Food Security in the Face of Climate Change: Potential Roles of Underutilised Plant Species around Some Rural Homesteads in the Niger Delta

Abstract

The food and nutrition status of the rural poor living in extreme deprivation are precarious in the event of catastrophic events occasioned by climate change. This study aimed at elaborating the potential roles of underutilised plant resources as sources of food in the face of climate change. A total of 37 plant species of different growth habits were sighted within the homesteads in the study communities. The commonest plant species around home provide food, medicine, cash, and cultural or spiritual purposes. These included Manihot esculenta (Cassava), Musa sapentium var. paradisiaca (Plantains) Musa sapentium (banana), Citrus sinensis (orange) and Elaeis guineensis (oil palm). Outside the home compounds to a considerable walking distance around each of the communities, a total of twenty seven (27) plant species and four habitat types (three terrestrial and one aquatic) were encountered, with Elaeis guineensis Jacq. being present in all the terrestrial ecotypes (forest, farmland and fallow regrowth). Many of the plant species encountered within the home compounds are edible; some are medicinal or have spiritual values, while most have multiple uses. Magnifera indica , Dacryodes edulis , Persea americana , Carica papaya , Chrysophyllum albidum and Ananas comosus , are cherished for their tasty fruits. Vernonia amygdalina , Telferia occidentalis , Ocimum brasilicum , Amaranthus hybridus and Gnetum africana are eaten vegetables in soups. Irvingia gabonensis (Ogbono) is valued for its seeds, which are used widely in preparing the Ogbono soup, which is widely popular across Nigeria. The kola nut ( Cola nitida ), bitter kola ( Garcina kola ) trees and yams ( Dioscorea spp) serve significant spiritual/cultural roles amongst the local populace in the study area—they are always presented at ceremonies such as marriages, funerals and festivals. Plant species with mostly untapped potentials to supply food and nutrients to the rural dwellers in the study area include breadfruit ( Artocarpus cummunis ), Avocado pear ( Persia americana ), Bush Mango (Irvingia gabonensis), Native pear ( Dacryodes edulis ), African Star Apple ( Chrysophyllum albidum ), and Raphia palm ( Raphia hookeri ) and Tropical Almond ( Terminalia catappa ). These plants are reported to contain variable amounts of dietary nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats, and fibre. Some of the plants have potentials to supply raw materials to sustain food and beverage industries.