Micronutrient deficiency is a universal problem, which presently affects over two billion people worldwide, resulting in poor health, low
worker productivity, high rates of mortality and morbidity. Deficiency in micronutrients has led to increased rates of chronic diseases and
permanent impairment of cognitive abilities in infants born to micronutrient deficient mothers. Wild vegetables have been the mainstay of human
diets for centuries, providing millions of consumers with important micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals needed to maintain health and
promote immunity against infections. Compared to conventional cultivated species, wild vegetables are hardy, require less care, and are a rich
source of micronutrients. Hence, they could make an important contribution to combating micronutrient malnutrition as well as providing food
security. Unfortunately, wild vegetables are currently underutilized, and have been neglected by researchers and policy makers. Their promotion
and integration into human diets could assist in their protracted use and consequent conservation. However, the chemical, nutritional and
toxicological properties of especially local wild vegetables, the bioavailability of micronutrients present in these, and their modification by various
processing techniques still need to be properly established and documented before their use as an alternative dietary source can be advocated. Such
information would be of fundamental importance in addressing dietary deficiencies in impoverished African rural communities.
© 2006 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved