Determining the genetic potential of Bambara groundnut for delivering improved nutritional security in Africa

About the project

UK-registered Partner: University of Reading – John Hammond
Africa-registered Partner: Niger Delta – Dr Presidor Kendabie

Orphan crops, such as Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean; Bambara), are extremely tolerant to periods of prolonged drought and/or low soil fertility and so can contribute significantly to the food and nutritional security of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.

Bambara is nutritionally dense, despite a lack of dedicated breeding. However, no studies have quantified the genetic variation in mineral composition and anti-nutritional factors that might limit the bioavailability of these nutrients and hence the potential to breed for more nutrient dense cultivars.

Quantifying these factors together with the preferences and traits favoured by smallholder farmers will lay the foundations for future breeding efforts in this orphan crop.

Learn more about the project in this recording from our recent GCRF AgriFood Africa Project Showcase event.