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Conservation and Promotion of Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species in West Africa: Policy and Governance

Author

Listed:
  • Hamid El Bilali

    (International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Via Ceglie 9, 70010 Bari, Italy)

  • Susanna Rokka

    (Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Tietotie 4, 31600 Jokioinen, Finland)

  • Generosa Calabrese

    (International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Via Ceglie 9, 70010 Bari, Italy)

  • Teresa Borelli

    (Alliance Bioversity International-CIAT (Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical), Via San Domenico 1, 00153 Rome, Italy)

  • Francesca Grazioli

    (Alliance Bioversity International-CIAT (Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical), Via San Domenico 1, 00153 Rome, Italy)

  • Sheirita Reine Fanta Tietiambou

    (University Centre of Gaoua, Nazi Boni University, P.O. Box 01, Bobo-Dioulasso 1091, Burkina Faso)

  • Jacques Nanema

    (Programme Agrinovia, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, P.O. Box 03, Ouagadougou 7021, Burkina Faso)

  • Iro Dan Guimbo

    (Department of Rural Engineering, Water and Forests, Faculty of Agronomy, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey P.O. Box 237, Niger)

  • Lawali Dambo

    (Department of Geography, Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey P.O. Box 237, Niger)

  • Bassirou Nouhou

    (Afrique Verte Niger (AcSSA), Niamey P.O. Box 11751, Niger)

  • Maria Gonnella

    (Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council (CNR), Via G. Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Filippo Acasto

    (Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Ouaga 2000-Secteur 54, Arrondissement n. 12, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso)

Abstract

Neglected and underutilized crop species (NUCS/NUS) are claimed to contribute to sustainable development. However, many scholars argue that enabling policies and appropriate governance are needed to operationalize such a potential contribution. Therefore, this systematic review analyzes the literature dealing with the relationships between policy and governance aspects and the promotion of NUS in West Africa. It draws upon 45 eligible articles identified through a search conducted on the Web of Science in December 2023. The existing literature focuses on Nigeria and a few NUS, especially cassava. The addressed policy domains include biodiversity conservation; subsidies; seed systems; food security, self-sufficiency and sovereignty; trade and import substitution; food safety and health; climate change and energy; land use; research, innovation and development; and support and assistance systems. Meanwhile, the main governance domains are (1) inclusiveness and participation and (2) institutional capacity. The analysis suggests that NUS development is also affected by sectoral policy coherence and consistency as well as the policy–governance interplay. Future studies should widen the scope in terms of geographical coverage in West Africa and NUS addressed to allow for more comparisons. Furthermore, there is a need for further research to understand the synergies and trade-offs between sectoral policies affecting NUS promotion and development.

Suggested Citation

  • Hamid El Bilali & Susanna Rokka & Generosa Calabrese & Teresa Borelli & Francesca Grazioli & Sheirita Reine Fanta Tietiambou & Jacques Nanema & Iro Dan Guimbo & Lawali Dambo & Bassirou Nouhou & Maria , 2024. "Conservation and Promotion of Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species in West Africa: Policy and Governance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:14:p:6194-:d:1438971
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Haggblade, Steven & Me-Nsope, Nathalie M. & Staatz, John M., 2017. "Food security implications of staple food substitution in Sahelian West Africa," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 27-38.
    2. Mabhaudhi, T. & Chimonyo, V. G. P. & Hlahla, S. & Massawe, F. & Mayes, S. & Nhamo, Luxon & Modi, A. T., 2019. "Prospects of orphan crops in climate change," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 250(3):695-.
    3. Prudencio, Y. Coffi & Al-Hassan, Ramatu, 1994. "The food security stabilization roles of cassava in Africa," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 19(1), pages 57-64, February.
    4. Adesiyan Oluwafunmilola Felicia & Adesiyan Adewumi Titus & Adebayo Simeon Bamire & Coulibaly Ousmane & Robert Asiedu, 2016. "Effects of Policies on Yam Production and Consumption in Nigeria," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(3), pages 363-378, July.
    5. Dimitri Defrance & Benjamin Sultan & Mathieu Castets & Adjoua Moise Famien & Christian Baron, 2020. "Impact of Climate Change in West Africa on Cereal Production Per Capita in 2050," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-19, September.
    6. Pauline Chivenge & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi & Albert T. Modi & Paramu Mafongoya, 2015. "The Potential Role of Neglected and Underutilised Crop Species as Future Crops under Water Scarce Conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-27, May.
    7. Baarsch, Florent & Granadillos, Jessie R. & Hare, William & Knaus, Maria & Krapp, Mario & Schaeffer, Michiel & Lotze-Campen, Hermann, 2020. "The impact of climate change on incomes and convergence in Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).
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    9. Gea Galluzzi & Isabel López Noriega, 2014. "Conservation and Use of Genetic Resources of Underutilized Crops in the Americas—A Continental Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(2), pages 1-38, February.
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    1. Tsz-Yan Cheung & Konoutan M. Kafoutchoni & Eric E. Agoyi & Ting-Fung Chan & Mark A. Chapman, 2025. "Exceptionally low genomic diversity in the underutilised legume Kersting’s groundnut," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    2. Simoun Bayudan & Hans De Steur & Joachim Jietse Schouteten, 2026. "Global impacts of increased undervalued crop production on environmental, economic, and nutrient outcomes," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 18(2), pages 345-360, April.

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