The Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) is a hardy legume native to West Africa, widely cultivated across sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Southeast Asia. This annual crop thrives in hot, dry climates and poor soils where other crops struggle, making it crucial for food security in marginalized areas.
It produces edible seeds (beans) underground, similar to peanuts, which are highly nutritious, rich in protein, carbohydrates, and essential minerals. Bambara groundnut is primarily grown for local consumption and markets, used in boiled, roasted, or milled forms, and its resilience makes it a valuable, climate-smart crop.
Names
Scientific
Vigna subterranea
Synonym
Voandzeia subterranea
English
Bambara bean
Bambara groundnut
Bambarra groundnut
Earth pea
Ground-bean
Jugo bean
French
Pois bambara
Pois de terre
German
Bambara-Erdnuss
Taxonomy
Order
Fabales
Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Vigna
Species
Vigna subterranea (Bambara groundnut)
Crop categories
Arid crops
Legumes
Minor crops
Podded vegetables
Subtropical crops
Tropical crops
Vegetables