Integrate Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) in the Agricultural systems CSOs ask Government

BY SILVIA  NAMUWANGAI

 Civil Society Organizations are calling upon the government to integrate Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) in the Agricultural systems because they play an essential role in strengthening Uganda’s food and nutritional security and buffer economic and social shocks that might hit the population due to focusing on limited diversity of crops in communities

Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) are cultivated, semi-domesticated, or wild plant species, not included in the group of the major staple crops. In most cases, they do not meet the global market requirements and they often represent resilient species and valuable sources of vitamins, micronutrients, and other phytochemicals; a wider use of NUS would enhance sustainability of agro-systems and a choice of nutritious foods with a strategic role for addressing the nutritional security challenge.

According to Eastern and Southern Africa Small Scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF)-Uganda which is implementing the Sowing Diversity=Harvesting Security (SD-HS) program with different pillars among which is strengthening communities' coping strategies by increasing the intake of nutritious food based on local biodiversity and improved NUS management.

 Caption farmers attending the dialogue 

To ensure that farmers   embrace NUS, ESAFF Uganda is undertaking   different initiatives such as organizing cross-generational dialogues among the farming communities across the country. Through these dialogues’ farmers especially the women and youth where they are empowered with traditional Knowledge about NUS through knowledge sharing sessions from different members such the elderly men and women which helps them to understands the social and economic importance of NUS   

 

“The Cross-generational Dialogues are   multi-demographic conversations that bring together key stakeholders like the elders and the youths to discuss the role and usage of the NUS in fighting poverty, hunger and malnutrition in communities.  Because youths are less engaged in agriculture, the Cross-generational dialogues are very resourceful in helping them to come together and share experiences and learn from each other on different ways on how to cope with hunger and malnutrition especially amidst the rampant effects of Climate Change” Says Nancy Mugimba the National Coordinator ESAFF Uganda.

She adds that besides addressing food security, poverty and malnutrition in the community, NUS contribute to improve nutrition, generating income, maintaining ecosystem health, empowering the poor and marginalized, and promoting cultural diversity.

  In Uganda, traditional knowledge about NUS, which is essential for its conservation and preservation, is held by the older generation. The recent population census shows that Uganda is the world’s second youngest country globally with a median age of 15 yet most youths lack adequate information about NUS and its importance. To sustain NUS's role in Uganda’s food system, the young generation needs to be empowered with knowledge and resources to protect and conserve the NUS.

ESAFF Uganda is focusing on the Cross-generational dialogues as they are fundamental in building a collaborative movement of different stakeholders who are actively contributing to address challenges, needs and opportunities related to promoting NUS at local and national levels. Due to these dialogues there has been an increased understanding of NUS across all generations because of the open discussions during the Cross-generational dialogues that enable knowledge sharing.

To ensure that citizens are equipped with the knowledge ESAFF is conducting sessions where policy makers and other different stakeholders meet to discuss the role of government in the conservation and preservation of these species.

These kinds of sessions have played a big role in changing the mindset of the youths from looking at NUS as a poor man’s food to appreciating their contribution in fighting against poverty, hunger and malnutrition in the communities.

Obura Papias a younger farmer from Apac District in Northern Uganda says that youths are still ignorant about these Neglected Underutilized Species because all the information is held by the elders.

 “The elders should not abandon us; we are a stronger generation and all we need is support and knowledge on how to handle our local diversity.” Obura Papias,a young small-scale farmer from Apac district.

Achan Winifred, a small-scale farmer from Amuria district, adds that Cross-generational dialogues are fundamental in building a collaborative movement of different stakeholders who are actively contributing to addressing challenges, needs and opportunities related to promoting NUS at local and national levels.

She adds that there has been an increased understanding of NUS across all generations because of the open discussions during the Cross-generational Dialogues. Oftentimes, the cross-generational dialogues are organized with cookery demonstrations that enable participants to gain both practical and theoretical knowledge on the preparation of the different local food plants.

“Most of the local foods are tactile to prepare, showcasing the preparation procedures to the young generation is mandatory. This is the only way they can learn to get the actual values of these foods.” Achan Winifred is a small-scale farmer from Amuria district.

 Where the Sowing Diversity=Harvesting Security is being implemented, the communities have appreciated the cross-generational dialogues and there is an evident increase in uptake of the NUS considering their nutritional and medicinal values.

 Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, many communities resorted to the NUS as they are famous for boosting the body’s immunity to fight against diseases. Medical practitioners have also encouraged communities to consume local foods due to their nutritiona