Report of the Stakeholder Mapping and Crop Prioritization workshop for the BOLDER Project on Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) in Uganda 1st – 2nd August 2024| 9:00 - 16:00 EAT| Kampala Uganda| Moureen Awori, Daudi Mubiru and Gloria Otieno Building Opportunities for Lesser-known Diversity in Edible Resources (BOLDER) A Report of the Stakeholder Mapping and Crop Prioritization workshop for the BOLDER Project on Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) 1st – 2nd August 2024 Kampala, Uganda Moureen Awori, Daudi Mubiru and Gloria Otieno Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT (ABC) 2024 The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research- based solutions that address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. The Alliance focuses on the nexus of agriculture, nutrition and environment. We work with local, national and multinational partners across Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean, and with the public and private sectors and civil society. With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. alliancebioversityciat.org www.cgiar.org Citation: Awori M., Daudi M. and Otieno G. (2024): A report of the Stakeholder Mapping and Crop prioritization Workshop for the BOLDER Project on Neglected and Under-Utilized Species in Uganda ISBN: 978-92-9255-338-8 © Bioversity International Via di San Domenico, 1 00153 Rome, ITALY © Bioversity International, 2021 https://www.bioversityinternational.org/ http://alliancebioversityciat.org/ http://www.cgiar.org/ https://www.bioversityinternational.org/ Acknowledgements We extend sincere gratitude to all participants, facilitators, and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the event. We appreciate the valuable insights, expertise, and experiences shared by representatives from National Gene Banks, breeding programs, farmers, Community Seed Banks, NGOs, seed companies, Government organizations and Ministries, seed certification authorities, Local Seed Businesses, extension services, CGIAR Centers, and other institutions and private sector actors. We acknowledge the support and collaboration of our partner organizations and organizers of the workshop, including, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, the Crop Trust, NARO, Makerere University's Regional Centre for Crop Improvement, and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Special thanks go to Dr. Nora Castaneda, Dr. Gloria Otieno, Dr. John Adriko, Stephen Angudubo, Prof. Elizabeth Kizito, Richard Guloba, Dr. Alfred Ozimati, Dr. Dorothy Masinde, Lewis Sylus Rwakatale, and Nasser Mulumba for their informative presentations and engaging discussions. We are grateful for the active participation and contributions of all attendees, which have enriched our understanding of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) and their potential to enhance food and nutrition security in Uganda. The BOLDER initiative looks forward to continued collaboration and knowledge sharing to promote the conservation, use, and value of NUS in sustainable agri-food systems. Contents Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................................... 4 Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................... 7 1 Background .......................................................................................................................................... 8 1.1 Workshop objectives ............................................................................................................................................................. 8 1.2 Workshop participants and facilitators ............................................................................................................................... 9 2 Welcome Remarks ............................................................................................................................... 9 3 BOLDER Initiative project – Objectives and components .............................................................. 10 3.1 Project goal and outputs. .................................................................................................................................................... 10 4 Crowd-sourced Citizen-science Approach for Participatory Evaluation and Selection ................... 10 5 Existing NUS projects and Programmes in Uganda ......................................................................... 11 5.1 Traditional leafy vegetable collections and breeding at Uganda University ............................................................... 11 5.2 Farmer Managed Seed System and NUS - PELUM Uganda's experience ................................................................. 11 5.3 Research and Breeding of NUS at Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) ... 12 5.4 Grain Amaranth and Community Based Management of Moderate Acute Malnutrition in Rural Uganda ......... 12 5.5 NUS contribution to malnutrition and school feeding programs: the case of Community Food Basket Initiative (CFBI) 13 5.6 Access to and Utilization of Wild Species for Food and Nutrition Security in Teso and Acholi Sub regions of Uganda 13 6 Stakeholder Mapping ......................................................................................................................... 14 6.1 Stakeholder Mapping: The Human Health and Nutrition Group ............................................................................... 17 6.2 Stakeholder Mapping: Gene banks, researchers, breeders and seed sector actors .................................................... 19 6.3 Stakeholder Mapping: Private sector actors .................................................................................................................... 