the potential of many IFCs are yet to be explored in this wise. Mlewa et al. assessed how varieties and processing methods of sorghum affect the sensory characteristics and consumer acceptance of stiff porridge. They demonstrated that sorghum variety or cultivar and processing methods significantly affected sensory attributes and consumer acceptance of sorghum stiff porridge inferring from earlier studies that soaking improved digestibility and reduced antinutritional factors but with a tradeoff for some essential micronutrients such as iron and zinc. Similarly, Machinjili et al. reported that varietal difference significantly determines the cooking quality of pigeon pea, whilst dehulling reduced cooking time by up to 66%, offering a better processing method of the pigeon pea for both household and industrial use. In addition, Essilfie et al. demonstrated that employing a combination of freeze drying and blanching offers better protein and bioactive compound retention in cocoyam leaves. However, the high cost involved in this process limits its scalability in rural and resource-limited settings, as applicable in many low-middle-income countries. Earlier studies have lamented same and recommended the urgent need for adaptable and inclusive technological solutions to facilitate efficiency in process innovations and upscaling of value-added initiatives of IFCs Dorvlo et al., 2025.processing methods with modern technologies as a viable approach to enhance food safety and nutrient retention whilst ensuring year-round availability of IFCs.Reports have also highlighted the importance of value chain development and cognizance of socio-economic perspectives in shaping IFCs' systems. John and Vincent demonstrated that persistent structural barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, poor market linkages, weak policy support, and inefficient consumer awareness gaps are critical bottlenecks in commercialization or broader utilization of IFCs. Mkhize and Cele studied how the economic sustainability of IFC vendors in South Africa is affected by compound shocks. They found that IFC vendors had income losses due to flooding (88%), COVID-19 (71%), and unrest (68%).Mng'omba assessed the production, nutritional benefits, processing and utilization of grain amaranth in seed systems. They reported wide yield variation of grain amaranth between accessions, which presents an opportunity to select high yielding accessions. Despite the nutritional and agronomic benefits, grain amaranth is untapped due to low awareness, weak seed systems and limited agronomic development. At the same time, the findings of Kampanje-Phiri et al. reveal gender-based disparities within the cowpea value chain, where women play central roles, yet face significant barriers in accessing resources and expanded markets. These challenges are significant and continue to hinder mainstreaming IFCs into food systems.The studies presented in this research topic reveal the potential of indigenous food crops, and offer significant insights into the structural, technological, and socioeconomic factors that limit the broader utilization of IFCs. Addressing the challenges outlined requires an integrated strategy that combines efforts in processing and preservation, value chain development, consumer-driven innovation, and supportive policy frameworks. It is therefore essential to shift from conceptual advocacy to scalable, participatory, and context-specific solutions. Through these coordinated efforts, IFCs can be repositioned from underutilised resources to essential components of resilient, sustainable, and nutrition-sensitive food systems in the Global South.
Boakye et al. (Tue,) studied this question.