Identifiction and Documentation of Neglected Underutilized Green Leafy Vegetables and Fruits in South East Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

Background/Objective: Micronutrient malnutrition is a public health problem. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of micronutrient to fight hidden hunger and several chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The study was designed to identify, characterize and document neglected underutilized fruits and vegetables in Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Methodology: A multiple sampling technique was used. Focus group discussion (FGD) was used to elicit information on the underutilized fruits and vegetables, their availability and utilization in the study communities. Samples of 306 elderly women were used for the study. Volunteers from the FGD helped the researcher to uproot the food crops from the forest for further study. The plants uprooted were identified at Herbarium of the Department of Botany University of Nigeria Nsukka. Results: The result showed that quite a number of fruits and vegetables abound in the study area. A total of forty-five (45) underutilized vegetables, fourteen (14) common vegetables, twenty-three (23) underutilized fruits and twenty-two (22) common fruits were identified and documented. Underutilized fruits and vegetables are used in different ways to cure so many diseases. Conclusion: Adequate consumption of these fruits and vegetables will help to fight micronutrient deficiency-related problems, chronic diseases and diversify diet thereby leading to food security.