ABSTRACT
Legumes, which include major oil producing crops and several vegetables, are strongly recommended for development projects on environmental grounds. The tropical grain legumes are major sources of protein and include the two most important oilseeds, soybeans and peanuts. The tropical lowland leguminous shrub, Leucaena leucocephala, has great potential as animal feed, fuelwood, forage and human food, while also controlling erosion and improving soil fertility in degraded tropical lands. Leguminous crop residues furnish valuable fodder for animals. World demand for most oilseeds continues to rise faster than population, but food uses for vegetable oils are no longer predominant. Vegetable crops are frequently grown where irrigation is developed in proximity to major markets. Vegetable crops are nutritionally advantageous to consumers, since they provide humanity's major source of vitamins A and C, many minerals, and much protein. Producing vegetable crops is one of the most demanding of agricultural enterprises and requires highly developed skills and good quality land.
