Overview: 

Calls for a global food system transformation and finding more sustainable ways of producing healthier, safe and nutritious food for all have spurred production approaches such as sustainable intensification and biofortification with limited consideration of the copious amounts of orphan crops, traditional varieties and wild edible species readily available in many countries, mostly in and around smallholder farmers’ fields. This paper explores the potential role of locally available; affordable and climate-resilient orphan crops, traditional varieties and wild edible species to support local food system transformation.

Key finding: 

Evidence from Brazil, Kenya, Guatemala, India, Mali, Sri Lanka and Turkey is used to showcase a three-pronged approach that aims to: (i) increase evidence of the nutritional value and biocultural importance of these foods, (ii) better link research to policy to ensure these foods are considered in national food and nutrition security strategies and actions, and (iii) improve consumer awareness of the desirability of these alternative foods so that they may more easily be incorporated in diets, food systems and markets.

• Nutritional value: orphan crops and wild edible species are rich in essential nutrients, often surpassing commonly consumed crops in nutritional content. For example, native brazilian fruits like buriti and tucumã have higher levels of vitamin A compared to mainstream fruits.

• Climate resilience: Many orphan crops and wild edibles are well-adapted to harsh environmental conditions, making them valuable for climate-resilient agriculture. For instance, fonio and bambara groundnut thrive in resource-poor settings with minimal water and inputs.

• Policy integration: Countries like Brazil and Sri Lanka have successfully integrated biodiversity conservation and nutrition into national policies, such as Brazil’s National School Feeding Program and Sri Lanka’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

• Market opportunities: Public procurement policies and value chain development have increased market opportunities for smallholder farmers, particularly for orphan crops like chaya in Guatemala and African leafy vegetables in Kenya.

• Consumer Awareness: Awareness campaigns, school gardens, and gastronomy events have helped shift consumer perceptions and increase demand for orphan crops and wild edibles.

Recommendations:

• Provide evidence: fund research to increase knowledge on the nutritional and climate-resilient properties of orphan crops and wild edibles. Invest in domestication programs for promising wild edible species to ensure sustainable use.

• Policies and markets: develop multisectoral policies that integrate biodiversity for food and nutrition into national strategies. Support public procurement mechanisms that favor orphan crops and wild edibles from smallholder farmers. Strengthen value chains for biodiverse products to enhance local businesses and improve livelihoods.

• Raising awareness: promote nutrition education and awareness campaigns to highlight the benefits of orphan crops and wild edibles. Use culturally appropriate messaging to create demand for these foods and integrate them into local diets. Engage with gastronomy sectors and organize food festivals to increase consumers interest and market opportunities.