A recent article by Klaas Koolman explores the benefits of marketing neglected and underutilized species and approaches for bringing the crops into the market. The article emphasizes that the promotion of these species can provide a variety of livelihood and sustainability benefits for different value chain actors: local producers, the private sector and consumers. These benefits can be achieved at different scales of market integration - local to global.
Identifying the benefits to be gained by a crop and advertising them to target groups through effective branding and marketing (e.g. 'superfood') is key to success. Good timing is also essential. The article discusses how to asses the stage of market integration the crop has already achieved and approaches for market analysis and development. Read the full article by this link.
Related Publications
- A holistic approach to enhance the use of neglected and underutilized species: the case of Andean grains in Bolivia and Peru. Padulosi et al 2014
- Using Markets to Promote the Sustainable Utilization of Crop Genetic Resources. Anderson et al 2009.
- Making the most of wild and relict species - experiences and lessons. Hoeschle-Zeledon et al 2009
- Promoting Value Chains of Neglected and Underutilized Species for Pro-Poor Growth and Biodiversity Conservation. Will 2008