From farm to resilience: evaluating the role of indigenous food plants in nutrition, market access, and livelihoods in the forest agroecological zone of Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Indigenous food plants (IFPs) play a vital role in rural livelihoods, food security, and biodiversity conservation in Nigeria. Currently, their significance remains inadequately examined from an econometric perspective. Using a mixed-method approach, this study explored the production, consumption, and marketing of IFPs in the evergreen forest agroecological zone of Nigeria. The study involved 520 rural households across Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo states. We identified 32 IFPs that are culturally and nutritionally important in the study areas. The impacts of activities related to IFPs on a composite livelihood index were analysed using Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) regression analyses. Results revealed that the consumption of IFPs consistently enhanced rural livelihoods across the three selected states. Additionally, the positive impacts of production and marketing were evident in Oyo and Ogun states. Key drivers of IFPs adoption included extension service quality, availability (source) of indigenous seeds, and proximity to markets. The economic and nutritional significance of IFPs underscore the need for policies that integrate indigenous food systems into sustainable rural development. Promoting the value chain of IFPs is crucial for ensuring food security and resilience, supporting local knowledge, and conserving plant diversity, thereby contributing to the achievement of relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs 1, 2, 3, and 12).