Marketing Underutilized Plant Species for the Benefit of the Poor

Marketing Underutilized Plant Species for the Benefit of the Poor PDF

Author: Guillaume P. Gruère

Publisher:

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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Modern crop production is based on only a few plant species. Particularly in marginal environments of developing agricultural economies, many less well-known agricultural or non-timber forest species, continue to be grown, managed or collected, thus contributing to the livelihood of the poor and to agricultural biodiversity. Some of these species, called underutilized plant species, are characterized by the fact that they are locally abundant in developing countries but globally rare, that scientific information and knowledge about them is scant, and that their current use is limited relative to their economic potential. In this paper, we first identify the economic factors that cause these plants to be 'underutilized'. Based on this analysis, we propose a classification of underutilized plant species based on the relationship of the observed to the potential economic value of the species, and the presence or absence of and constraints to output markets. Then, focusing on a subset of underutilized plant species with market potential, we identify three necessary conditions for the successful commercialization of underutilized plant species for the benefit of the poor: demand expansion, increased efficiency of supply and marketing channels, and a supply control mechanism. This conceptual framework is intended to provide a basis for an empirical assessment of marketing solutions for underutilized plant species among the rural poor in developing economies.

Routledge Handbook of Agricultural Biodiversity

Routledge Handbook of Agricultural Biodiversity PDF

Author: Danny Hunter

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2017-10-03

Total Pages: 1300

ISBN-13: 1317753283

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The world relies on very few crop and animal species for agriculture and to supply its food needs. In recent decades, there has been increased appreciation of the risk this implies for food security and quality, especially in times of environmental change. As a result, agricultural biodiversity has moved to the top of research and policy agendas. This Handbook presents a comprehensive overview of our current knowledge of agricultural biodiversity in a series of specially commissioned chapters. It draws on multiple disciplines including plant and animal genetics, ecology, crop and animal science, food studies and nutrition, as well as social science subjects which explore the socio-economic, cultural, institutional, legal and policy aspects of agricultural biodiversity. It focuses not only on the core requirements to deliver a sustainable agriculture and food supply, but also highlights the additional ecosystem services provided by a diverse and resilient agricultural landscape and farming practices. The book provides an indispensable reference textbook for a wide range of courses in agriculture, ecology, biodiversity conservation and environmental studies.

Sharing Knowledge Making a Difference: The Role of International Scientific Cooperation

Sharing Knowledge Making a Difference: The Role of International Scientific Cooperation PDF

Author: Prof. Allam Ahmed

Publisher: World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD)

Published: 2011-01-01

Total Pages: 464

ISBN-13: 190710612X

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The 2011 edition of World Sustainable Development Outlook includes a selection of the best papers presented during the 9th International Conference of WASD held in Atlantic City, USA in October 2011. The theme of the conference was Sharing Knowledge Making a Difference: The Role of International Scientific Cooperation.

Making Better Policies for Food Systems

Making Better Policies for Food Systems PDF

Author: OECD

Publisher: OECD Publishing

Published: 2021-01-11

Total Pages: 282

ISBN-13: 9264967834

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Food systems around the world face a triple challenge: providing food security and nutrition for a growing global population; supporting livelihoods for those working along the food supply chain; and contributing to environmental sustainability. Better policies hold tremendous promise for making progress in these domains.

Agrobiodiversity

Agrobiodiversity PDF

Author: Karl S. Zimmerer

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2023-10-31

Total Pages: 403

ISBN-13: 0262549697

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Experts discuss the challenges faced in agrobiodiversity and conservation, integrating disciplines that range from plant and biological sciences to economics and political science. Wide-ranging environmental phenomena—including climate change, extreme weather events, and soil and water availability—combine with such socioeconomic factors as food policies, dietary preferences, and market forces to affect agriculture and food production systems on local, national, and global scales. The increasing simplification of food systems, the continuing decline of plant species, and the ongoing spread of pests and disease threaten biodiversity in agriculture as well as the sustainability of food resources. Complicating the situation further, the multiple systems involved—cultural, economic, environmental, institutional, and technological—are driven by human decision making, which is inevitably informed by diverse knowledge systems. The interactions and linkages that emerge necessitate an integrated assessment if we are to make progress toward sustainable agriculture and food systems. This volume in the Strüngmann Forum Reports series offers insights into the challenges faced in agrobiodiversity and sustainability and proposes an integrative framework to guide future research, scholarship, policy, and practice. The contributors offer perspectives from a range of disciplines, including plant and biological sciences, food systems and nutrition, ecology, economics, plant and animal breeding, anthropology, political science, geography, law, and sociology. Topics covered include evolutionary ecology, food and human health, the governance of agrobiodiversity, and the interactions between agrobiodiversity and climate and demographic change.

Forest, Foods and Nutrition

Forest, Foods and Nutrition PDF

Author: Alessandra Durazzo

Publisher: MDPI

Published: 2021-03-04

Total Pages: 342

ISBN-13: 3036500421

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The Special Issue, entitled “Forest, Food and Nutrition”, is focused on understanding of the intersection and linking existing between forests, food, and nutrition. Forest ecosystems are an important biodiversity environment resource for many species. Forests and trees play a key role in food production and have a relevant impact also on nutrition. Plants and animals in the forests enable nutrient-rich food sources to be available, and can provide important contributions to dietary diversity, quality, and quantity.