Overview: 

This publication explores efforts to promote and add value to neglected and underutilized species (NUS) in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It discusses the significance of these crops in enhancing food security, improving nutrition, and increasing economic opportunities for smallholder farmers. The document highlights various initiatives aimed at mainstreaming NUS into local and international markets, while also addressing key challenges such as consumer perceptions, market constraints, and policy gaps.

Key Findings:

• Nutritional Importance: NUS offer superior micronutrient profiles compared to common staple crops, contributing to dietary diversity and reducing malnutrition.

• Market potential: The demand for indigenous crops is growing, especially in niche markets such as organic, gluten-free, and health-conscious consumer segments.

• Challenges: Limited awareness and consumer demand hinder market expansion. Poor post-harvest handling and processing infrastructure reduce product quality and competitiveness. Weak policy support and extension services limit farmers' ability to scale up production.

• Success stories: Value addition initiatives, such as processing indigenous crops into flour, snacks, and beverages, have increased their appeal. Women-led cooperatives have played a key role in commercializing NUS products and improving household incomes. Public-private partnerships have helped integrate NUS into school feeding programs, promoting their wider adoption.

Recommendations

• Policy and institutional support: Governments should integrate NUS into agricultural and nutrition policies, provide incentives for production, and invest in research and development.

• Market development: Strengthen value chains by improving infrastructure, ensuring better market access, and supporting branding and certification for indigenous crops.

• Capacity building: Train farmers and processors on improved cultivation, harvesting, and processing techniques to enhance quality and profitability.

• Consumer awareness: Conduct targeted campaigns to educate consumers on the nutritional benefits of NUS and encourage their inclusion in daily diets.

• Collaboration: Foster partnerships between farmers, researchers, and private sector actors to enhance innovation and market expansion.

This publication underscores the critical role of NUS in achieving sustainable food systems and offers practical strategies for their promotion and commercialization.