgotten Foods Traditional crops Policy

Global Manifesto for Forgotten Foods

Crops For the Future UK, Global Partners

2022

This manifesto outlines a global vision for revitalizing forgotten foods, supported by over 100 organizations worldwide. It provides a framework for action to promote diversity in food systems.

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Manifesto Global policy Food systems

Policy Brief: Incorporating Underutilized Crops in Climate Adaptation Strategies

Crops For the Future UK

2024

This policy brief provides evidence-based recommendations for integrating underutilized crops into national and regional climate adaptation strategies, highlighting their potential for building resilient food systems.

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Policy Climate adaptation Food security

Books & Book Chapters

Our researchers contribute to academic books and edited volumes on sustainable agriculture and underutilized crops.

Underutilized Crops for Food Security and Sustainability

Edited by Azam-Ali, S., Massawe, F., Mayes, S.

Springer Nature

2022

This comprehensive volume explores the potential of underutilized crops for addressing global challenges of food security, nutrition, and climate change resilience. It includes case studies, breeding strategies, and policy recommendations.

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Book Underutilized crops Food security

Genetic Improvement of Bambara Groundnut: Status, Challenges and Opportunities

Mayes, S., Ho, W.K., Kendabie, P., Chai, H.H., Aliyu, S., Massawe, F.

In: Advances in Plant Breeding Strategies

2023

This chapter reviews the current status of Bambara groundnut breeding programs, highlighting challenges such as photoperiod sensitivity and hard-to-cook traits, and outlining opportunities for future improvement.

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Book chapter Bambara groundnut Plant breeding

Moringa oleifera: A Multipurpose Tree for Global Nutrition and Climate Resilience

Gregory, P.J., Azam-Ali, S.N., Massawe, F.

In: Climate Smart Agriculture: Building Resilience to Climate Change

2023

This chapter explores the potential of Moringa oleifera for enhancing nutrition and climate resilience in vulnerable regions, discussing cultivation practices, nutritional benefits, and integration into agroforestry systems.

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Book chapter Moringa Climate resilience