Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] and its potential for crop diversification and sustainable food production in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review
Andre A. Diatta | Ozzie Abaye | Martin L. Battaglia | Jose F. D. C. Leme | Mahmoud Seleiman | Emre Babur | Wade E. Thomason
Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is an important tropical legume mainly cultivated in South and East Asia but remains a minor grain legume in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). It has considerable potential for improving soil fertility and enhancing food security for smallholder farmers. Mungbean's short-duration growth cycle, symbiotic atmospheric nitrogen fixation, adaptation to hot and drought conditions, and low input requirements, make it suitable for rain-fed smallholder production systems of SSA. Its versatility as a short-duration crop makes it an ideal candidate for crop diversification, providing smallholder farmers with an additional income source and improving resilience against climate variability, which could contribute to promoting long-term agricultural sustainability. Having similar nutritional content to cowpea and dry beans, mungbean could perform better under semi-arid conditions due to its lower rate of flower and pod abscission. The legume is an important source of protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins and has lower phytic acid content than other legumes and staple cereals in SSA. Mungbean seeds can be eaten with cereals, processed to make dhals, sprouts, noodles, soups, desserts, and protein- and iron-rich supplements for children. This review highlights the agronomic traits of mungbean, focusing on its biological and ecological characteristics, its positive effects on soil health and the environment, as well as its nutritional and health benefits in SSA. Additionally, it discusses the key challenges to mungbean production in the region. The paper explores the use of genetic resources and genomic tools to enhance mungbean varieties' productivity and adaptability in SSA.
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