The report introduces 15 opportunity crops—lesser-known but important crops—and stresses the need for greater investment in research, seed systems, processing infrastructure, and public awareness to expand their use and unlock their potential in more diverse and resilient food systems.
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Food systems rely heavily on a small number of crops, which makes them vulnerable to droughts, pests, and diseases. At the same time, agricultural research, policy, and investment still give limited attention to many locally adapted crops. These lesser-known species, often referred to as "opportunity crops", continue to play important roles in local food systems by contributing to agricultural diversity, nutrition, and resilience.
The Opportunity Crops for Sustainable Food Systems report presents 15 opportunity crops from across West and East Africa, highlighting both regional diversity and shared priorities. It calls for greater investment in research, seed systems, processing infrastructure, and public awareness of these opportunity crops to expand their use and unlock their potential to contribute to more diverse and resilient food systems.
