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Value Chain Development for Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) in Agroecology

Overview of CROPS4HD project promoting NUS through agroecological practices, market development, and policy advocacy to improve nutrition, food security, and livelihoods in Tanzania and other countries.

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Value chain approach to NUS development Emmanuel E Msuya- SWTA , March 05, 2026
www.fibl.org Project overview CROPS4HD (Consumption of Resilient Orphan Crops & Products for Healthier Diets) A 10-year initiative promoting Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) to improve nutrition, food security, and agrobiodiversity, especially for women and smallholder farmers. Implementers: SWISSAID, FiBL, AFSA Funder: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC),EU Countries: Tanzania, Niger, Chad, India, and Zimbabwe Phase I (2020–2025): Community-led conservation of NUS, Participatory varietal selection & farmer trials,Nutrition evidence generation & consumer awareness; Strengthening agroecology-based seed & food systems. Core Focus Areas • Promote agroecological practices and diversified diets • Strengthen Farmer-Managed Seed Systems (FMSS) • Improve market access for NUS/AE products • Integrate NUS into national policies & frameworks 2
www.fibl.org Project overview Cont... Push–Pull–Policy Strategy • PUSH: Farmer training, varietal selection, AE practices, seed banks PULL: Market development, consumer awareness, product standards, SuLIA POLICY: Advocacy for FMSS, NUS in seed laws, continental engagement Key Achievements (2025) • 11,631 farmers cultivating NUS; 27,631 in farmer-to-farmer networks • 52% households applying AE practices; 713 varieties in Community Seed Banks • 37 markets with AE/NUS products; 3,219 producers selling • 295 champion farmers trained; 13 FMSS varieties added to Tanzania’s National Variety List • 61,083 consumers reached directly; millions via radio, TV, social media 02 April 2026 3
Project overview Cont... Phase II (2025–2029); CROPS4HD II AGROECONUS+ focus • Scaling proven Phase I models; • Expanding Push–Pull–Policy strategies; • Strengthening NUS markets & outreach campaigns; • Deepened policy engagement + expansion to Zimbabwe. To Strengthen NUS market development, AgrEcoNUS+ combines: • PMCA – A participatory methodology that brings actors together to identify opportunities and develop innovations • The NUS-AE Financial Vehicle – A three-tier support mechanism providing tailored funding to NUS businesses at different stages The following slide shows how these PMCA & financial mechanisms are embedded in the NUS value chain.
www.fibl.org PMCA as a PULL Methodology to drive value chain and market development Produce r Consumer Value Chain / Market PULL To strengthen market access and demand, the project uses the Participatory Market Chain Approach (PMCA) as a PULL methodology. Implementation: Led by SWISSAID with technical and methodological support from FiBL. Purpose of PMCA: It’s a facilitated process that brings together value chain actors — farmers, traders, processors, and retailers to: • Identify market opportunities • Develop business and product innovations • Strengthen collaboration and trust among actors • Improve market access for producers Note: PMCA is a Business Development Approach, not a research method.
www.fibl.org 6 PMCA – General Process Structure Relevant Stakeholders Facilitating Organisation Focus on NUS! This is aValue Chain Business Development Approach, not a Research Approach! We facilitate the process to work together with stakeholders and support their activities! Overall conceptual Framework for PULL Market Development Activities -> PMCA ~ 1.5 years
PMCA Phase1&2 After Phase 1, four thematic business groups were formed based on target markets. Each group includes producers, traders, processors, and retailers. During Phase 2, we facilitated monthly meetings with the business groups, where: We shared key information on markets and nutrition. • Facilitated actors to analyze market opportunities using tools such as SWOT analysis and rapid market appraisal. • And finally, the groups identified promising innovations and started developing business plans while working on marketing strategies based on the 5Ps Market concept.
Actors discussing potential business opportunities for collaborations
Buyer present new innovations during (PMCA phase 2 final event).
Actors showcase innovations of different food products during the PMCA Phase 2 final event. On the far right, the Deputy Regional Administrative Secretary of Lindi receives explanations about the products
Food fair event Actors showcase different NUS dishes
Food products and NUS cooking book showcased at exhibition
PMCA Phase 3 In Phase 3, the business groups focused on implementing the innovations identified earlier. Actors designed and tested new products, developed marketing concepts, and strengthened their business plans. The process culminates in a final PMCA event where innovations were presented to a wider audience, helped to attract new partners and expanded market opportunities
Innovations showcased by market actor
• NUC Product innovations
Actors showcase product to wider public during PMCA phase 3 final event
NUC products exhibition
Food products Innovation
NUC products innovation
PMCA phase 3final event
Key Insights from PMCA Implementation Profitability drives engagement Business actors stay involved when collaboration generates profit. Reliable supply is essential Consistent farmer production strengthens market linkages. Continuous facilitation is critical Regular coordination supports innovation and partnerships. Collective marketing matters Farmer aggregation improves supply for distant markets. Market investment is needed Selling points and infrastructure require financial support. Women’s participation should be strengthened
www.fibl.org Building Sustainable NUS Agroecological Value Chains SEEDS & PRODUCTION Farmers AGGREGATION & PROCESSING Value Addition MARKETING & BRANDING Identity DISTRIBUTION & RETAIL Market Access CONSUMERS X0 Start-up incubator & small grants • Seeds • Small machines • Bio-fertilisers X2 Revolving Loans • Scale-up capital • Trasport • Market expansion ROOTICAL Start- up Studio Identifying & Filling Critical Value Chain Gaps e.g. processing gap; irrigation; distribution; transport… PUSH ✓ Varieties selection ✓ FFS & AE training ✓ Seed multiplication PULL •Consumer awareness campaigns •Nutrition education (SuLIA) •PMCA Matching Grants • Processing equipment • Quality certification • Packaging design • Market linkages • Brand development • Irrigation schemes • Post-harvest X1 CONSUMERS CONSUMERS
Thank you Contact Emmanuel Msuya (SWTA):e.msuya@swissaidtanzania.org Bernet Thomas (FIBL): thomas.bernet@fibl.org