Skip to main content
UploadLanguage (EN)Support
BusinessMobileSocial MediaMarketingTechnologyArt & PhotosCareerDesignEducationPresentations & Public SpeakingGovernment & NonprofitHealthcareInternetLawLeadership & ManagementAutomotiveEngineeringSoftwareRecruiting & HRRetailSalesServicesScienceSmall Business & EntrepreneurshipFoodEnvironmentEconomy & FinanceData & AnalyticsInvestor RelationsSportsSpiritualNews & PoliticsTravelSelf ImprovementReal EstateEntertainment & HumorHealth & MedicineDevices & HardwareLifestyle
Francois Stepman, profile picture
Uploaded byFrancois Stepman
18 views

Scaling Agrobiodiversity and NUS-Based Food Systems in Africa: From SUSTLIVES to AgrEcoNUS+

Exploring sustainable food systems through neglected and underutilized species (NUS), focusing on research, seed systems, policy, markets, and agroecological practices to transform African agriculture.

Environment◦
Download to read offline
preencoded.png From SUSTLIVES to AgrEcoNUS+ Scaling Agrobiodiversity and NUS-Based Food Systems in Africa Exploring pathways to transform neglected and underutilized crops into sustainable food systems across the continent. Event Details: Monthly Talks on Agroecology – March 2026 Hamid El Bilali, CIHEAM Bari Partners: AICS - CIHEAM
preencoded.png The SUSTLIVES Experience SUSTLIVES pioneered a research-innovation approach to unlock the potential of agrobiodiversity and neglected and underutilized species (NUS) for sustainable food systems. Research & Knowledge Strengthening scientific understanding of underutilized crops through collaborative research and knowledge sharing Data Generation Creating new evidence on nutritional value, agronomic performance, and diverse uses of NUS Market Analysis Examining market opportunities and consumer perceptions to identify viable pathways for NUS commercialization Pilot Initiatives Supporting micro-enterprises and value chain actors through practical, on-the-ground innovation projects This foundational work established a roadmap for integrating NUS into resilient, sustainable food systems.
preencoded.png Key Insights from SUSTLIVES Beyond specific activities, SUSTLIVES revealed critical dynamics that shape successful NUS-based innovation: Farmer-managed Seed Systems Farmers' seed systems preserve and circulate agrobiodiversity through community (e.g. community seed banks and participatory varietal selection) Participatory Research Participatory research linking scientists, farmers, and local actors creates shared knowledge (e.g. joint field trials and knowledge exchange activities) Market Opportunities for Underutilized Crops Emerging market opportunities connect farmers, processors, and small enterprises in value chain development (e.g. pilot processing and product development initiatives) Innovation Platforms Innovation platforms foster dialogue and collaboration among research, enterprises, and institutions (e.g. multi - stakeholder forums for dialogue and collaboration) These interconnected dynamics establish the foundation for scaling innovation in AgrEcoNUS+.
preencoded.png NUS addressed: Amaranth · Bambara groundnut · Cassava · Fabirama · Okra · Moringa · Roselle · Sweet potato Knowledge and agro – biodiversity documentation and dissemination of traditional knowledge (custodian farmers, seasonal calendars, biodiversity registers) Research and data generation collection, characterization and evaluation of NUS; development of knowledge products Capacity building training of AKIS actors through workshops, training sessions and internships Seed systems improving access to quality seeds Enterprises and value chains support to NUS- based micro- enterprises Governance and policy dialogue stakeholder fora and consultation frameworks + 130 outputs + 700 people trained + 25 t produced and distributed + 32 MSMEs supported + 100 stakeholders involved Building a strong foundation for scaling NUS- based innovations
preencoded.png SUSTLIVES: Case of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) Community seed systems and custodian farmers (incl. traditional conservation methods) Agro-morphological characterization of landraces Participatory varietal selection (PVS) Value chain analysis Agronomic research (on-station and on-farm) Policy analysis Sustainability assessment Production specifications Valorization/processing guides & Recipes Market information system (prices) Training and building capacities of producers Sensitizing and raising awareness of consumers Production and distribution of seeds Policy advocacy from research to development from production to consumption
preencoded.png Scaling Pathways: From SUSTLIVES to AgrEcoNUS+ SUSTLIVES demonstrated that NUS-based approaches are technically and economically viable. AgrEcoNUS+ expands this foundation through three complementary scaling strategies: Scaling Out Geographic expansion to new countries and communities, multiplying impact across diverse contexts Scaling Up Policy and institutional change, embedding NUS into national and regional frameworks Scaling Deep Cultural transformation around NUS and agroecology, shifting norms and practices This multi-dimensional approach moves beyond local experimentation toward systemic transformation of food systems.
preencoded.png The AgrEcoNUS+ Approach AgrEcoNUS+ addresses the interconnected challenges of production, policy, and markets to create resilient NUS-based food systems: 1. Agroecological Production Strengthening food producers and smallholder farmers through agroecological practices applied to NUS and robust farmer-managed seed systems 2. Enabling Environment Supporting policy dialogue, institutional coordination, and research collaboration to create a more favourable environment for NUS and agroecological food systems 3. Markets & Consumption Developing value chains, supporting MSMEs, and expanding consumer demand for agroecological and NUS-based products By strengthening the link between production, markets, and policy, AgrEcoNUS+ improves food security, nutrition, and resilient agri-food systems.
preencoded.png 1. Reinforcing Research, Seeds & Farming Systems AgrEcoNUS+ amplifies the role of farmers as stewards of agrobiodiversity by scaling key innovations: Farmers' Seed Systems Farmer-managed seed systems and community seed banks Farmer-Led Innovation Participatory varietal selection and farmer-led experimentation Agroecological Practices Context-specific agroecological practices adapted to local conditions This integrated approach reinforces the vital connection between research institutions, seeds and farming systems.
preencoded.png 2. Building an Enabling Ecosystem for NUS AgrEcoNUS+ extends beyond field-level innovation by strengthening the wider ecosystem for NUS-based food systems: Policy Dialogue Engaging policymakers on farmer-managed seed systems and supportive regulatory frameworks Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration Connecting research institutions, farmers' organizations, and civil society for coordinated action Regional Knowledge Hub Establishing a NUS knowledge and innovation hub to share evidence, tools, and best practices These ecosystem-level interventions create the conditions for sustained scaling of NUS-based innovation.
preencoded.png 3. Unlocking Markets and Consumer Demand AgrEcoNUS+ bridges agrobiodiversity with economic opportunity by supporting: MSME & Cooperative Support Building capacity of micro, small, and medium enterprises and cooperatives engaged in NUS value chains Value Addition Product development, processing, and market access strategies for NUS-based products Consumer Awareness Promotion campaigns highlighting nutritional benefits and cultural value of NUS By linking agrobiodiversity, entrepreneurship, and consumer awareness, AgrEcoNUS+ drives food systems transformation.
preencoded.png From Innovation to Transformation Scaling Agrobiodiversity and NUS-Based Food Systems in Africa Thank you for your attention!