Management of pests and diseases in African indigenous crops: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Underutilised crops play a critical role in enhancing food and nutrition security, especially considering increasing disruptions in global food systems because of an overreliance on a few major crops. Despite their resilience to harsh environments, these crops remain vulnerable to pest and disease challenges.Aim: This systematic literature review (SLR) examined the pest and disease management strategies used by indigenous African farmers in cultivating underutilised crops.Setting: The SLR focused on pest and disease control practices in underutilised crop systems across various African countries.Methods: The study followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to ensure a transparent, replicable process. Data were collected from Scopus, Web of Science, CAB Abstracts, Google Scholar and manually searched reference lists. After de-duplication and screening using Mendeley, 30 relevant articles were included in the final review.Results: There is a general scarcity of literature addressing pest and disease control in underutilised crops. Publications peaked in 2023 and 2024 (n = 4). Tanzania and Kenya produced the most research output. Common pests include aphids, armyworms, grasshoppers and legume pod borers. Identified management strategies include cultural methods (intercropping, crop rotation), chemical control (insecticides) and mechanical approaches (hand picking, traps).Conclusion: Despite the importance of underutilised crops, pest and disease management remains understudied, highlighting a need for further research and innovation.Contribution: This review contributes to understanding how African farmers manage pests and diseases in underutilised crops and encourages broader adoption of integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) practices.