AGRIFOOD SYSTEMS ANALYTICS Laboratory

Developing a multi-criteria index for identifying and prioritizing micronutrient rich neglected and underutilized crops

To develop a predictive model that can select neglected and underutilized crops with high nutrient density and greater propensity for adoption among consumers, producers, and other actors who partake in the food system.

The food and agriculture security gap is widened by inequitable income distribution, adverse effects of climate change, loss of biodiversity, unhealthy food choices of consumers, and the existing value-driven structure of agri-food markets. Transformation of the agri-food system is needed to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, safe, and nutritious food while agricultural producers, especially smallholders, are earning decent incomes and have protected livelihoods. Promoting neglected and underutilized species of crops is accepted to have a contribution to this transformation, but there is a need to develop acceptability among consumers and agricultural producers. This entails identifying the right crops, among the thousands, that have a higher propensity for adoption.