Overview:

Neglected and underutilized crop species (NUCS/NUS) are claimed to contribute to sustainable development. This study explores the role of policy and governance in the conservation and promotion of NUS in West Africa. The paper systematically reviews existing policies, governance frameworks, and institutional mechanisms supporting NUS while identifying gaps and challenges. It draws up 45 eligible articles identified through a search conducted on the Web of Science in December 2023. The existing literature focuses on Nigeria and a few NUS, especially cassava. The addressed policy domains include biodiversity conservation; subsidies; seed systems; food security, self-sufficiency and sovereignty; trade and import substitution; food safety and health; climate change and energy; land use; research, innovation and development; support and assistance systems. Meanwhile, the main governance domains are (1) inclusiveness and participation and (2) institutional capacity. The analysis suggests that NUS development is also affected by sectoral policy coherence and consistency as well as the policy– governance interplay. Future studies should widen the scope in terms of geographical coverage in West Africa and NUS addressed to allow for more comparisons. Furthermore, there is a need for further research to understand the synergies and trade-offs between sectoral policies affecting NUS promotion and development

Key Findings:

1. Leverage Points for strengthening traditional crops: Government agencies, research institutions, and NGOs play a critical role in mainstreaming NUS but require better coordination (Institutional support). Most national policies in West Africa focus on staple crops like rice and maize, marginalizing NUS. However, integrating NUS into food security, climate resilience, and agricultural diversification policies can strengthen their role in food systems. Limited market access, poor infrastructure, and weak value chains hinder the commercialization of NUS. Strengthening market linkages and developing demand-driven supply chains can enhance their economic viability. Existing subsidy schemes favor staple crops. Tailored incentives for NUS farmers, such as tax breaks, price support, and grants for processing, can boost production. Farmers need training in the best agronomic practices, pest control, and post-harvest processing to improve NUS productivity and market competitiveness.

2. Examples of Ongoing Initiatives: Supports local crop conservation, value chain enhancement, and policy advocacy for integrating NUS into national agricultural strategies (Burkina Faso and Niger). Local initiatives in West Africa focus on preserving indigenous seeds, improving farmer access to diverse crop varieties. Some governments have initiated school feeding programs that incorporate NUS to promote their consumption and incentivize production.

Recommendations:

1. Strengthen institutional frameworks: Establish multi-stakeholder platforms to coordinate policy efforts on NUS conservation and promotion.

2. Policy reforms: Introduce specific policies that recognize NUS as strategic crops for food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation.

3. Market interventions: Invest in infrastructure, create value-added products, and promote NUS through awareness campaigns.

4. Financial incentives: Develop funding mechanisms such as grants, low-interest loans, and subsidies for NUS farmers and processors.

5. Capacity building: Strengthen agricultural extension services to support smallholder farmers in scaling up NUS production.

Neglected and underutilized species have great potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture, nutrition security, and climate resilience in West Africa. However, their adoption is limited by weak policy support, market constraints, and a lack of institutional coordination. By leveraging policy reforms, financial incentives, and targeted market interventions, these crops can be better integrated into national and regional food systems.