Water spinach (Ipomoea spp.) and its potential: A review

Abstract

The problem of malnutrition justifies the need to explore underutilized crops that have the potential to address the food and nutrition insecurity issues. Certain underutilized crops can play a significant role in both food and nutrition security of the vulnerable populations especially children below the age of five and women. Water spinach, a green leafy vegetable, is one of the underutilized crops in Zimbabwe. It is envisaged that exploration, exploitation and full utilization of water spinach would be an appropriate and cost effective strategy to supplement the caloric and nutritional value of the staple crops. The potential of water spinach cannot be overemphasized as far as meeting the nutrition needs of humans is concerned. This review aims at highlighting the inherent potential of water spinach and possibilities of its production to boost food and nutrition security.