Use of Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species (NUCS) in some farming communities in the Upper Afram and Upper Dayi River Basins in Ghana

The study examined Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species (NUCS) in two agro-ecologically diverse zones in Ghana with the view to highlighting the varieties, their important benefits and uses among rural households in the Upper Afram and Upper Dayi basins. Qualitative data was gathered from two hundred and seventy-one (271) respondents in six farming communities within the middle belt of Ghana through focused group discussions, interviews and questionnaires. A total of one hundred and twelve (112) NUCS were identified during the study. The diversity of NUCS in the study areas provide an indication of the existence of a valuable plant resource that can be exploited to help address food inadequacy challenges among rural households within the Upper Afram and Upper Dayi basins. Apart from their use as food, medicine, dyes, soap making, fuel wood and livestock feed, some NUCS found within the study basins play very important roles in the cultural practices and traditional ceremonies. These findings demonstrate the untapped potential of NUCS in addressing food and nutritional insecurity among rural households in the country. Institution of regular NUCS focused food fairs at the local (village), district and regional levels to promote local dishes prepared from the indigenous food crops; as well as increased NUCS related research are recommended.


Introduction
Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species (NUCS) have been conceptualized differently by various researchers and experts. Establishing a universal definition for NUCS has therefore been difficult. In spite of the lack of uniformity in defining Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species (NUCS), some attempts have been made to define them. This study adopts Azam-Ali (2010) conceptual definition which describes NUCS as crops that have hitherto not been categorized as major crops; have not had much research carried out on them; are not being used in a major way at present and are largely restricted to smallholder farming areas. Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species constitute an important component of agrobiodiversity. NUCS occur widely in both temperate and tropical regions including Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and South and East Asia (Padulosi et al., 2013). Increased use of NUCS as source of food and medicine has been reported in Asia and the Pacific particularly in countries such as Malaysia, Nepal, India and the Philippines. In Sub Saharan Africa, the cultivation and use of NUCS is common in countries such as Malawi, Nigeria, Cote d' Ivoire, Uganda, and Zimbabwe (Padulosi et al., 2013;FAO, 2010). Among the categories of food crops that NUCS can be found or belong to include legumes, roots and tubers, fruits, vegetables, nuts, cereals, pseudocereals, oilseeds, aromatic and medicinal plants (Padulosi et al., 2004(Padulosi et al., , 2008. Examples of NUCS found in Sub Saharan Africa include Amaranthus species (Laker, 2007), wild mustard (Brassica spp.) and other wild edible leafy vegetables (Modi et al., 2006). Others include taro (Colocasia esculenta), sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batata), bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) and wild melon (Curcubita spp). In Ghana, Aboagye et al. (2010) note that there is diversity of NUCS that can be useful in plant breeding programmes, including Vigna reticulate, wild yam, wild oil palm, and most medicinal plants such as mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) and Rauwolfia vomitoria. NUCS possess several useful and beneficial traits that make them important to the environment and human livelihood. Even though the cultivation of NUCS often produce lower yields compared to the major staple crops, they are relatively more resistant to biotic challenges and are therefore able to adapt to harsh climatic conditions such as poor soils and drought (Padulosi et al., 2013). Environmental concerns such as land use changes; the impact of climate change; and the degradation of land and water resources among others have led to a growing interest in NUCS (IPGR, 2002). Their ability to thrive under harsh climatic conditions makes them valuable and key in the fight against the negative impact of climate change on agricultural food production (Bala Ravi et al., 2006). NUCS also offer good alternative in the event of failure of the main staple crops to survive under such harsh conditions (Mabhaudhi, et al., 2011). Apart from their medicinal value, some NUCS also contain high levels of vitamin B2, and vitamin C and proteins which are used as substitutes to conventional vegetables in human diet (Mengistu & Hager, 2008). Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species (NUCS) historically have contributed to ensuring household food security among indigenous communities while creating income generating opportunities for small holder farmers as well (Mabhaudhi et al., 2011). Several studies including Muhammad (2014), Sprent et al.  (2014) have all explored various aspects of NUCS in Ghana but there seems to be inadequate investigation into the level of patronage, varieties and uses of these crops among farming communities in major food producing areas in the country. The main objective of this study therefore was to i) inventorize and profile NUCS within the two agro ecological zones within the Upper Afram and Dayi Basins; and also, ii) highlight their uses and benefits. Findings of this research will enhance the limited literature on the inventory of the varieties of NUCS and further enrich indigenous knowledge on the uses and benefits of these often marginalized indigenous food crops within the middle belt of Ghana.

