Unlocking the potential of underutilized legumes: IITA-CGIAR and SUL lead strategic conference for sustainable agricultural innovation

8 November 2024

Adopting underutilized legumes is increasingly recognized as a vital strategy for addressing food security, particularly in the era of climate change. These legumes possess unique characteristics, including the ability to thrive under extreme conditions such as high temperatures, drought, and varying soil pH levels.

Many underutilized legumes are rich in essential nutrients, promoting good health while contributing to food security. This has led to the promotion and recommendation of plant-based protein to fulfill the nutritional needs of the ever-growing population.

In light of this, IITA - CGIAR hosted the 6th National Conference and Stakeholders' Forum of the Society for Underutilized Legumes (SUL), in collaboration with the institute's Genetic Resources Centre (GRC), from 15 to 19 October. The conference, themed "Opportunity Crops: A Drive for Viable Current and Future Livelihoods," with key stakeholders and young and renowned researchers, created an enabling environment for participants to discuss critical issues around underutilized crops and food systems.

Michael Abberton , the Director of IITA West Africa Hub and Head of the Genetic Resources Center, elucidated the role of gene banks in conserving underutilized crops. He stated that the gene bank is pivotal in ensuring the availability of these valuable resources to researchers to address food insecurity and challenges posed by climate change.

In his welcome address, SUL President Associate Prof. Adewale Daniel pointed out the society's mission to rescue underutilized legumes from the threat of depletion and erosion, highlighting their importance as a crucial protein source for both humans and livestock. He noted that this conference serves as a fundamental step toward promoting these underutilized legumes through collaboration, synergy, and shared opportunities, with the overarching goal of achieving a sustainable future for protein sources.

IITA Business Incubation Platform (IITA-BIP) CEO Adebowale Akande spoke on the urgent need for active engagement from policymakers, government, and private sectors for upscaling and collaborative efforts among key actors to ensure informed decision making. This is essential for achieving sustainable impact in the ongoing research and development of underutilized crops. Hence, he noted: "Underutilized legumes are not merely untapped resources but hold the potential to unlock advancements in food security, poverty eradication, environmental sustainability, and value chain resilience, paving the way for a more secured future."

During the plenary sessions, speakers underscored recent research efforts to promote plant genetic resources (PGR) and how artificial intelligence (AI) has been integrated to support sustainable agriculture through advanced technology. They highlighted significant contributions to improving underutilized crops. They also emphasized the need for more young researchers to bridge the existing gaps in research, fostering further studies in PGR and underutilized crops.

Vice Chancellor of First Technical University, Prof. Adesola Ajayi, expounded on the importance of evolving into biotechnology to accelerate research on underutilized legumes. He pointed out the vast opportunities in crop modeling, which could enhance the speed and efficiency of research, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural development.

In his keynote speech, the Head of the Genetics, Biotechnology, and Seed Science Unit (GBioS) at the University of Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin, Prof. Enoch Achigan-Dako, highlighted the pressing need for deeper investment in underutilized crops. He noted that these crops lack sufficient research, reliable data, high-quality seeds, and institutional support. To achieve sustainable livelihoods through these underutilized legumes, he advocated for a robust approach to strengthening Africa's legume sector. He called for participatory breeding practices, collaborative partnerships across institutions and national programs, and dedicated breeders focused on each underutilized legume to develop farmers-accepted varieties.

The conference was highlighted by research presentations and exhibitions geared towards efforts around underutilized crops. Simultaneously, participants were able to initiate collaborations that will shape the future of underutilized crops and food security.

The conference concluded with the society's Annual General Meeting, during which new executive members were formally inaugurated and new members inducted. This ceremony emphasized the society's continued dedication to advancing research and development in underutilized crops, reinforcing its mission to drive innovation and collaboration in this critical area of agricultural sustainability.

Contributed by Anita Akinyomade

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