Bioversity International leads a Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) value chains development initiative in several regions of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
For example we have been working in Bolivia and Peru for more than ten years on traditional grains such as quinoa, amaranth and cañihua, which are highly nutritious and have been cultivated for thousands of years in the high altitude plains. But these crops were in decline. Research to improve production and processing methods, strengthen market links, and deliver promotional campaigns led to increased cultivation, market opportunities, and consumption of these traditional forgotten grains. Empowering actors throughout the whole value chain helps them to reduce malnutrition, cope with climate change and improve livelihoods (read the impact brief - pictured right - to find out more).
In 2015 we launched a new initiative to study how underutilized crops can enhance resilience and nutrition in Mali, India and Guatemala. This initiative is supported by the European Union, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS).
Thanks to support from ACP-EU and DEVCO, we are currently strengthening capacities and informing policies to make these forgotten but resilient and nutritious crops of national and regional importance more accessible.