Important update:
In 2009 the GFU for Underutilized Species will merge with ICUC to become Crops for the Future.
A new multi-stakeholder initiative to support and facilitate the development of underutilized species in order to contribute to food security and poverty alleviation of the rural and urban poor
What are underutilized species?
In the context of this initiative underutilized species (both plant and animal) are those with a potential, not yet fully exploited, to contribute to food security and poverty alleviation. Examples of such underutilized species include hulled wheats in the Eurasian region, Pili nut in the Philippines, Quinoa in the Andean region, many traditional African vegetables, the grasscutter or cane rat in West Africa and the I-pig in Vietnam. These species tend to be neglected by research, extension services, farmers, policy and decision-makers, donors, technology providers, consumers and socio-cultural practices. Many of them were once more widely used than they are today but have fallen into disuse for a variety of agronomic, economic, genetic and cultural reasons. This is endangering the existence of these species and the genetic base for future crop and animal breed improvement.
What is the Global Facilitation Unit for Underutilized Species?
The Global Facilitation Unit for Underutilized Species is a multi-stakeholder initiative established in June 2002 under the umbrella of the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) and currently hosted by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) at its headquarters in Rome, Italy. The Unit supports and facilitates the work on different aspects of underutilized species at different levels by networks, organizations, agencies and others around the world. The initiative aims at strengthening these stakeholders and encouraging new commitments for the development of underutilized species. These species should fulfill some of the following criteria:
- Low external inputs for production required
- Suitable for organic production
- Suitable for cultivation on marginal land (low soil fertility, etc.)
- Suitable to stabilize fragile ecosystems
- Fit into smallholders' farming systems
- Possess traditional, local and/or regional importance
- Easy to store and process by resource poor communities
- Market opportunities available
- Possess high nutritional and/or medicinal value
- Offer multipurpose uses
Initially the Unit is concentrating on stakeholders working with plant species. The main activities of the GFU include:
- Providing improved access to information (making use of traditional and modern media)
- Creating a platform for discussion of concepts, strategies and instruments to promote and facilitate the sustainable use of underutilized species
- Facilitating stakeholders' access to financial resources
- Developing a self-sustaining mechanism to support work on underutilized species.
How has this initiative evolved and how will it develop?
During the first Conference of GFAR in Dresden, Germany, in May 2000 a working group recommended that GFAR addresses underutilized species in order to increase the visibility and valorize the work already done in this area and to stimulate further activities at the regional level. The group also recommended the establishment of a global Facilitation Mechanism. In two follow-up meetings, an informal group consisting of representatives of FAO, IFAD, IPGRI, the International Centre for Underutilised Crops (ICUC) and BMZ developed this idea further. BMZ provided funds for the establishment of a Facilitation Unit and IPGRI offered to host it. In July 2002 a Steering Committee, composed of representatives of the above mentioned institutions, was appointed to give overall guidance and support to the Facilitation Unit. The lifespan of the Unit will depend on the necessity for such a unit felt by the stakeholders and available funding, but the initial phase is for three years. It is expected that with time individual stakeholders will take over special tasks from the Unit. This would be the first step towards the development of a self-sustaining mechanism.
Why is there a need for such an initiative?
Humankind has, at one time or another, used more than 7000 edible plant species. Agricultural research, however, has concentrated on a few crops and breeds. Over 50% of humankind's requirements for protein and calories are now met by just three crops--maize, wheat and rice--while 95% of the world's food energy needs are provided by just 30 plant species. The narrowing base of global food security is limiting livelihood options for the poor. The chronic food shortages present in many developing countries demonstrate clearly the fragility of food security based on a few staple food species. Agrobiodiversity is a necessity for the survival of poor communities and the stabilization of agroecosystems. Many underutilized species are particularly useful in marginal lands where they have been selected to withstand stress conditions and where they contribute to sustainable production with low-cost inputs. However, because they have been neglected by researchers in the past not enough is known about their agronomy, yield improvement potential and quality. Little has been done to identify markets and ways to commercialize them. No policy frameworks exist to promote their use and maximize their economic value. Both the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Global Plan of Action for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture recognize the vital role of a diversity of wild, semi-domesticated and underdeveloped species in food and livelihood security and their potential for further development and wider use. The World Food Summit Plan of Action also encourages the production and use of culturally appropriate, traditional and underutilized food crops.
This initiative offers to all stakeholders the opportunity to join forces in steering the process of promotion and development of underutilized species for the benefit of the rural and urban poor people.
Contacts
for more information, comments and proposals
Coordinator GFU for Underutilized Species
Tel: ++39-06-6118-292
Fax: ++39-06-61979661
Scientific Assistant
Tel: ++39-06-6118-302
Fax: ++39-06-61979661