Study Area
The study was conducted in two river basins

Sampling, Data collection and Analysis
Data was collected through On-the-Spot Observations; Key Informant Interviews; Focus Group Discussions; and Questionnaires. Two hundred and seventy-one (271) respondents comprising Farmers, Crop research scientists, Agricultural officers, and Farmer based Organizations were interviewed with the assistance of agricultural extension officers. Socio-economic characteristics of the respondents were also collected to help understand the unique backgrounds of respondents and how this influenced their responses. The respondents possessed the relevant traditional knowledge relating to indigenous crops and the general agricultural history of the study areas. During the focus group discussions and individual interviews respondents provided rich descriptions of the uses and benefits food crop varieties currently cultivated and the indigenous crops. The names and varieties of neglected and underutilized crops, as well as the reasons for their decreased use, in the study areas, were also given. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in descriptive forms. The data collected helped to generate an inventory of NUCS in the two study basins. The results were also presented in the form of frequencies, percentages and tables, using descriptive statistics. Dayi basin Brown rice in particular is an important staple which is heavily patronized by the community members and traders.

NUCS in the Upper Afram and Upper Dayi basins
A total of one hundred and twelve (112) NUCS were identified during the study in the Upper Afram and Upper Dayi basins (Table 3.1). The NUCS identified were found within the food crop categories including cereals, legumes, vegetables, root and tubers, and trees and plantations. Eighty (80) NUCS were identified during the survey at the Upper Afram basin (Table 3.2). Out of the 80 NUCS identified, 14 were cereals, 13 were legumes, 5 were vegetables, 32 were root and tubers, and 16 were tree crops and fruits. Out of the 32 root and tubers, over twenty (20) (Table 3.2). Out of the 32 NUCS identified, 8 were cereals, 5 were legumes, 5 were vegetables, 10 were root and tubers, and 4 were tree crops and plantations. The root and tubers recorded the highest number of marginalized crop species. Dayi basins are known to possess relatively rich agrodiversity accounting for the wide variety of food crops and plant species in the areas. The two river basins differ slightly in their ecological conditions. These unique characteristics were also reflected in the study findings as the Upper Afram basin recorded relatively higher numbers of NUCS compared to the Upper Dayi basin. The observed NUCS diversity found within the two study basins could be attributed to the rich agrobiodiversity of the semi-deciduous rainforest and the forest savannah transition zones within which the study was carried out. This rich diversity has also been reported by Nyadanu et al. (2015) who examined the NUCS diversity among other things in some selected farming towns located within the coastal, forest, transitional and guinea savanna zones of Ghana. The high numbers of NUCS identified presents the agricultural sector with the opportunity to consider widening the national food basket to include NUCS especially given their known contribution to food security among indigenous communities. The NUCS inventory survey further shows that several species of indigenous food crop varieties in central Ghana are currently under cultivated, marginalized and neglected due to some identifiable causes. The marginalization and subsequent erosion of over twenty yam species recorded during the study is a source of concern as yam is a commonly cultivated food crop in the area. This incidence of serious genetic erosion of yams is also corroborated by (Aboagye et al., 2015). Yam is regarded as one of the few important staple crops in Ghana. It plays an important role in the cultural rites (such as yam festivals) of the people of Ghana. Yam also referred to as "King of Crops" in Nigeria, contributes substantially to household food security (Kenyon & Fowler, 2000). Yam is also known to provide a wide variety of dishes that are boiled, roasted or fried. Depending on the variety, it could be used for ampesi (boiled starchy staple served with stew or sauce), ɔtɔ (mashed yam), fufu (pounded yam), yam balls, porridge or fried yam chips. The erosion of yam varieties therefore may lead to loss of cultural identity of some tribal groups, change of favourite staples, among others. Several indigenous varieties of some of Ghana's key staple crops such as yam and rice were no more cultivated and on the verge of extinction.

