Modern agriculture is undergoing a transformation as farmers adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and growing water shortages. At the same time, there is a global focus on sustainable crop production and foods that support gut health. As a result, farmers are increasingly turning to climate-resilient, functional crops – so-called superfoods that are tough enough to thrive under challenging conditions while offering exceptional nutritional value.
By Michelle van der Spuy, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
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1. Kernza: The ultimate perennial grain
Conventional grains such as wheat must be replanted every year, resulting in high input costs, intensive soil cultivation and damage to soil structure.
Kernza, a deep-rooted perennial grain developed from intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium), is becoming an attractive alternative. Once established, it regrows year after year without the need for annual replanting.
Its roots can extend up to 3 metres deep, helping to reduce soil erosion, improve water retention and store carbon in the soil. Kernza also produces grain that is significantly higher in protein and fibre than conventional wheat.
2. Moringa: The high-value cash crop
Farmers in arid and subtropical regions, including parts of Africa, Asia and the south-western United States, are increasingly planting moringa (Moringa oleifera).
The trees are highly drought tolerant and grow rapidly, even in poor soils where many other crops struggle. Their leaves can be harvested several times a year.
The leaves are dried and processed into a green powder that is rich in antioxidants, essential minerals and vitamins.
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3. Fonio: The drought-tolerant grain
Fonio is an ancient grain indigenous to West African countries such as Guinea and Senegal. It is increasingly being planted to help combat desertification.
The crop thrives in degraded, sandy soils with very little water, and is ready for harvest in as little as six to eight weeks. It provides farmers with a valuable fallback crop when heatwaves cause other crops to fail.
Naturally gluten-free, fonio has a low glycaemic index and contains sulphur-rich amino acids that support metabolic health.
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4. High-tech microgreens: The controlled-environment crop
Commercial vegetable production is no longer limited to open fields. Farmers using vertical and indoor farming systems are producing microgreens – the young seedlings of vegetables such as broccoli, radish and kale – on a commercial scale using aeroponic and hydroponic systems.
These production systems use up to 90% less water than conventional farming, require no pesticides and can produce harvests throughout the year, with crops ready in as little as seven to 21 days.
Because they are harvested during peak metabolic activity, microgreens can contain up to 40 times the concentration of nutrients and antioxidants found in their mature counterparts.
5. Aronia berries: The hardy fruit
Whereas acai and goji berries require specific tropical growing conditions, farmers in cooler, temperate regions such as North America and Eastern Europe are increasingly planting aronia berries (Aronia melanocarpa), also known as black chokeberries.
Aronia shrubs are exceptionally hardy, highly resistant to pests and diseases, and able to survive severe winter frosts that would destroy many other fruit crops.
These berries have attracted growing interest because they are reported to contain some of the highest recorded antioxidant levels of any fruit, even exceeding those of blueberries, one of the original superfoods.
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