Unlocking the potential of a neglected crop: a systematic review of research on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in Africa

Bilali, H E and Guimbo, I D and Dambo, L and Hamidou, F and Diadie, H O and Baboussouna, A and Veronelli, A and Acasto, F (2026) Unlocking the potential of a neglected crop: a systematic review of research on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in Africa. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 12 (1). pp. 1-34. ISSN 2331-1932

Text - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (1MB)

Abstract

While several African countries (viz., Nigeria, Mali, and Sudan) are among the top producers of okra and its potential is widely recognized, a thorough analysis of the research landscape is lacking. Therefore, this systematic review analyses okra research in Africa by integrating bibliometrics, geography, and its contribution to sustainable development (viz., food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience). It draws upon 199 research articles selected out of 359 records retrieved from the Web of Science. The bibliometric analysis suggests that the research field primarily focuses on biological and environmental sciences, while overlooking socio-economics. Moreover, affiliations are dominated by a few countries, such as Nigeria and Ghana. The geographical analysis aligns with the bibliometric one and shows that more than half of the studies have been performed in only four countries, namely Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Egypt. The content analysis confirms the lack of research on socio-economics (e.g. livelihoods) but also adds that many environmental issues (e.g. climate change) are inadequately addressed. It also shows that, thanks to its nutritional profile, okra can help address food insecurity and malnutrition in Africa. There is a need to address the identified research gaps to unlock the potential contribution of okra to socio-economic development in Africa.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	Research Program : West & Central Africa
CRP:	UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	African indigenous vegetables, climate change, food security, gumbo, neglected and underutilized species, NUS, opportunity crops
Subjects:	Others > Climate Change Others > Food Security Others > Africa
Depositing User:	Mr Nagaraju T
Date Deposited:	12 Nov 2026 03:39
Last Modified:	12 Nov 2026 03:39
URI:	http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/13719
Official URL:	https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23311...
Projects:	SUSTLIVES, AgrEcoNUS+
Funders:	UNSPECIFIED
Acknowledgement:	This work was carried out within the projects SUSTLIVES (SUSTaining and improving local crop patrimony in Burkina Faso and Niger for better LIVes and EcoSystems) and AgrEcoNUS+ (Enhancing value chains and markets of Neglected and Underutilized crop Species to contribute to Agroecological transition in Africa).
Links:	Google Scholar

View Statistics

Actions (login required)

View Item