Cultivating Value from Waste: Creating Novel Food, Feed, and Industrial Applications from Bambara Groundnut By-Products

Mercy Lungaho, Omena Bernard Ojuederie, Kehinde Titilope Kareem, Kafilat Abiodun Odesola, Jacob Olagbenro Popoola, Linus Owalum Onawo, Francis Aibuedefe Igiebor, Anthonia Uselu, Taofeek Tope Adegboyega and Beckley Ikhajiagbe ()
Additional contact information
Mercy Lungaho: Food Security, Nutrition & Health Program, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
Omena Bernard Ojuederie: Society for Underutilized Legumes, Genetic Resource Centre, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
Kehinde Titilope Kareem: Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.M.B. 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan 200273, Oyo State, Nigeria
Kafilat Abiodun Odesola: Society for Underutilized Legumes, Genetic Resource Centre, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
Jacob Olagbenro Popoola: Society for Underutilized Legumes, Genetic Resource Centre, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
Linus Owalum Onawo: Society for Underutilized Legumes, Genetic Resource Centre, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
Francis Aibuedefe Igiebor: Society for Underutilized Legumes, Genetic Resource Centre, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
Anthonia Uselu: Society for Underutilized Legumes, Genetic Resource Centre, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
Taofeek Tope Adegboyega: Society for Underutilized Legumes, Genetic Resource Centre, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
Beckley Ikhajiagbe: Society for Underutilized Legumes, Genetic Resource Centre, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-20

Abstract: Bambara groundnut ( Vigna subterranea ), a vital yet underutilized African legume, significantly boosts food security due to its nutritional value and adaptability to harsh climates and soils. However, its processing yields substantial waste like husks, shells, and haulms, which are often carelessly discarded, causing environmental damage. This paper highlights the urgent need to valorize these waste streams to unlock sustainable growth and economic development. Given their lignocellulosic composition, Bambara groundnut residues are ideal for generating biogas and bioethanol. Beyond energy, these wastes can be transformed into various bio-based products, including adsorbents for heavy metal removal, activated carbon for water purification, and bioplastics. Their inherent nutritional content also allows for the extraction of valuable components like dietary fiber, protein concentrates, and phenolic compounds for food products or animal feed. The nutrient-rich organic matter can also be composted into fertilizer, improving soil fertility. These valorization strategies offer multiple benefits, such as reduced waste, less environmental contamination, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, alongside new revenue streams for agricultural producers. This integrated approach aligns perfectly with circular economy principles, promoting resource efficiency and maximizing agricultural utility. Despite challenges like anti-nutritional factors and processing costs, strategic investments in technology, infrastructure, and supportive policies can unlock Bambara groundnut’s potential for sustainable innovation, job creation, and enhanced food system resilience across Africa and globally. Ultimately, valorizing Bambara groundnut waste presents a transformative opportunity for sustainable growth and improved food systems, particularly within African agriculture.

Keywords: Bambara groundnut; waste volarization; sustainable development; bio-products; Vigna subterranean; agricultural waste (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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