Manual on measures on improving food availability through promotion of traditional and non-conventional edible resources of the flora

Abstract

This manual, prepared by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), focuses on improving food availability in Africa through the promotion of traditional and non-conventional edible resources from the flora. It highlights the significant contribution of wild food plant resources to food security and nutrition, particularly in rural areas where populations are heavily reliant on local flora for sustenance. The manual discusses various chapters, including the dietary uses of wild plant resources in selected African countries, the perspectives for future development, and the constraints faced in utilizing these resources. It emphasizes the need for increased awareness and research on the nutritional value of underutilized plant species, as well as the importance of integrating these resources into food security strategies to combat malnutrition and enhance food diversity.