Unleashing the value of neglected and underutilized crop diversity: Linking climate adaptation, nutrition, markets, and agrobiodiversity value chains

Session : This session shares lessons and experiences from an IFAD-supported project on Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) implemented by Bioversity International and its partners in Guatemala. The project deployed Rapid Market Appraisal (RMA) tools to conduct a value chain assessment and marketing consultation of the nutritious indigenous leafy vegetable, chaya. This study also implemented different key interventions to seize the potential of Chaya and revitalize its use in the country. These actions sought to connect small-scale producers to different markets to enhance and multiply impacts on environmental and biodiversity conservation, as well as nutrition, women’s empowerment, and income generation.

Presenter : Nadezda Amaya has worked for various CGIAR Centers (CIMMYT, CIP, CIFOR and Bioversity International) in the Latin American region, mainly Bolivia, Peru, Mexico and Guatemala. Her areas of expertise include agricultural
research, analysis of value chains, markets, gender, econometric analysis, and agri-business development for different crops (maize, roots and tubers, beans, and underutilized & neglected crops). Nadezda Amaya holds an MS in Agricultural and Applied Economics and an MA in Economics from Virginia Tech University.