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Vegetable crop diversification and the place of traditional species in the tropics

Dedication. This paper is dedicated to researchers, producers and consumers of African Traditional Vegetables. I thank Dr Franklin W. Martin, formerly of Mayagues Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Puerto Rico, for inspiring me to write it.

N.A. Mnzava
Consulting Horticulturist, Arusha, Tanzania

Abstract

The nutritional dilemma caused by decreasing food choice and the inadequate prioritization of balanced nutrition is a justification for diversified vegetable crop production. The merits and problems associated with diversification in the tropics are discussed. The importance of traditional vegetable species as a category of secondary food crops is illustrated from the agronomic, economic, nutritional, ecological and technical sides. Reasons for their neglect are discussed, and research needs and approaches are suggested while recognizing the regional specificity of the species and the intrinsic problems associated with the promotion of good nutrition as an incentive in itself.

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