NATURE+ mobilizes new value chains for neglected crops in 5 countries: Report

Research and community-driven interventions by NATURE+ and partners mobilized new value chain activities in five countries between 2022 and 2024. Work focused on untapped potential for neglected and underutilized species (NUS) that rural women’s and farmer groups can sustainably manage, conserve and integrate into farm production strategies to benefit agrobiodiversity, food security, livelihoods and natural environments.

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Approaches and Benefits of NUS Value Chain Development under the NATURE+ Initiative: An Overview

CGIAR’s Nature-Positive Solutions Initiative (NATURE+) addresses the pressing need for sustainable rural livelihoods through the simultaneous conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity. Neglected and underutilized species (NUS) are central to this work, as these crops and trees often possess unique traits that make them well-suited to local conditions, are tolerant of drought and pests, and often have high nutritional value.

NUS have been generally marginalized by mainstream agricultural development but hold considerable potential to enhance food security, increase climate resilience, and provide economic opportunities for rural communities. By fostering sustainable use through value chain development, capacity building, and market linkages, NATURE+ aims to empower smallholder farmers, preserve cultural heritage, and combat the negative impacts of monoculture farming.

In Kenya, an aggregated farm model deployed by NATURE+ is a transformative approach to cooperative farming, rooted in permaculture principles that regenerate soil, conserve water and enhance biodiversity. These farms reduce costs for farmers, create jobs and increase incomes through several nature-positive practices. NUS seeds are sourced from community seedbanks (which have local varieties of sorghum, finger millet, traditional leafy vegetables and maize), and fertilizer and biocontrols are produced on-site, reducing reliance on costly inputs. Furthermore, increasing demand for healthy and locally produced food potentially opens markets for farm produce. Value-addition processing of farm produce also creates new market linkages. Challenges in market access and infrastructure remain, but future research and activities will focus on improving post-harvest handling, refining permaculture techniques, and studying market dynamics to strengthen value chains and increase farmers’ incomes.

In Burkina Faso, community seed banks are pivotal in conserving and promoting NUS like Bambara groundnut and moringa, addressing the challenges of climate variability and food insecurity in the arid Sahel region. Women-led cooperatives have been trained to process and market NUS-based products, creating economic opportunities while fostering dietary diversity. However, weak market linkages and a lack of technical support hinder the full potential of these efforts. Future research will investigate how local stakeholders and NATURE+ partners can improve seed storage techniques, assess market potential for processed NUS products, and enhance the functionality of seed banks to ensure long-term sustainability.

NATURE+ researchers in India focuse on developing value chains for local crops like Khalbhat, a local rice variety, and amchur from local varieties of mangoes, which are culturally significant and hold premium market potential. Community seed banks have supported the conservation of these varieties, while producer organizations facilitated small-scale processing and commercialization. Despite successes, challenges persist in scaling production and expanding market access. Future research will explore the nutritional properties of these crops, optimize production methods, and identify new market opportunities to support rural livelihoods and preserve local biodiversity.

In Colombia, NATURE+ found that agro-ecotourism is a promising strategy for sustainable development in post-conflict areas like Cumbal. Indigenous women-led initiatives combine biodiversity conservation with economic activities such as native crop cultivation, seed banking, hospitality services, and NUS-based recipe collaborations with big-city chefs. While initial steps, like capacity building and market assessments, have been successful, limited infrastructure and technical support pose challenges. Future research will focus on improving agroecological practices, evaluating the ecological and economic impacts of agro-ecotourism, and identifying pathways for scaling these activities to ensure broader community benefits.

In Vietnam, participatory approaches enhanced the production of, and value chains for, local crops like pumpkins and Indigenous vegetables. Farmers gained skills in crop management, seed saving and marketing but production remains small-scale, and consistent quality is a challenge. Research in the coming years will focus on evaluating agroecological practices, improving seed systems, and exploring opportunities for collective production models. Efforts to integrate NUS into agro-eco-tourism and school feeding programs will also be studied to create stable market demand for these crops while preserving cultural and biodiversity-rich traditions.

NATURE+ research demonstrates the critical role of NUS in addressing food security, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability. By prioritizing locally adapted species, strengthening rural institutions, and advancing targeted research, these efforts contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for rural communities.