Bambara Groundnut in Burkina Faso: Production, Utilization and Contribution to Food and Nutrition Security: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) is an indigenous African grain legume with recognised nutritional value, drought tolerance and adaptability to low-input production systems. In Burkina Faso, the crop contributes to household food supply, rural livelihoods and dietary diversification, yet available evidence remains fragmented across agronomy, genetics, nutrition, processing, pest management and socioeconomic studies. This systematic review synthesised published knowledge on Bambara groundnut in Burkina Faso to clarify its production, utilisation and contribution to food and nutrition security. Literature was searched in Google Scholar, Scopus and African Journals Online following a PRISMA-based approach. Forty-seven documents met the inclusion criteria. The reviewed studies show that Bambara groundnut is produced across all administrative regions of Burkina Faso and is valued for its ability to grow under semi-arid, low-fertility and low-input conditions. Evidence also indicates substantial phenotypic and molecular diversity among local landraces, supporting future breeding for yield, adaptation and disease resistance. Nutritional studies report appreciable protein, carbohydrate, mineral, amino acid and bioactive compound contents, while processing studies highlight opportunities for fortified foods, fermented products and poultry feed ingredients. However, wider use is constrained by limited improved varieties, weak seed systems, storage pests, fungal contamination, long cooking time, limited processing technologies and insufficient research coordination. Strengthened multidisciplinary research, participatory breeding and value-chain development are needed to enhance the role of Bambara groundnut in sustainable agriculture and food and nutrition security in Burkina Faso.