Overview:

Humanity faces unprecedented, interlinked challenges to achieve sustainable development (e.g., climate change, food and nutrition insecurity, livelihoods vulnerability and poverty, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation). This study systematically reviews research on orphan crops (neglected and underutilized species, NUS) in Burkina Faso and Niger, focusing on their role in food security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. The research highlights the potential of these crops to address interlinked challenges, including malnutrition, biodiversity loss, and climate change adaptation. The study also identifies research gaps, especially in economic and policy domains, and emphasizes the need for increased investment in Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) to support the development of orphan crops in these regions.

Key Findings:

1. Nutritional value and potential for dietary diversity: Orphan crops such as finger millet, pearl millet, cowpea, sweet potato, and amaranth are rich in micronutrients (iron, zinc, vitamin A) and protein, making them vital for improving dietary diversity. They offer health benefits, including anticancer properties (found in millets) and enhanced gut health due to high fiber content. These crops contribute to food security by filling dietary gaps, particularly for children under five, adolescents, and women of reproductive age.

2. Environmental effects compared to staple crops: Orphan crops require fewer external inputs (fertilizers, pesticides) and are more pest-resistant, reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. They improve soil health through nitrogen fixation (e.g., Bambara groundnut, cowpea), reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Water-efficient crops like millet and sorghum thrive in drought-prone regions, supporting water conservation efforts. They enhance biodiversity and reduce agricultural monoculture reliance, promoting ecosystem sustainability.

3. Role in climate resilience and extreme weather adaptation: Orphan crops are highly adaptable to harsh climates, including extreme heat, poor soil conditions, and irregular rainfall. Incorporating these crops into farming systems enhances resilience against climate-induced crop failures. Traditional drought-resistant crops such as sorghum and pearl millet perform better under projected climate change scenarios than major staple crops like maize.

4. Potential for humanitarian aid and emergency food security: Due to their resilience and nutritional density, orphan crops can be critical for humanitarian aid and emergency relief programs in Africa. They provide a locally available, sustainable food source during periods of conflict and natural disasters. Community seed banks and local production models ensure that orphan crops remain accessible during crises.

5. Leverage points for strengthening traditional crops: Current agricultural policies heavily favor staple crops, sidelining orphan crops. Governments should integrate orphan crops into national food security policies and provide funding for their development. Financial incentives (such as price support, tax breaks, and grants) can encourage farmers to cultivate orphan crops. Governments should implement procurement programs that incorporate these crops into school feeding and public food initiatives. Successful initiatives such as West Africa’s SUSTLIVES project demonstrate how local market development can boost orphan crop production. Training programs should promote the best practices for cultivating, processing, and marketing orphan crops. Enhancing seed systems and storage facilities will improve production efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses.

Recommendations:

1. Strengthening policy and institutional frameworks: Integrate orphan crops into national food security and climate resilience strategies. Increase funding for research and development of orphan crops.

2. Enhance market and consumer awareness: Develop consumer education campaigns to reduce stigma around orphan crops. Establish market incentives and improve supply chains to increase their accessibility.

3. Encourage sustainable agricultural practices: Promote climate-smart farming techniques that incorporate drought-resistant orphan crops. Expand agroforestry and mixed cropping systems to enhance resilience and sustainability.

4. Leverage international support and humanitarian aid programs: Integrate orphan crops into food aid programs to enhance local food security. Establish seed banks and community-based conservation programs to preserve genetic diversity.

5. Supporting gender-inclusive approaches: Provide women farmers with better access to land, credit, and training for orphan crop cultivation. Empower women’s cooperatives to improve commercialization and market access.