ISPC Science Forum 2016, Addis Ababa, 12-14 April 2016

1. Contribution of agricultural research to poverty reduction
with a focus on ‘Future’ Crops: Report of the breakout session

2. Agricultural research for rural prosperity: Rethinking the pathways www.scienceforum2016.org
1. What is the role of the ‘Future Crops’ in the subsistence to
market-orientation continuum? Discussion will be based on 2-3
examples.
2. Where and how have opportunities for step changes in
productivity enhancements for the ‘Future Crops’ led to
increased income?
3. Does the extreme climate resilience of some of these ‘Future
Crops’ offer decreased risks to the poor in dryland regions? If yes,
how?
Questions Addressed in 3 subgroups (~10 each)
Focus on Grain Legumes and Millets

3. Agricultural research for rural prosperity: Rethinking the pathways www.scienceforum2016.org
‘Future’ Crops:
1. Climate resilience/ growth in poor soils :
Example: Pearl millet tolerates up to 42oC ; Bambara nut in sandy-
loam soils
2. Nutritional value:
Protein, Ca, Fe, Zn
‘Future’ Crops in Market-Oriented Agriculture:
Examples: Pulses in India; Tef in Ethiopia; Fonio in West Africa; Millets in
India; Quinoa….
Context-specific
 Grown in places where other crops do not grow
 Cultural preferences in diet
 Risk mitigation in cropping systems
 Environmental services (Pulses); agricultural / diet diversity
Would it be more profitable for a farmer to grow a ‘major’ crop or a
‘future’ crop? = Location- and context-specific