20 6.4 Stakeholder Mapping: Cross-cutting Group.................................................................................................................... 21 6.5 Stakeholder Mapping: Farmers and local communities’ Group ................................................................................... 22 7 NUS and Trait Prioritization Group exercise .................................................................................... 24 7.1 Prioritised NUS and the rationale for their selection ..................................................................................................... 24 7.2 Trait Prioritization for the Four NUS .............................................................................................................................. 25 8 Closing remarks ................................................................................................................................. 26 9 Annexes .............................................................................................................................................. 27 9.1 Annex 1: Workshop Participants....................................................................................................................................... 27 9.2 Annex 2: Agenda .................................................................................................................................................................. 29 9.3 Annex 3: Stake holder Mapping template ........................................................................................................................ 30 9.4 Annex 4: Stakeholder Mapping for the Human Health and Nutrition Group .......................................................... 31 9.5 Annex 5: Stakeholder Mapping for the Gene banks, Researchers, Breeders and Seed Sector Group .................. 33 9.6 Annex 6: Stakeholder Mapping for the Private Sector Actors’ Group ....................................................................... 36 9.7 Annex 7: Stakeholder Mapping for the Cross-cutting Group ...................................................................................... 37 9.8 Annex 8: Stakeholder Mapping for Farmers and Local Communities Group .......................................................... 39 9.9 Annex 9: A matrix of prioritised NUS and the rationale for their selection .............................................................. 41 9.10 Annex 10: A matrix of prioritized traits of the four priority crops for each stakeholder category ........................ 43 Acronyms and Abbreviations ABC Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT ACSA Advocacy Coalition for Sustainable Agriculture AGRA The Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa AUPWAE Association of Uganda Professional Women in Agriculture and Environment BOLD Biodiversity for Opportunities, Livelihoods and Development CAES College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences CSBs Community Seed Banks DLLN Developing Lives Livelihoods and Nutrition FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation ISSD Integrated Seed and Sector Development Uganda ISU-UP Iowa State University-Uganda Program MAAIF The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries MAK Makerere University MaRCCI Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement MbaZARDI Mbarara Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute NaCRRI National Crops Resources Research Institute NARL National Agricultural Research Laboratories NARO The National Agricultural Research Organisation NaSARRI The National Semi Arid Resources Research Institute NEC Nutritional Education Centre NUS Neglected and Underutilized Species PELUM Participatory Ecological and Land Use Management PGR Plant Genetic Resources PGRC Plant Genetic Resource Centre QDS Quality Declared Seed RUCID Rural Community in Development TRICOT Triadic Comparison of Technologies UCU Uganda Christian University UPA-FNS Uganda Parliamentary Alliance on Food and Nutrition Security USTA The Uganda Seed Trade Association WFP World Food Programme WorldVeg World Vegetable Center Executive Summary The BOLDER initiative, part of the BOLD project, aims to enhance nutrition security in West and East Africa by promoting Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) that are resilient to climate change and sustainable. Focusing on Uganda, Tanzania, Benin, and Ghana, the project convened a regional workshop in Uganda that brought together 79 diverse stakeholders to identify and prioritize NUS crops, map stakeholders, clarify roles, review existing initiatives, and foster partnerships. The workshop emphasized the critical role of diversifying traditional agricultural practices to combat malnutrition and address environmental vulnerabilities. It highlighted the significance of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) in strengthening seed systems, enhancing value chains, and improving health systems. A stakeholder mapping exercise identified key stakeholders in Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) food and seed systems, categorizing them into five groups. These groups - Human Health and Nutrition, Gene Banks/Researchers/Breeders/Seed Sector, Private Sector, Cross-Cutting, and Farmers and Local Communities - collaborate with various partners to promote NUS consumption, research, conservation, and utilization. Partners include private sector stakeholders, NGOs, research organizations (e.g., NARO, CGIAR, WorldVeg), and government agencies (e.g., MAAIF, FAO). Strategic partnerships have been forged to enhance agricultural productivity, drive sustainable agricultural development, and promote NUS, with key collaborations focusing on value addition, market