Overview:

This publication presents findings from an action-learning project (2021–2023) coordinated by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, supported by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality. The project aimed to promote, conserve, and sustainably use neglected and underutilized crop species (NUS) in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It focused on value-chain development for key NUS, including African leafy vegetables, finger millet, sorghum, and African rice, to enhance food security, income generation, and climate resilience in the region.

Key Findings:

- Diversity and Use of NUS: NUS are vital for nutrition, food security, and income generation but remain undervalued in research, policy, and markets. The project identified priority NUS, including indigenous millets, sorghum, and African leafy vegetables, which are resilient to climate change and nutritionally superior to many staple crops.

- Value chain development and market Integration: The project piloted value-chain development strategies using the LINK methodology to map actors, market opportunities, and business models. Farmers in Kenya and Uganda developed composite flours (e.g., cassava, sorghum, and maize) for porridge and ugali, improving marketability. In Zambia, farmers were trained in vegetable drying and bakery product development, while in Zimbabwe, consumer interest in NUS-based products increased despite limited national investment.

- Challenges in NUS adoption: Poor seed availability and knowledge gaps hindered large-scale production. Limited research and policy support restricted NUS commercialization. Lack of structured value chains and inadequate post-harvest technologies affected market integration.

Recommendations:

- Strengthening value chains: Enhance processing, packaging, and product certification to improve market access. Establish agribusiness certification and develop promotional campaigns for NUS-based products.

- Policy and Institutional Support: Governments should integrate NUS into agricultural policies and food security programs. National quality standards should be established to facilitate NUS commercialization.

- Capacity Building and Research: Train farmers and stakeholders on product management, agribusiness development, and sustainable production practices. Conduct further research on NUS nutritional values, seed systems, and post-harvest innovations.

- Expanding Market Linkages: Strengthen partnerships between smallholder farmers, processors, and buyers. Explore export potential and formal market opportunities for NUS-based products.

This project demonstrated the high potential of NUS to improve household income, food security, and climate resilience in East and Southern Africa. Scaling up these efforts requires continued investment in research, policy support, and value-chain development to ensure that NUS contribute meaningfully to sustainable agriculture and nutrition.