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Global Plan of Action 189.
Assessment: While a small number of species
provides a large proportion of global food needs, hundreds
of other species are utilised at a local level, either through
cultivation or harvesting. These
underutilised species contribute substantially to household
food and livelihood security; they are often managed or harvested
by women. Knowledge
concerning the uses and management of these species is likewise
often localized and specialized. Many
underutilised plants have potential for more widespread use,
and their promotion could contribute to food security, agricultural
diversification, and income generation, particularly in areas
where the cultivation of major crops is economically marginal.
However,
current programmes for conservation, research and development
tend to neglect these species. 190.
Longterm objectives: To contribute to agricultural
diversification, increased food security, and improved farmers'
livelihoods; to promote the conservation and sustainable management
of underutilised species and their genetic resources. 191.
Intermediate objectives: To develop appropriate
conservation strategies and sustainable management practices
for underutilised species; to improve selected species; to
improve the marketing of underutilised crops. 192.
Policy/strategy: Governments and their national
agricultural research systems, with the support of the international
agricultural research centres, and nongovernmental organizations,
and taking into account the views of farmers' organizations
and their communities, are encouraged to promote policies
consistent with the sustainable use, management and development
of underutilized species, including land use policies, as
appropriate, identified as having a potential to make significant
contributions to local economies and food security. 193.
Capacity: Training and capacity building for scientists and
extension specialists and for farmers and local communities,
with particular emphasis on women, should be provided in:
(a)
identifying underutilised species with potential for increased
sustainable use; (b)
developing and implementing sustainable management practices
for underutilized species of importance to food and agriculture;
(c)
developing postharvest processing methods; (d)
developing marketing methods. 194.
Research/technology: Research should be undertaken
to: (a)
develop sustainable management practices for underutilized
species of importance to food and agriculture and their genetic
resources; (b)
develop postharvest processing and other methods to improve
marketing possibilities. 195.
Coordination/administration: Regional networks together with
national programmes and in cooperation with international
agricultural research centres, NGOs and other relevant organizations,
should regularly review the status of underutilised species
in their region, to: (a)
identify possibilities for greater sustainable use; (b)
identify common research and development needs; (c)
facilitate and, as appropriate, coordinate requests for relevant
financial and technical assistance. 196.
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