access, policy reforms, seed production, and conservation. Uganda has prioritized five Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) for their potential to enhance food security, nutrition, and economic growth. Among these, jackfruit stands out with the highest ranking (11.6), valued for its adaptability to climate change, rich nutritional content, and widespread cultural acceptance. Pearl millet, scoring 11.4, is recognized for its exceptional drought tolerance and importance in traditional ceremonies, such as marriages. Pumpkin, with a score of 11.2, is celebrated for its nutritional and medicinal properties, as well as its broad acceptance among communities. Cowpea, scoring 11.0, is notable for its seasonal adaptability, nutritional richness, and cultural significance. In addition, amaranth, both as a grain and a leafy vegetable, was included among the priority crops due to its vital role in promoting food security, nutrition, and health. These species collectively offer immense potential for strengthening Uganda’s food systems, improving dietary diversity, and fostering sustainable economic development. By focusing on their promotion and utilization, Uganda can leverage their climate resilience, nutritional benefits, and cultural relevance to address malnutrition and support long- term growth. Stakeholders from various groups also prioritized traits for the five Neglected and Underutilized crops to enhance their potential for improved nutrition, food security, climate resilience, and market value. Common priorities included nutritional value, drought tolerance, yield, pest and disease resistance, and quality traits. Crop-specific priorities included sweetness and texture for Jackfruit, lodging resistance for Pearl Millet, shelf life for Pumpkin, and shatter resistance for Cowpea. Different stakeholder groups emphasized distinct traits: Human Health and Nutrition focused on nutritional value, Farmers and Local Communities prioritized food security and yield, Gene banks and Researchers emphasized climate adaptability, and the Private Sector focused on market traits. Understanding these priorities will inform targeted strategies to improve these crops, enhancing food security, nutrition, and livelihoods worldwide. The initiative's success will depend on demand-led research, building on existing efforts, and diverse stakeholder engagement, as emphasized by Halid during his closing remarks. Recommendations include promoting prioritized NUS crops, fostering collaborations, supporting capacity-building initiatives, and developing targeted strategies to address global food challenges. By promoting NUS, Uganda can enhance its food systems, improve nutrition, and support sustainable economic growth. 1 Background The Building Opportunities for Lesser-known Diversity in Edible Resources (BOLDER) initiative, newly introduced as Work Package 7 within the Biodiversity for Opportunities, Livelihoods and Development (BOLD) project, represents an exciting step towards improving nutrition security in West and East Africa. This effort is focused on the value of nutritious, underutilized crops that are naturally resilient to climate change and environmentally sustainable. The project emphasizes that a heavy reliance on just a few staple crops can heighten the risk of micronutrient deficiencies and negatively affect the resilience of food systems. By expanding the diversity of crops grown and consumed, BOLDER aims to create food systems that are both diverse and sustainable. Central to BOLDER’s mission is the promotion of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS)—plant species often marginalized by mainstream agricultural research, breeding, and policy, despite their potential benefits. This initiative prioritizes NUS in Uganda, Tanzania, Benin, and Ghana, focusing on boosting national gene banks’ technical capacities to conduct gap analyses and organize targeted collecting missions. Furthermore, BOLDER will evaluate select NUS for cultivation and resilience to climate change. The project also includes innovative methodologies to analyze NUS value chains within local food systems, utilizing participatory approaches to ensure solutions are relevant and widely applicable. Through these initiatives, BOLDER seeks to build resilient, multi-functional agri-food systems that support diverse diets, enhance nutrition, and empower communities across Africa. The purpose of the workshop was to conduct stakeholder consultations across selected countries—Uganda, Tanzania, Benin, and Ghana—to foster collaboration and insights on strengthening the role of underutilized, resilient crops within local food systems. These consultations brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including farmers and farmer groups, representatives from ministries responsible for health, agriculture, and nutrition, as well as research breeding programs from National Agricultural Research Organizations and CGIAR centers like IITA, CIAT, ICRAF, CIRAD, and the World Vegetable Center. Additional participants included institutions involved in public food procurement (such as WFP), national gene banks, NGOs, private sector actors, and consumer organizations. Through these varied perspectives, the workshop aimed to gather valuable input that would shape strategies for promoting nutritious, underutilized crops in sustainable and resilient food systems, addressing the unique needs and opportunities identified in each country. 