Uses and benefits
Responses gathered from interviews during the study revealed that the NUCS provided several benefits and played important roles in traditional ceremonies. They also served as feed for livestock, dyes, fodder, medicinal, fuel wood, nutritional, food, soap, among others. Concerning the method of preparation and the parts of the crop or plant (NUCS) used, the respondents in both study basins pointed out various methods including boiling, roasting and frying. According to them the commonly used parts include the seeds, leaves, stalk, fruits, roots and tubers (Table  3.3). On the consumption pattern and preference for the marginalized crop varieties among different age groups, it was found that consumption was high (98%) among both males and females even though it was also indicated that the preference and consumption of some of these indigenous crops among current younger generation is generally low perhaps due to the lack of knowledge of these crops and their nutritional benefits. In Upper Afram for example, Akyɛ, a brownish coloured bean (Vigna spp.), was known for its nutritious and pleasant taste, as well as its ability to sustain and satisfy one's hunger for a long period. A farmer at Drobon said "Akyɛ, it will stay on you for long time when you eat and it is heavy". The leaves of some bean's species were also used for soup preparation and the liquid obtained from cooking the leaves used for medicinal purposes. Phaseolus sp. (lima beans or locally called 'Apatram') for example, was used mainly for soup preparation. This was patronized by pregnant women mainly due to their belief in its ability to facilitate easy labour or delivery. Pawpaw leaves and pineapple (fruit and peels) and at times in combination with other herbs were used for medicinal purposes, especially in eliminating or curing feverish conditions. Pumpkin, locally referred to as 'Efre' was also considered to possess some medicinal properties. Millet was also found to have several uses. Millet grains, apart from being used for porridge, a breakfast meal and other meal preparation, were also used in the preparation of an alcoholic drink called 'pito'. As one farmer from Dromankoman puts it, "Millet gives difference to our food". The millet stalk also served as feed for their livestock, source of cook fuel and was also used for traditional mat weaving. Yams traditionally also served as a major item in gift packages for respected people in the communities. Kwahu nsusuaa and Monsorowa (also called nsusuaa), apart from being very nutritious also served as a remedy for managing cases of anaemia. In the Upper Dayi basin indigenous brown rice, referred to as 'Kamortintin' was found to be a delicacy even though it was marginalized. A respondent at Likpe, said "Kamortintin is good, is sweet, it begins to be big and swell when you cook, it takes water, then it becomes plenty". According to the farmers, the water that remains after the rice has boiled for some time is scooped and used as a form of Orally Rehydrated Salt (ORS) for the sick. Indigenous brown rice is also presumed to be good for diabetes. Table 3.4 gives the nutritional composition of selected traditional and exotic vegetables from Nyadanu and Lower's studies, which also corroborates the high nutritional content of indigenous crops. A common feature among all the three study communities within the Upper Dayi basin is the use of the indigenous brown rice in the performance of some cultural practices especially in funerals and marriage ceremonies; and other activities including outdooring and installation of chiefs. In Lolobi, this indigenous brown rice is roasted, milled and prepared into a local delicacy called Kamorkra (Plate F). This is also called Kpakusi at Likpe. This traditional delicacy is usually expected to be prepared by the groom and sent to his in-laws. This meal is served with a special stew prepared with Kakpe (local climbing beans). Bitter leaves, locally called Segbe in Lolobi, is an NUCS that has several medicinal uses. Nsusua (Solanum spp.), misewa (pepper), esorowisa (African black pepper) and ginger are also believed to possess both nutritional and medicinal properties that help to manage some health conditions such as fever and stomach upsets. Other marginalized fruits mentioned and also deemed important by the farmers included some species of banana, known as 'Oklocha' and 'Kokote'. In Likpe 'Oklocha' was processed into a porridge-like food after boiling and mashed with a local sponge for smoothness, in a calabash. This was used to feed infants and babies and this made them grow very healthily. The people of Santrokofie also fed their babies on local bananas for their nutritional and health benefits. The 'Oklocha' banana species is also believed to contain some medicinal properties that help people suffering from piles. Another banana specie, 'Kokote' (Likpe), which is violet in colour was used in place of plantain in 'fufu' preparation; and also, a traditional delicacy called 'akankye'. Many NUCS have served as dietary support to many rural households and communities (Chivenge et al., 2015). The findings also revealed that some indigenous rice species in the Upper Dayi basin are currently underutilized and neglected. This observation could have adverse implications as rice was found to be the commonly grown food crop among farmers in the study communities. Additionally, rice is also regarded as one of the country's key staple crops.

Conclusion
The study revealed that several varieties and species of indigenous food crops are presently being marginalized and underutilized with some species on the verge of complete erosion. The diversity of NUCS in the Upper Afram and Upper Dayi basins provides useful information and basis for the need to further explore the potential of other agro ecologically diverse areas of the country with the view to generating a national comprehensive inventory of these important but apparently overlooked food crop varieties. The study further established the important use of these food crops among the rural households and communities within the study basins. These findings demonstrate the untapped potential of NUCS particularly in the middle belt of the country. Finally, the study recommends that the relevant Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) such as the Local Government, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana Tourism Authority, among others, to institute regular indigenous food fairs at the local (village), district and regional levels, in order to promote local dishes which are prepared from these indigenous food crops. Increased NUCS related studies particularly in the relevant public research institutions such as the Crops Research Institute and the Plant Genetic Resource and Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, as well as the private sectors, will be critical to the effective promotion of these important local food crops.