May 2015: Bioversity International has launched an initiative to enhance the use of neglected and underutilized crop species (NUS) to manage risks and empower the poor in three target countries. Among other objectives, the initiative will build the capacity of farmers, researchers and government actors to integrate nutrition, resilience and income considerations in the development of more sustainable farm and livelihood systems.

Using a holistic value chain approach, the initiative aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of nutritious and hardy traditional crops based on lessons learned from 15 years of research in Latin America and Asia. It will be implemented in Guatemala, India and Mali in collaboration with partner organizations representing indigenous peoples and local actors groups.

The initiative was launched during a conference held from 27-30 April 2015, in Rome, Italy, which brought together the main project participants to discuss ways to support the poor in managing risks using local crops, including: agricultural biodiversity value chains and their roles in nutrition and livelihood resilience, particularly in the context of climate change; ways to empower women in resource-poor indigenous communities; and needs and approaches for capacity building.

The initiative is supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the European Union, and the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS). Bioversity International is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. [Bioversity International New Release][Launch Conference Website][NUS Press Release]