There is widespread concern about the shrinking food base that primarily consists of three crops: wheat, rice, and maize. To address this issue and cater to changing food habits and lifestyles, as well as the impact of climate change, there is a need to encourage the cultivation of new crops. One area that has received considerable attention is the promotion of underutilized horticultural crops. The journal HortScience, which has a high impact factor, published a review of underutilized and underexploited horticultural crops in volume II. This series examines the nutritional values, ecological compatibility, and optimal use of natural resources such as water, energy, space, and time for these crops. Volume 4 of the series focuses on edible plant foods in Africa, including African leafy vegetables, Amaranths, chilies, annual drumstick, clove bean, cluster bean, curry leaf, ivy gourd, snap melon, sweet gourd, teasel gourd, tree-borne vegetables, fruits of the North Eastern Region, dragon fruit, wood apple, strobilanthes, seed spices, yam bean, and trees for energy. The volume features 20 chapters written by eminent scientists in their respective crops. The aim of volume 4 is to envision a world free from hunger and malnutrition, where individuals can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
