Research gaps in neglected indigenous vegetables in sub-Saharan Africa: A roadmap to mainstreaming

Background: Agrobiodiversity is critical to food security, environmental sustainability and climate resilience in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, mainstream agriculture has marginalised neglected and underutilised indigenous vegetables (NUIVs), despite their adaptability, cultural significance and nutritional value. Aim: This review aimed to identify and synthesise knowledge gaps impeding the sustainable utilisation and mainstreaming of NUIVs in SSA. Setting: The study focuses on the SSA region, where food insecurity, malnutrition and climate-induced stresses challenge agricultural productivity and dietary diversity. Methods: A structured literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed sources accessed via ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. Article selection prioritised recent and relevant studies focused on vegetable species, particularly those with documented ecological, nutritional and socio-economic benefits related to NUIVs. Results: Major gaps were identified in agronomy, nutritional profiling (in