This book has been written by 21 authors who are all connected in some way to the IndigenoVeg network. There are nine chapters covering: Urban Food Systems and African Indigenous Vegetables; Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture in African Cities; Biodiversity of African Vegetables; Nutritional Contributions; Production and Harvesting Systems; An Analysis of Case Studies from Benin, Kenya and South Africa; Marketing along Urban and Peri-urban Supply Chains; Integration into Urban Agriculture and Spatial Planning; and a concluding review, by the editors, of Recurring Themes and Policy Lessons for the Future.

The IndigenoVeg network was established in 2006 to promote indigenous vegetables, principally in urban and peri-urban areas. With the rapid growth of urban areas in the African continent, urban consumers are an increasingly important target group. The book seeks to bring together these areas of interest, to discuss synergies and to explore important areas for future research. All chapters contain valuable information in key fields of interest, but perhaps the most revealing are the ones on biodiversity and nutrition. These chapters point to the richness of the species mix (about 1000 species) in vegetable origins and production systems and the close connections with culture and history. Some important vegetables were originally introduced and have been adapted to local needs and tastes. The main regions exhibit differences in the relative importance of different vegetables and the ways in which they are prepared. Undoubtedly, they are of great importance nutritionally, particularly for children, as they are often minor accompaniments to a carbohydrate dominated dish in many diets.