Mainstreaming Neglected and Underutilized Species

Mainstreaming Neglected and Underutilized Species for Nutrition and Resilience in Tanzania

PROJECT TYPE: ONGOING

Project Duration: 2026–2027

Funding Partner: Roddenberry Foundation

Geographical Coverage: Central Tanzania (Arid and Semi-Arid Areas)

Background

Food systems in Tanzania are increasingly challenged by climate change, declining agrobiodiversity, changing dietary patterns, and overreliance on a limited number of staple crops. While many indigenous and traditional crops have historically provided communities with nutritious foods and resilience to harsh climatic conditions, these species have received limited attention in research, policy, and agricultural development programs.

Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) represent an important but often overlooked resource for addressing food and nutrition insecurity, strengthening climate resilience, and conserving agricultural biodiversity. These crops are generally well adapted to local environments, require fewer external inputs, and possess high nutritional value. Despite their potential, many traditional crops continue to disappear from farming systems and local diets due to changing consumption patterns, limited market opportunities, and inadequate investment.

Recognizing the importance of these crops in building resilient and sustainable food systems, the Mainstreaming Neglected and Underutilized Species for Nutrition and Resilience in Tanzania project seeks to promote their conservation, production, utilization, and integration into local food systems.

Project Overview

Supported by the Roddenberry Foundation, this two-year initiative aims to strengthen nutrition, food security, and climate resilience through the promotion of neglected and underutilized species in Tanzania’s dryland regions. The project seeks to revive traditional knowledge, strengthen community capacities, and increase awareness of the importance of indigenous crops in addressing current and future food system challenges.

By placing agrobiodiversity at the center of agricultural development, the project contributes to more diversified, nutritious, and climate-resilient farming systems while supporting the conservation of valuable genetic resources.

Goal

To enhance nutrition, food security, and climate resilience by promoting the conservation, production, and consumption of neglected and underutilized species in Tanzania.

Specific Objectives

Promote the cultivation and sustainable use of neglected and underutilized crop species.
Increase awareness of the nutritional and economic value of indigenous foods.
Strengthen community knowledge and capacities on seed conservation and sustainable production practices.
Improve dietary diversity and nutrition among vulnerable households.
Enhance climate resilience through diversified and biodiversity-rich farming systems.
Conserve agricultural biodiversity and traditional knowledge associated with indigenous crops.
Promote greater recognition of neglected and underutilized species within food systems and development initiatives.

Key Focus Areas

The project focuses on crop species that have traditionally played a significant role in local food systems but have gradually become marginalized. These include cereals, legumes, leafy vegetables, roots, tubers, and fruits that possess high nutritional value and strong adaptation to drought-prone environments.

Special emphasis is placed on promoting indigenous seeds, farmer-managed seed systems, and agroecological production practices that support resilient and sustainable agriculture.

Key Activities

Major interventions under the project include:

Identification and documentation of important neglected and underutilized species.
Establishment of demonstration plots and community learning sites.
Farmer training on agroecological production practices.
Promotion of indigenous seed conservation and community seed systems.
Nutrition education and awareness campaigns.
Documentation and preservation of traditional knowledge.
Strengthening market linkages and value addition opportunities.
Community exchange visits and knowledge-sharing events.
Development and dissemination of educational and communication materials.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the project, it is expected that:

Increased numbers of farmers will cultivate neglected and underutilized crops.
Household dietary diversity and nutritional outcomes will improve.
Communities will possess greater knowledge and appreciation of indigenous foods.
Local seed systems and agrobiodiversity conservation efforts will be strengthened.
Climate resilience among farming households will be enhanced through diversified production systems.
Traditional knowledge related to indigenous crops will be documented and preserved.
Greater recognition will be created for the role of neglected and underutilized species in sustainable food systems.

Long-Term Impact

The project envisions a future where Tanzania’s rich agricultural biodiversity is recognized as a strategic asset for sustainable development. By revitalizing neglected and underutilized species, the initiative contributes to healthier diets, resilient livelihoods, and the conservation of valuable genetic resources for future generations.

Ultimately, the project seeks to demonstrate that indigenous crops are not relics of the past, but essential building blocks for climate-resilient agriculture, improved nutrition, and sustainable food systems in Tanzania.