In the last few years, a number of different research and data collection activities in the field of indigenous food plants have been undertaken in southern Sudan. To date, three studies have been carried out: Save the Children and World Food Program (WFP) supported an independent study of Bahr el Ghazal, Upper Nile, Lakes and the Ironstone Plateau; UNICEF carried out a similar study in eastern and western Equatoria, parts of Upper Nile and Bahr el Ghazal; and German Agro Action carried out a further study in eastern Equatoria.

The purpose of the studies was to gather baseline information on idigneous wild food plants, IWFPs, i.e., their nutritional value, their importance and the acceptance of IWPFs among southern Sudanese communities and individuals. In these studies it was found that: the foods are a part of the normal diet; are crucial to people’s survival during times of food shortage; have the nutritional equivalent of – and in some cases are superior to – introduced vegetables and fruits; play a major role in the diet of children; are both palatable and enjoyable;

are of particular economic importance to the poor and to women in general; are used to protect family assets; have been domesticated; diversify the diet; and are adapted to their environment.