Over 250 farmers, scientists, and policymakers across seven countries have identified a diverse set of underutilized crops — including India’s horse gram and Nigeria’s ancient grain fonio — as priorities for future investment under the Power of Diversity Funding Facility, a major new global initiative spearheaded by the Crop Trust.
The announcement marks the completion of the first milestone in the Facility’s ambitious mission to promote the conservation, production, and consumption of high-potential “opportunity crops” — resilient, nutrient-rich plants deeply embedded in local food traditions but historically overlooked by research and investment.
Launched earlier this year by the Crop Trust, the initiative is backed by €10 million from Germany through KfW Development Bank and €2 million from Ireland via its Department of Foreign Affairs. It aims to harness crop diversity to address food insecurity, climate change, and economic challenges facing smallholder farmers.
“These crops were selected by those who know their farming and food systems best,” said Dr. Stefan Schmitz, Executive Director of the Crop Trust. “By focusing on opportunity crops, we can meet the challenges facing tomorrow’s food systems. These crops can open economic opportunities for farmers and deliver benefits to communities now, while safeguarding the future of food.”
Country Highlights
Across seven participating nations, locally led consultations brought together farmers, researchers, and policymakers to determine which crops should take center stage. The process was supported by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, drawing on decades of experience with neglected and underutilized crops, particularly across Africa.
-
Colombia – Guided by Agrosavia, discussions highlighted peach palm and chayote for their nutritional value and untapped market potential.
-
Nigeria – Led by NACGRAB, stakeholders selected fonio and pigeon pea, both essential for resilience and food security in rural and urban diets.
-
Zambia – Under ZARI, experts and farmers prioritized cowpea and sorghum, known for their ability to thrive in harsh conditions.
-
Kenya – The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) identified amaranth and finger millet, valued for their versatility and cultural heritage.
-
India – The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) spotlighted horse gram and yams, traditional staples that merit renewed research and investment.
-
Tanzania – Through TARI, in partnership with the Crop Trust’s BOLDER initiative, consultations emphasized finger millet, Bambara groundnut, moringa, sweetpotato leaves, and jute mallow for their nutrition and resilience benefits.
-
Uganda – Also working with BOLDER, NARO selected jackfruit, pearl millet, pumpkin, cowpea, and amaranth for their dietary contributions and potential to boost smallholder livelihoods.
Next Steps: Strengthening Seed Systems and Value Chains
According to Nico Wilms-Posen, who coordinates the Funding Facility, the next phase will focus on securing crop diversity in national and international genebanks and ensuring that seeds are accessible to breeders and farmers.
The Facility will also work to strengthen value chains by improving seed availability, conducting nutritional studies, and engaging consumers to increase awareness and demand for these crops. Knowledge-sharing with policymakers will help position opportunity crops as central to sustainable food and agricultural strategies within partner countries and beyond.
About the Crop Trust
The Crop Trust is an international organization dedicated to conserving crop diversity and safeguarding global food and nutrition security. Its endowment fund provides long-term financial support to key genebanks worldwide. The Crop Trust also supports the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and coordinates large-scale projects to secure and make crop diversity accessible for future generations.
Learn more: www.croptrust.org
About the Power of Diversity Funding Facility
The Power of Diversity Funding Facility is a multi-donor initiative managed by the Crop Trust. It focuses on conserving, cultivating, and promoting the consumption of neglected and underutilized crops across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Learn more: https://www.croptrust.org/what-we-do/projects/power-of-diversity-funding-facility/
Source: ameyawdebrah.com/
