Spatial distribution and ecological influences of Neglected and Underutilised Food Crops (NUFCs) in Africa: A systematic review

Abstract

• NUFC research expanded rapidly, evolving from crop studies to climate food systems. • Food security and climate change consistently anchor African NUFC research. • A few countries and flagship crops dominate NUFC publications and evidence. • Strong global collaboration exists, but geographic and crop gaps persist. • Limited spatial modelling and socio-cultural integration limit current NUFC insights. This study presents a PRISMA-guided systematic review, combined with a bibliometric analysis, to examine the spatial distribution and ecological drivers of Neglected and Underutilised Food Crops (NUFCs) in Africa. Using Scopus and Web of Science databases, 373 publications (2015–2025) were analysed to identify research trends, geographic concentration, and thematic evolution. Results indicate a rapidly expanding and highly collaborative field, led primarily by South Africa, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Kenya, with strong international partnerships. Climatic variables, agroecological conditions, and socio-cultural factors across West, East, Central, North, and Southern Africa predominantly shape NUFC distribution patterns. Despite increasing scholarly attention, spatially explicit modelling and integrated socio-ecological analyses remain limited and unevenly distributed across regions and crop categories. Persistent constraints include weak market integration, policy neglect, and erosion of traditional knowledge systems. This gap constrains a comprehensive understanding of NUFC suitability and scalability across the continent. The study highlights the need for standardised spatial datasets, expanded research coverage in under-represented regions, and stronger policy integration to support the inclusion of NUFCs in climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive food systems.