Potential of egusi for food and nutrition security in northern Ghana : gender perspectives and social constructs underpinning cultivation and use

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Using indigenous underutilized crops as a sustainable measure to mitigate food and nutrition insecurity is recommended globally. Few studies have explored the factors influencing the value placed on indigenous underutilized crops such as egusi in African food systems. Egusi, oleaginous edible seeds of cucurbitaceous plants with inedible pulp, are cultivated for the seeds and commonly used in West African cuisines. OBJECTIVE : This study investigates the sociocultural importance of egusi and its value to nutrition and food security in growing communities of northern Ghana. It further explores the gender underpinnings and influences on egusi production and use and evaluates the strategies indigenous smallholder egusi farmers use to cope with the current climate dynamics. METHODS : Gender and age-differentiated Focus Group Discussions (10) and Key Informant interviews (14) were conducted in Chereponi and Kpandai Districts of northern Ghana. RESULTS : Our findings show that the primary factors influencing the premium placed on the crop(s) differ between males and females. There has also been a change in the social construct of egusi in recent years due to the impact of climate-induced food insecurities. For Chereponi which is relatively drier than Kpandai, egusi is now a must-farm crop if one’s household is to survive during lean seasons. It is no longer viewed as a woman’s crop. However, Kpandai, with a relatively wetter climate, has other cropping alternatives. A unanimous response from all study participants reveals latent functions of cultivating egusi, which includes children’s education and reduced financial burdens. CONCLUSIONS : This study underscores how egusi plays critical roles in the nutrition and livelihood of Ghanaian communities and can be the starting point for tailored and extensive investigations on the value of egusi to both enhance climate resilience and sustainable nutrition. The findings further demonstrate the critical need for a comprehensive study of the foodscapes of malnourished communities to enable appropriate policy directives for sustainable nutrition interventions.