Prof. (Mrs.) Ibok N. Oduro, FGA, Professor of Postharvest Technology at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has called for increased investment in indigenous food research, value addition and policy support to unlock the potential of Africa’s traditional crops.
She made the call while delivering her Inaugural Lecture in the Sciences at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) on Thursday, 11 June 2026, at the Academy’s Secretariat in Accra. During the lecture, Prof. Oduro described Africa’s indigenous foods as a “hidden harvest” with immense potential to address food insecurity, malnutrition, climate challenges and economic development across the continent.
Speaking on the theme, “Hidden Harvest: Reclaiming Africa’s Plate,” she noted that indigenous crops are nutritious, climate resilient and economically valuable, yet remain underutilized despite their potential to improve food security, nutrition and livelihoods. According to her, many indigenous crops continue to face challenges such as inadequate investment, limited improved varieties, weak market systems and high post-harvest losses, resulting in the neglect of crops with significant nutritional and economic value.
Prof. Oduro explained that science, technology and innovation can play a critical role in transforming underutilized crops into nutritious food products while creating economic opportunities for farmers, processors and entrepreneurs. She highlighted the importance of food processing, fortification and value addition in enhancing the quality, shelf life and marketability of indigenous foods.
She also underscored the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge systems. Traditional food processing methods such as fermentation, germination, drying and natural packaging, she noted, have been used for generations and continue to offer practical solutions for food preservation and improved nutrition.
Prof. Oduro stressed that meaningful transformation of Africa’s food systems would require stronger linkages among research institutions, farmers, industry, markets and policymakers. She called for increased investment in research and innovation, stronger policy support, measures to reduce post-harvest losses and greater public education on the benefits of consuming locally produced foods. She further advocated support for youth entrepreneurship and innovation within the food sector.
Urging Africans to appreciate and invest in their indigenous food resources, Prof. Oduro remarked: “Africa’s food future will not be imported. It must be cultivated, innovated and sustained from within.”
In her closing remarks, Emerita Prof. Isabella Akyinbah Quakyi, FGA, President and Chairperson of the event, emphasized the need to promote local food consumption, encourage youth participation in indigenous food entrepreneurship and support initiatives aimed at developing and adding value to traditional crops. She noted that indigenous foods are nutritious, economically valuable and capable of supporting healthier diets, creating employment opportunities and driving innovation.
She further observed that the lecture highlighted the paradox of a continent endowed with abundant agricultural resources yet still facing food and nutrition insecurity while spending billions of dollars annually on food imports.
The lecture attracted a distinguished audience comprising Past Presidents and Fellows of GAAS, Vice Chancellors, representatives of Health Concern Ghana, Women in STEM, students from Odorgonno Senior High School and Accra Academy, stakeholders and members of the public.
The lecture form part of the Academy’s 2026 Inaugural Lecture Series, which seeks to promote the advancement and dissemination of knowledge for national development.
