A large portion of Africa’s population depends on indigenous plant species for food and daily needs. These plants are often hardy, drought-tolerant and well adapted to tough growing conditions.
However, their value is often overlooked. These crops receive little research attention and are not treated as major commercial crops. Because of this, they are commonly referred to as “orphan crops.”

Why They Matter

Orphan crops are grown mainly by smallholder farmers. They are rich in nutrients, useful for medicinal purposes, and thrive in areas where major crops such as maize, rice, and wheat struggle.
They have supported communities for generations and continue to provide food security, especially in rural areas.

Field Crops: The Backbone of Orphan Crops

Many orphan crops are traditional field crops grown across Africa. These include:

• Millet – drought-tolerant and rich in minerals

• Sorghum – resilient, widely used for food and beverages

• Cassava – a major source of carbohydrates, grows well in poor soils

• Cowpeas – high in protein, important for household nutrition

• Finger millet – nutrient-dense and good for children’s diets

• Bambara nuts – rich in protein and highly adaptable

• Pigeon peas – improve soil fertility and provide strong yields

• Sweet potatoes – nutritious, easy to grow, and climate-resilient

• African leafy vegetables (e.g., amaranth) – vitamin-rich and fast growing

These crops are hardy, adaptable, and essential for food security in many rural communities.

Why Are They Called “Orphan”?

The term “orphan” reflects the neglect these crops face from the scientific community, despite their high potential for improving nutrition, health, livelihoods, and the environment.

Agroecology activist Daniel Msimuko explains that these crops have a long history with indigenous communities and are valued for their nutrition and ability to adapt to local conditions.

Growing Interest in Orphan Crops

There is now renewed interest in these crops because they are:

• Nutrient-dense

• Suitable for diverse food systems

• Tolerant to poor soils and harsh climates

Researchers are beginning to pay more attention, and indigenous knowledge will play a key role in this growing field.

Supporting Major Food Crops, Not Replacing Them

The intention is not for orphan crops to replace major crops, but to complement them. They can help meet food needs in areas where main crops fail.
As Daniel Msimuko notes, orphan crops often perform better than major crops in their native environments.

Role in Food Security

Orphan crops grow well in marginal areas and on infertile soils. They support families where maize, rice, and wheat cannot grow well.
They also require fewer inputs, meaning farmers spend less on production.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlights that, despite their importance, these crops remain under-researched and produce lower yields because they lack scientific investment.

Benefits for Sustainable Agriculture

Orphan crops offer strong opportunities for:

• Crop diversification

• Yield stability

• Pest and disease resistance

• Better use of natural resources

They are ideal for mixed cropping systems and contribute to more resilient farming practices.

Climate Change and Food Security

With increasing climate extremes, crops that can adapt to harsh conditions are essential. Orphan crops help maintain food security and support sustainable intensification in agriculture.

They score highly across all four pillars of food security:

• Access

• Availability

• Use

• Stability

A Path Forward

Orphan crops have huge potential to:

• Improve nutrition

• Diversify diets

• Support smallholder farmers

• Restore degraded soils

Mainstreaming these crops into farming systems, improving their genetics, and applying good agronomic practices will help boost global food production and strengthen resilience.

Download the Sustainable Organic Agriculture Manual by KATC for more information on sustainable agriculture.

Author: Misheck Nyirongo

Misheck Nyirongo is a Pan-African journalist specializing in agroecology for climate action and food sovereignty. His work focuses on promoting sustainable agricultural practices, highlighting the importance of agroecology in addressing climate change, and advocating for food sovereignty in Africa. Misheck's compelling reporting emphasizes the need for people-centered climate solutions rooted in agroecology, which helps build resilient food systems, improve livelihoods, and enhance ecosystem health.............................................................