Olawole Obembe

ABSTRACT

Climate change is a major factor driving global food and nutrition insecurity, affecting agricultural productivity and food availability. Conventional strategies to mitigate food insecurity have been insufficient, leaving millions vulnerable to malnutrition. Diversifying cropping systems beyond a few staple crops is essential to achieve food security goals. Orphan legumes, such as African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa), represent underutilized crops with considerable potential for climate resilience and nutritional value. Despite their promise, African yam bean suffers from low yields and limited varietal development. This case report highlights the potential of modern biotechnological approaches to enhance African yam bean productivity and quality. Techniques such as tissue culture, molecular marker assisted selection, genomic studies, and other omics technologies could address current limitations, while also improving resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. The report underscores the importance of integrating biotechnology into orphan crop improvement programs to achieve sustainable food systems and nutritional security in Sub-Saharan Africa.