Traditional/Indigenous Vegetables of the Kingdom of Eswatini: Biodiversity and Their Importance:  A Review

Michael T. Masarirambi; Kwanele A. Nxumalo; Emmanuel N. Kunene; Daniel V. Dlamini; Molyn Mpofu; Lokadhia Manwa; Diana M. Earnshaw; Gabriel C. Bwembya

doi:10.9734/jeai/2020/v42i930602

Research Article CC BY 4.0

Traditional/Indigenous Vegetables of the Kingdom of Eswatini: Biodiversity and Their Importance: A Review

Michael T. Masarirambi, Kwanele A. Nxumalo, Emmanuel N. Kunene, Daniel V. Dlamini, Molyn Mpofu, Lokadhia Manwa, Diana M. Earnshaw, Gabriel C. Bwembya

Journal of Experimental Agriculture International · pp. 204–215 · Published 17 Dec 2020

10.9734/jeai/2020/v42i930602

Abstract

Traditional (indigenous) vegetables of the Kingdom of Eswatini are important for their contribution to human nutrition. They are major sources of vitamins and minerals. They provide fibre which is required for the proper functioning of the human digestive system. Traditional vegetables are important economically however, no assessments have been done in the Kingdom of Eswatini to measure their contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP). A traditional vegetable concern provides employment and thus income, and ensuring food and nutritional security, and hence striving to attain sustainable development goals (SDGs) pertaining to human health, nutrition, food security and biodiversity. Traditional vegetables are infested relatively less by insect pests and diseases. They relatively out compete weeds in terms of resources essential for growth and development. In food, traditional vegetables provide interesting colour, texture and variety. Despite the immense importance of traditional vegetables, they have been neglected and regarded as poor man's food with no research prioritisation. The objective of this study was to explore their present status, prioritize consumer education, explore their importance as climate smart vegetables and to document their contribution to biodiversity.

Traditional vegetables food security climate smart pests and diseases biodiversity.

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Michael T. Masarirambi, Kwanele A. Nxumalo, Emmanuel N. Kunene, Daniel V. Dlamini, Molyn Mpofu, Lokadhia Manwa, Diana M. Earnshaw, Gabriel C. Bwembya (2020). Traditional/Indigenous Vegetables of the Kingdom of Eswatini: Biodiversity and Their Importance: A Review. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International , 204–215. https://doi.org/10.9734/jeai/2020/v42i930602

Affiliations

Michael T. Masarirambi — Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Eswatini, P. O. Luyengo, M205, Eswatini.
Kwanele A. Nxumalo — Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Eswatini, P. O. Luyengo, M205, Eswatini.
Emmanuel N. Kunene — Eswatini Institute for Research in Traditional Medicine, Medicinal and Indigenous Food Plants, Eswatini.
Daniel V. Dlamini — Department of Agricultural Economics and Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Eswatini, P.O. Luyengo, M205, Eswatini.
Molyn Mpofu — Department of Consumer Science Education and Community Development, Faculty of Consumer Sciences, University of Eswatini, P.O. Luyengo, M205, Eswatini.
Lokadhia Manwa — Department of Consumer Science Education and Community Development, Faculty of Consumer Sciences, University of Eswatini, P.O. Luyengo, M205, Eswatini.
Diana M. Earnshaw — Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Eswatini, P.O. Luyengo, M205, Eswatini
Gabriel C. Bwembya — Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Eswatini, P Bag 4, Kwaluseni, Eswatini.

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