Dr. Abena Boakye Highlights Role of Indigenous Crops in Sustainable Development at KNUST ScienceFriday Lecture
Dr. Abena Achiaa Boakye, Senior Lecturer and Consultant in the Department of Food Science and Technology, KNUST, has called for greater attention to indigenous crops as a sustainable solution to hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity in Ghana and across Africa.
She made these remarks during a ScienceFriday lecture organized by the KNUST Library, where she delivered a presentation on the role of indigenous crops in achieving sustainable development goals and advancing Africa's development agenda.
During her presentation, Dr. Boakye highlighted the growing challenges of hunger and malnutrition, noting that millions of people remain vulnerable to food insecurity. She emphasized that indigenous crops possess unique advantages, including high nutritional value, resilience to environmental stresses, and the ability to support livelihoods while preserving cultural food traditions.
According to Dr. Boakye, global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require a shift towards sustainable food systems that incorporate indigenous and underutilized crops. She explained that these crops can contribute significantly to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), while supporting the aspirations of Africa's Agenda 2063.
The lecture also challenged participants to think critically about their role in addressing societal challenges. Dr. Boakye encouraged students, researchers, and professionals to move beyond simply discussing development goals and actively contribute to finding solutions through research, innovation, and community engagement.
The event attracted students, faculty members, and staff from across the university community who engaged in discussions on food systems, nutrition, sustainability, and the future of indigenous crops in Africa.
The Department of Food Science and Technology commends Dr. Boakye for showcasing the department's commitment to advancing research and promoting sustainable, locally relevant solutions to food and nutrition challenges.
The ScienceFriday lecture series provides a platform for researchers and professionals to share knowledge on issues of national and global importance while fostering intellectual engagement within the university community.
This report is based on a story originally published by the KNUST University Relations Office (URO) on the KNUST website on 5 June 2026.
