The potential of neglected and underutilized species for improving diets and nutrition

Abstract

Main conclusion Nutrient-rich neglected and underutilized plant species could help transform food systems, provided science and policy are better connected, and greater coordination exists among the diverse stakeholders working with these species.

Biodiverse food plants: Which gaps do we need to address to promote sustainable diets?

“…One of the possible approaches is the Food Matching method, which seeks to match plant data available in international tables, articles, labels or other sources (Stadlmayr et al 2012). This strategy, however, has limitations, as food composition data have significant differences related to the agroecological zone (management techniques, climate, soil), seasonality and, most importantly, genetic diversity (Hunter et al 2019). The development of composition studies is essential for the correct interpretation of the nutritional contribution of the food consumed.…”

Local Solutions for Sustainable Food Systems: The Contribution of Orphan Crops and Wild Edible Species

“…Following a brief overview of the methodology used, the paper will focus on the three-pronged approach that the countries used to: (i) increase evidence of the nutritional value and biocultural importance of these foods; (ii) better link research to policy to ensure these foods are considered in national food and nutrition security strategies and actions; and (iii) increase awareness of the desirability of these alternative food options among consumers so that they may more easily be incorporated in diets, food systems and markets ( Figure 1). The three-pronged approach used by countries to establish enabling environments for mainstreaming biodiversity for food and nutrition into local food systems, from production to consumption (adapted from [26][27][28]). Figure 1.…”

“…Figure 1. The three-pronged approach used by countries to establish enabling environments for mainstreaming biodiversity for food and nutrition into local food systems, from production to consumption (adapted from [26][27][28]).…”

“…Although the methodology and approaches have been described in greater detail in other publications for the GEF-supported Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition (BFN) Project [26][27][28] and for the IFAD Project [25,29,30], this is the first time the authors attempt to pull together the portfolio of work carried out by Bioversity International and its partner countries to diversify food systems using orphan crops, traditional varieties and wild edible species. Table 1 below provides an overview of the countries' focus by pillar, followed by the indicative length of implementation and budget investments.…”

Promoting orphan crops research and development

“…Due to this adaptability to marginal and low input environments, orphan crops offer opportunities for low greenhouse gas emissions (Mabhaudhi et al 2019). In addition, these indigenous crops provide nutrient-rich biodiversity and healthier diets to resource-poor consumers (Hunter et al 2019). Due to multiple dietary benefits and their tolerance to extreme environmental conditions, some orphan crops are considered to be crops for the future.…”