To trigger research and value chain actions as well as advocacy and promotion of indigenous and forgotten foods in Africa, an extensive consultation with all stakeholders in food systems is expected to result in a continent level manifesto. This manifesto on forgotten and underutilized foods will shape a global manifesto set to be presented at the UN Food Systems Summit later this year.
The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and the Global Forum on Agricultural Research and Innovation (GFAR) led the consultation. Forgotten foods represent an untapped potential for developing our food systems and the manifesto should feature our voice as a continent, said Dr Alioune Fall, Chairperson, FARA’s Board of Directors, in his opening remarks.
In his introductory remarks, Dr Yemi Akinbamijo, Executive Director, FARA, said, “Attention to forgotten food commodities offers a good chance to foster a paradigm change in our food system commodities. Concerted efforts are urgently needed to advance research and development of orphan crops so that security will be achieved and ultimately the livelihood of the population improved.”