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  • Publication | 2023
Adding value to neglected and underutilized crop species: Experiences from Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Global Food and Nutrition Security

This brief 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. This novel value-chain development was implemented in a maize- cultivation context. Maize is the main staple crop in the region, and is suffering adverse climate- change impacts across East and Southern Africa. NUS cereals offer great potential to fill the predicted maize-production gap.

Pilot results demonstrate high potential for boosting household and community seed bank income and livelihoods in the four countries.

  • training partners and farmers in product management according to national quality
  • develop agribusinesses;
  • analyzing nutrition values of new products
  • acquiring product quality certification;
  • capacity building for professional processing, packaging and labeling
  • promotional campaigns; and
  • Exploring marketing options