A new study published in Nature Food is urging policymakers, researchers, and development partners to rethink agricultural transformation in sub-Saharan Africa by prioritizing what it terms “Crops that Nourish” — crops that deliver nutrition, climate resilience, soil health, and cultural relevance.

The interdisciplinary research argues that decades of agricultural investment have focused overwhelmingly on staple crops such as maize, rice, and wheat, often at the expense of nutrition outcomes, environmental sustainability, and locally adapted food systems.

Instead, the authors propose a shift toward crops and cropping systems that strengthen the link between soil fertility, farm productivity, and human nutrition, while being developed through participatory, community-led processes.

“Crops that nourish promote the entire pipeline from soil health to nutrition,” said Kate Schneider Lecy, Assistant Professor at Arizona State University’s School of Sustainability, in comments to Food Tank.

Opportunity Crops Gain New Attention

The study highlights traditional but underutilized African crops — described as “opportunity crops” — as central to this transformation. These include millet, sorghum, and amaranth, crops that are well adapted to local climates, resilient to weather variability, and rich in essential nutrients.

Amaranth, for instance, is high in protein, fiber, and iron, while also improving soil conditions and supporting biodiversity. Millet and sorghum, long staples in African diets, are increasingly recognized for their drought tolerance and nutritional value.

Despite these advantages, many of these crops remain marginalized in formal research programs and large-scale markets.

Participatory Research at the Core

The researchers emphasize that meaningful change will require closer collaboration between agricultural scientists, nutrition experts, farmers, and local communities. The paper promotes Participatory Action Research (PAR), which involves farmers directly in crop breeding, on-farm trials, and market development.

“This requires engagement with farming communities to ensure that modern crop development reflects household priorities, including nutrition for children,” said Sieglinde Snapp, co-author of the study and Program Director at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).

In semi-arid regions of West Africa, PAR approaches have already shown results. Collaboration between seed breeders and smallholder farmers has led to significantly higher adoption rates of improved millet and sorghum varieties, according to the researchers.

Markets and Policy Remain Major Barriers

While agronomic potential is clear, scaling opportunity crops faces major challenges — particularly weak market demand and limited infrastructure. Lecy notes that without consumer demand, farmers lack incentives to shift production.

“These crops are often traded in informal, small-scale markets and lack the infrastructure needed to reach scale,” she said, adding that private sector investment is often essential but difficult to secure.

The researchers also point to the need for strategic “rebranding” of traditional crops, positioning them as aspirational, modern, and aligned with health and sustainability goals.

“How do we make healthier and more environmentally beneficial choices the desirable option?” Lecy asked.

Policy Realignment Needed

The study calls on African governments and development partners to realign agricultural policies, including subsidies and crop insurance schemes, to support nutrient-dense, climate-adapted crops rather than a narrow set of staples.

According to the authors, supportive policy frameworks — combined with sustained investment in research, value chains, and consumer awareness — are critical to achieving long-term food system transformation.

Ultimately, the paper argues that prioritizing crops that nourish can help build more resilient farming systems, improve nutrition outcomes, and send strong market signals that reward sustainable agricultural practices across Africa.