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Sustainable Agriculture through Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS): the Sub-Saharan Africa case showcased by Claire Billot (CIRAD, France)

Among the EWABELT technologies, the Neglected and Underutilized Crop species (NUS) represent an innovative way to promote Sustainable Agriculture, as presented by Claire Billot from the Agricultural and Research Center for Sustainable Development (CIRAD).


Among the challenges related to agricultural resilience in sub-Saharan Africa, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, and floods are severely impacting crop productivity, particularly maize, sorghum, and millet, which are staple cereals in the region. Within this context, Dr. Billot highlighted that predictions for the future suggest how, while yields may increase in some areas, overall productivity will decline, with significant regional variation.

 

In this regard, there is a need for resilient crop varieties, especially Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) are more adaptable to local conditions, as showcased by the research carried out through field and genomic studies, with a focus on understanding the genetic diversity of crops like fonio. The aim is to ensure that these crops can withstand future climate conditions, offering food security in the region.

 

Furthermore, Dr. Billot underlined how migration patterns are influenced by climate change, where poverty traps limit the ability of rural populations to migrate to urban areas, exacerbating economic inequalities, emphasizing the importance of assisting farmers by introducing new, climate-adapted crop varieties and promoting participatory approaches in agricultural practices.

 

Ongoing research, including genomic analysis, field phenotyping, and legal framework considerations, is set to be published. These findings will provide valuable insights that can inform future innovations and policy development.


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