Various plants, crops and extracts have been used over several generations to contribute to household food and nutrition security in semi-arid areas (Khan, et al. 2013; , Smith, et al. 2007; Schipper, 2000; Heslop-Harrison and Schwarzacher, 2007; Combrinck, et al. 2007;  Flavier et al. 1995). A wide variety of plants are used within a broader knowledge framework termed ‘indigenous knowledge’ (Warren, 1991). However, there is no clear agreement about what exactly constitutes the knowledge paradigm. Despite the lack of clarity, communities use various facets of this concept to tackle complex challenges related to food, education, health care and natural resource management (van Rensburg, et al. 2007). Unfortunately, it is usually not taken seriously as a viable alternative for ensuring food security and nutrition. Many people rely on methods based on the scientific approach and thus IKS may be at the verge of extinction. This, however, is not to imply that the two knowledge systems are mutually exclusive.

General utilization of vegetables in Africa is low and in 1995 per capita consumption of vegetables was 29kg whereas the world average was 75kg/year/person (Maundu 2006). Systematic exclusion of traditional vegetable crops in diets is attributed to many factors including the green revolution, urbanization and changing lifestyles and gross under-valuation of indigenous knowledge systems (Flavier, et al. 1995, Warren, 1991, Kolawole, 2001, Maikhuri, et al. 1999). Consequently, little concerted efforts are being implemented to conserve local gene banks of traditional vegetable seed in Africa. However, in recent years, there has been recognition that traditional vegetables or more broadly orphan crops are highly adaptable to local conditions and therefore important in the attainment of household food security (Pretty and Bharucha, 2014).