An ICT project in Burkina faso has the intention to strenghten connection amongst Shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa) produce and sale.
Here is the link to read about it from IICD (The International Institute for Communication and Development) newsletter
Scores of African scientists will be trained to develop crops for Africa’s conditions under a programme launched on Wednesday which is also aimed at keeping their expertise at home. Read more at Reuters …
Cary Fowler mentions “Orphan crops” while talking about this major conservation effort taking place in Svalbard (Norway). Here a link to the article.
It’s not only in the 21st century that people rediscover forgotten and underutilized species. Have a look at this National Geographic article of May 1981 and you will find that some of the mentioned species are still underutilized whether others made their way and are quite visible now.
“Underutilised plant species are those with underexploited potential for contributing to food security, health, income generation and environmental services.”
ICUC Position paper No.2: Underutilised plant species: Impacts of promotion on biodiversity
The ICUC paper looks at the possible methods that can be used to promote UPS and suggest a number of conditions that should be met if such interventions are not to have undesired effects on biodiversity and the services it provides:
‘Intelligent markets’ are ones that improve both incomes and environmental management. Developing such markets “will involve educating producers and microprocessors in how to diversify their activities, encouraging value chain development, and supporting DO [denomination of origin] and related initiatives.â€
See also the origninal and complete post at Agricultural Biodiversity Weblog
Aug 3
Promoting Dietary Diversity in Poor Communities of Lebanon
There is a new, very beautiful website on underutilized species in Lebanon. The website and its project aims at:
Please go and have a look www.wildedibleplants.org
Not all of the plants listed here are underutiized but a precious source of information with regards to indigenous cultivars used in the Andean diet – here is the link
And if you want to know about the Huari Wari Empire
Jul 26
Many underutilized plant species are nutritionally rich, they contribute to combat hidden hunger, have a direct impact on well-being and health, and are accessible resources for the urban and rural poor.
Anything you could and would like to let us know with regards to this?
There is a general growing consumer demand for product diversity, which may offer new market opportunities and create employment at various levels.
This contributes to the diversification of livelihood opportunities for poor people, especially vulnerable groups.
Markets: local versus global, postharvets activities, value chains, GI’s and much more to explore … What would you say about making money from underutilized species?
The picture on the left shows jackfruit selling on a market in India.
Underutilized plant species contribute to agro-ecosystem stability and, therefore,
mitigate the effects of environmental changes.
They are often adapated to marginal conditions.
Have you any stories to share with regards to environmental services provided by underutilized species, this is the place to do it!