Project Overview

To scale up agrobiodiversity, nutrition, climate resilience, and farmer‑managed seed systems in Zimbabwe. The project promotes Neglected and Underutilised Species (NUS) and farmers’ varieties as strategic crops for healthier diets, stronger livelihoods, and resilient local food systems.

Target group(s)

-Smallholder farmers cultivating NUS
-Women and youth seed custodians
-Community seed banks and farmer seed enterprises
-Local agro‑processors and SMEs
-Rural and urban consumers
-Extension services, local authorities, and research institutions

PROJECT OUTCOMES

Outcome 1: Strengthened Production & Seed Systems (PUSH)

Agroecological production of NUS increases, supported by resilient seed systems, improved water management, and farmer‑led varietal development.

Outcome 2: Improved Seed Policy Environment (POLICY)

Farmer‑managed seed systems gain recognition and protection through coordinated advocacy, farmer mobilisation, and evidence‑based policy engagement.

Outcome 3: Enhanced Market Access & Consumer Demand (PULL)

Market systems for NUS strengthen through value chain development, institutional support, and increased consumer awareness of healthy, diverse diets.

KEY OUTPUTS

A. Outputs for Outcome 1 – Production & Seed Systems

• Participatory Variety Selection (PVS) for NUS such as sorghum, millet, cowpeas, Bambara nuts, and indigenous vegetables.
• Strengthening community seed banks through training, infrastructure support, and improved seed storage systems.
• Agroecology capacity building for farmers, focusing on soil health, intercropping, organic pest management, and climate‑smart practices.
• Improved water management including water harvesting, drip irrigation, and low‑cost technologies for dryland farming.
• Farmer‑led seed multiplication to increase availability and diversity of quality NUS seed.

B. Outputs for Outcome 2 – Seed Policy & Advocacy

• Farmer mobilisation to strengthen collective voice and participation in national seed policy processes.
• National advocacy platforms engaging government, research institutions, and civil society on farmer seed rights.
• Knowledge sharing and evidence generation through case studies, policy briefs, and farmer‑led research.
• Multi‑stakeholder dialogues to promote inclusive, biodiversity‑friendly seed laws.

C. Outputs for Outcome 3 – Markets & Consumer Demand

• Institutional support for market access, linking farmers to SMEs, local markets, and nutrition‑focused buyers.
• Capacity building for value chain development, including processing, packaging, branding, and business skills.
• Consumer demand creation through food fairs, nutrition campaigns, recipe development, and media outreach.

Market studies and product innovation to expand opportunities for NUS‑based foods.