Growing the Future: A Hands-On Teacher’s Guide to Reviving Forgotten Crops through Intergenerational Learning

Raising children’s awareness of local food crops – particularly neglected and underutilized species (NUS) – and protecting agrobiodiversity is essential for the future of our food systems and the environment. Local crops are often neglected in favor of commercial varieties, yet they play a crucial role in maintaining healthy diets, supporting local economies and building resilient landscapes in the face of climate change. These crops are well adapted to local climates and ecosystems, making them more sustainable and often more resilient than non-native species.

This manual – developed by the Alliance and Association Watinoma as part of the SUSTLIVES project – serves as a teacher’s guide to help primary school pupils appreciate NUS. This educational resource is believed to be the first to establish a methodology for introducing NUS into the classroom to build awareness about protecting agrobiodiversity. It uses a participatory and inclusive approach and offers practical advice to teachers who’re interested in engaging children in this topic.