Cassava Was first introduced by the Portuguese in the 1800’s into Congo basin. It is a perennial woody shrub with an edible root, which grows in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. It is used in abundance in various parts of Africa especially in western, central, and southern Africa.

Maize Brought to Africa in the 1500’s, corn is consumed daily by Africans all over the world. 50 types of corn exists, but the most common types are yellow, white, and red. All parts of the maize crop is utilized for food and non-food purposes.

Potato Potatoes are very favorable due to the fact that it is high in protein and very resistant to various diseases and pests. Originally from new world and brought to Africa during colonization by Europeans. Today there is a wide variety of potatoes which is approximately over 1,000 types.

Plantain Plantains originated and were first cultivated in Southeast Asia. They arrived in Africa during the first Millennium AD and are a members of the banana family. They are starchy, low in sugar and are grown in tropical climates.

Rice Rice constitute a major part of the African diet. It originated in Asia and was cultivated in Africa for 1,500 years. The domestication of rice was one of the most important development that led to the development of civilizations in Africa and rice grown in low land.

Sources
World Watch. "Africa's Indigenous Crops." World Watch Institute (n.d.): n. pag. 2011. Web. Office,

IITA Communication. Crop - IITA. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2017.