The Promoting Underutilized Legumes for Food Security to Small-Scale Farming Communities: Evidence from Developing Countries and Genetic Diversity Perspectives Underutilized Legumes for Food Security to Small-Scale Farming Communities

Abstract

Food security remains a critical challenge in many developing countries, where small-scale farming communities rely heavily on staple crops with limited nutritional diversity. Promoting underutilized legumes (ULs) presents a viable strategy to enhance food security and resilience among these communities. Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America demonstrates that these crops improve soil fertility, increase crop yields, and enhance household nutrition and income. Information was collected over 114 peer-review articles and websites contributing to small-scale farming communities in food security, health and resilience from both agronomic and genetic diversity perspectives. By reviewing case studies from various developing countries, the paper highlights the nutritional benefits, adaptability to diverse agro-ecological zones, and the role of ULs genetic diversity in enhancing crop resilience and yield stability. The evidence suggests that integrating ULs into small-scale farming systems can diversify diets, improve soil health and provide a buffer against climatic and economic shocks. Furthermore, the conservation and utilization of genetic diversity within these legumes germplasms is crucial for breeding programs aimed at improving crop traits such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and nutritional quality. However, research gaps such as lack of awareness, limited market access, and seed availability hinder their widespread adoption. Policy recommendations include supporting local seed systems, investing in agricultural research, and fostering community-based approaches to promote the adoption of underutilized legumes. This approach will not only strengthen food security but also enhance the sustainability and resilience of small-scale farming communities in developing countries.