Underutilized crops value chain analysis

Underutilized crops have the potential to improve food and nutrition security and income of rural farmers. Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean L.) is a relevant underutilized African crop prevalent and consumed among rural residents in South Africa. This study examined the determinants of the commercialization of Bambara groundnut in the Umbumbulu and Nhlazuka farming districts in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study used primary data collected by the InnoFood Africa project from a random selection of 271 and 414 Bambara groundnut farmers in Umbumbulu and Nhlazuka respectively. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Heckman's two-step model. It is recommended that policies should focus on creating the environment to improve the market for Bambara groundnut production.