Leveraging Pro-Vitamin A Cassava and Bambara Groundnut Composites: A Pathway to Combat Malnutrition and Reduce Wheat Dependency in Nigeria

Nigeria grapples with persistent protein-energy malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency, severely impacting millions, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children under five. As the world's leading cassava producer, with an annual yield exceeding 54 million metric tons, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to harness biofortified pro-vitamin A cassava alongside the underutilized legume Bambara groundnut to develop nutrient-rich composite flours. This comprehensive review examines the nutritional synergy of these crops, their practical applications in value-added products like chin-chin, noodles, pasta, biscuits, and breads, and recent research from 2023 to 2025 that highlights significant improvements in protein (up to 61.7 g/kg), β-carotene (up to 91.39 µg/100g), fiber (up to 5.5 g/kg), and functional properties such as water absorption and swelling capacity. Drawing on empirical evidence, the study underscores how these composites reduce dependence on imported wheat, enhance food security, and address health challenges, while also offering economic benefits through rural income generation and environmental advantages via drought tolerance and nitrogen fixation. Challenges including Bambara groundnut's hard-to-cook trait, cassava's short shelf life, sensory issues at higher legume ratios, and processing constraints are analyzed, alongside scalable solutions. Recommendations include advanced research on blend optimization, pilot-scale production, long-term health assessments, and policy support for biofortification and market integration, positioning Nigeria to lead in sustainable, nutrition-focused agriculture.