Mapping Research on Bambara Groundnut ( Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) in Africa: Bibliometric, Geographical, and Topical Perspectives

Hamid El Bilali (), Zakaria Kiebre, Romaric Kiswendsida Nanema, Iro Dan Guimbo, Veli-Matti Rokka, Maria Gonnella, Sheirita Reine Fanta Tietiambou, Lawali Dambo, Jacques Nanema, Francesca Grazioli and Filippo Acasto
Additional contact information
Hamid El Bilali: International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Via Ceglie 9, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
Zakaria Kiebre: Department of Plant Biology and Physiology, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, 03 BP, Ouagadougou 7021, Burkina Faso
Romaric Kiswendsida Nanema: Department of Plant Biology and Physiology, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, 03 BP, Ouagadougou 7021, Burkina Faso
Iro Dan Guimbo: Department of Rural Engineering, Water and Forests, Faculty of Agronomy, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey P.O. Box 237, Niger
Veli-Matti Rokka: Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Myllytie 1, 31600 Jokioinen, Finland
Maria Gonnella: Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
Sheirita Reine Fanta Tietiambou: University Centre of Gaoua, Nazi BONI University, 01 BP, Bobo-Dioulasso 1091, Burkina Faso
Lawali Dambo: Department of Geography, Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey P.O. Box 237, Niger
Jacques Nanema: Programme Agrinovia, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, 03 BP, Ouagadougou 7021, Burkina Faso
Francesca Grazioli: Alliance Bioversity International—CIAT (Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical), Via San Domenico 1, 00153 Rome, Italy
Filippo Acasto: Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Ouaga 2000—Secteur 54, Arrondissement N. 12, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-33

Abstract: While Bambara groundnut ( Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) originates from Africa and the list of producers is topped by African countries, it is not clear whether research is developed enough to support crop promotion in the continent. Thus, this systematic review of 180 articles presents a comprehensive summary of research on Bambara groundnut (BGN) in Africa. The paper addresses bibliographical metrics, the geographic distribution of the research and themes covered (viz., food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and livelihoods). The analysis shows that BGN can help address different challenges in Africa, such as food and nutrition insecurity and poverty. However, it also highlights gaps in the research from geographical and thematic standpoints. Geographically speaking, the most important producers of BGN in Africa are not sufficiently covered in the research; instead, it is mainly carried out in Nigeria and South Africa. Thematically speaking, the gaps are related to economics and social sciences, the use of BGN in animal production, processing and marketing, irrigation, contribution to climate resilience and livelihoods, and health benefits. Collaborative research and knowledge sharing, including among producing countries and those leading the research field, are highly needed to unlock the potential of BGN and boost its contribution to sustainable development in Africa.

Keywords: neglected and underutilised species; NUS; orphan crops; Bambara nut; Bambara bean; legume; food security; climate change; livelihoods; SUSTLIVES (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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