1.1 Workshop objectives By Dr. Gloria Otieno – Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT (ABC) The objectives of the workshop included: i) Identify and prioritize a list of four NUS crops for conservation and further research with stakeholders in a participatory manner ii) To develop a comprehensive list of stakeholders in the NUS food systems taking into consideration conservation, seed production, breeding and variety development, food production and value chains and policy. iii) To identify stakeholder roles and functions within the NUS food systems iv) To have an overview of current existing NUS research, breeding value chains development or food systems issues being implemented by stakeholders v) To identify areas of synergy and collaboration in the NUS food systems Research and Development (R&D) in each country. 1.2 Workshop participants and facilitators The workshop served as a valuable platform for bringing together a diverse group of seed system actors and stakeholders, with 79 participants (31 women and 48 men) representing national gene banks, breeding programs, farmers, Community Seed Banks (CSBs), NGOs, seed companies, seed certification authorities, Local Seed Businesses (LSBs), extension services, and CGIAR Centers. The sessions were facilitated by Nora Castaneda and Juna Thimnu from Crop Trust, with additional support from co-facilitators from the Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT and WorldVeg. Farmers were represented by Joy and Family Demonstration Farm in Sheema district who showcased the diversity of crops they have on their farm and value-added finger millet and sorghum products, demonstrating their commitment to value addition. Table 1. Workshop participants description S/ N STAKEHOLDER CATEGORY NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS 1 Farmers 2 2 Private sector organizations 4 3 Government Organizations 4 4 Government Research Organizations 27 5 CGIAR centers 10 6 Non-Government Organizations 6 7 International Non-Government Organizations 5 8 Universities 13 9 Government Ministry 8 TOTAL 79 The full list of participants is available in Annex 1 of this report. The workshop presentations are available on this link BOLDER UG Presentations The workshop pictures are available at: Uganda - https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBUp49 2 Welcome Remarks By Dr. John Adriko Head Agro-biodiversity and Biotechnology - NARO John welcomed participants from various sectors, representing the National Forestry Resources Research Institute, and shared his honor in delivering the opening remarks. He highlighted the challenge of traditional agriculture’s reliance on monocultures and limited staple crops, which has led to imbalanced diets, malnutrition, and increased vulnerability to environmental shocks. John cited FAO data showing a loss of 75% of crop diversity since 1900. He discussed the potential of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) to improve food security and livelihoods, noting that although there are over 399 such species providing valuable nutrients, they remain largely overlooked by policy and markets. Key barriers include limited data, market infrastructure, and enabling policies. However, NUS offer critical benefits, including nutrient density, climate resilience, and local availability. John encouraged participants to create sustainable management practices, explore market opportunities, and conduct food composition analyses of NUS to inform policy and breeding programs. He concluded by mentioning WorldVeg's African vegetable biodiversity rescue plan and expressed optimism about the export potential of prioritized NUS before officially opening the meeting. https://cgiar-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/r/personal/g_otieno_cgiar_org/Documents/Documents/BOLDER%20UG%20Presentations?csf=1&web=1&e=dxlBRM https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBUp49 3 BOLDER Initiative project – Objectives and components By Dr. Nora Castaneda (Crop Trust) - Facilitator Nora warmly welcomed participants, expressing her gratitude for their attendance. She assured them of an engaging meeting and mentioned that she would be presenting on her work with Crop Trust. She shared that the workshop was a collaborative effort organized by five key organizations: Crop Trust, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, NARO, Makerere University’s Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI), and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Nora then introduced the Building Opportunities for Lesser-known Diversity in Edible Resources (BOLDER) project, part of work package 7 within the BOLD project, which focuses on utilizing Neglected and Underutilized (NUS) Crops to enhance food and nutrition security. She highlighted Crop Trust’s commitment to conserving crop diversity and ensuring access to a wide variety of crops. Established in Rome in 2004 and later moved to Bonn, Germany in 2012, Crop Trust collaborates closely with the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and partners with over 150 organizations, primarily focusing on Gene Banks and seed availability. 3.1 Project goal and outputs. The BOLDER initiative aims to improve nutrition security in West and East Africa by promoting the use and value of nutritious, underused, climate-resilient, and environmentally friendly crops. Key project outputs include: • Secure conservation, characterization, and evaluation of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS), making them accessible to breeders, researchers, and farmers. • Enhanced use and value of NUS within sustainable agri-food systems. • Improved support for NUS use among farmers and researchers through capacity building and supportive policies focused on use and conservation. Funded by a $20 million grant from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NORAD, BOLDER will be implemented from 2024 to 2030 across Benin, Ghana, Uganda, and Tanzania. Lead implementing partners include the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT (ABC), NARO, Makerere University’s Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI), and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Nora further explained that the workshop entailed a two-day consultative process, with the first day involving presentations from stakeholders on existing NUS projects followed by a stakeholder mapping exercise outlining the roles and responsibilities of each of the stakeholder in the NUS food systems. And finally, NUS prioritization and trait prioritization exercise on the second day. 4 Crowd-sourced Citizen-science Approach for Participatory Evaluation and Selection By Stephen Angudubo – Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT This approach engages numerous individuals to gather data through small experiments and observations. It’s valuable because it allows testing of different crop varieties under local production conditions while incorporating end-user preferences. Additionally, it facilitates the dissemination of these varieties to farmers, enabling them to explore a broader range of options. Data analysis then yields insights on adoption rates, sales potential, genetic improvements, breeding priorities, and other factors. The approach employs the Triadic Comparison of Technologies (TRICOT) methodology, which involves farmers and end-users as citizen scientists. In this system, farmers test three technologies from a selected set, determining the best or worst based on given criteria. The resulting data is processed with ClimMob, a statistical model/software that identifies the top-performing technology. Lessons learned indicate that co-ownership of this approach is key to success, and steps are underway to strengthen this ownership. The method also has potential applications beyond basic ranking, with efforts being made to address this. Next steps include building farmer capacity for cultivating NUS crops, developing protocols tailored to specific crops and contexts, continuing software development, and forming new partnerships across crop sectors. Stephen concluded by directing participants to ClimMob website, and YouTube channel for additional information. https://climmob.net/blog/ https://www.youtube.com/@climmobchannel7117 Participants raised questions about farmer selection, risks of farmer fatigue versus data quality, partnerships, data regulation, and the availability of free software. Stephen explained that they work closely with farmer organizations knowledgeable about local farmers, who assist in selecting participants. To address concerns about farmer fatigue, he noted that experiments are designed to be straightforward, with manageable plot sizes to lighten farmers’ workload. Stephen outlined key partnerships, including policy makers, research and extension agencies, and civil society organizations. He clarified that TRICOT is an on-farm testing method integrated into, but not altering, the breeding process. The team has begun engaging data regulators, providing discussions and training to seed certification staff, with plans to further demonstrate the technology’s value. Lastly, he confirmed that ClimMob is available at no cost for public research institutions and organizations for data analysis. 5 Existing NUS projects and Programmes in Uganda 5.1 Traditional leafy vegetable collections and breeding at Uganda University By Prof. Elizabeth Kizito – Uganda Christian University (UCU) Uganda Christian University (UCU), established in 1997 by the Anglican Church of Uganda and chartered in 2004 as the country’s first private university, has developed a robust research and breeding program focused on traditional leafy vegetables. In her presentation, Elizabeth highlighted the potential of indigenous vegetables in addressing household challenges and shocks. These crops are increasingly cultivated for income generation, creating positive community impacts. Despite high demand for vegetables in restaurants, there is still a limited access to quality seeds, superior varieties, pest and disease issues, climate variability, and resource limitations among farmers. Despite this, there are numerous benefits of growing indigenous vegetables including their nutritional benefits, high appeal to women and youth (80% of whom grow them) as a way of getting income, and rising consumer interest. Uganda has significant diversity in African eggplant (e.g., Solanum aethiopicum Shum, such as Nakati and Ntula), with self- pollinated species maturing in six to eight months. The research program at UCU is working on variety development for solanum and advances in breeding have included compatibility tests and flowering studies for optimal breeding. Over 80 hybrids and 15 pure line families have been developed, though some challenges with cross compatibility remain. UCU has also trained farmers on market cultivation, noting that men often prefer the bitter Solanum variety. Current efforts include vegetable preservation training, with three climate-resilient Solanum varieties released, one tolerant to water deficit. She emphasized the importance of incorporating resilience into breeding for long-term success. UCU is also currently characterizing and building data on the diversity of Amaranth for breeding. The questions and discussions primarily focused on the bitterness trait in Nakati, nutrient profiling, and breeding for preferences for specific traits. In response, Elizabeth noted that nutrient profiling for indigenous vegetables remains limited and emphasized the need for further research to better understand consumer preferences and conduct organoleptic testing. She recommended that any breeding efforts be market-driven to align with consumer demand and enhance the adoption of indigenous vegetable varieties. 5.2 Farmer Managed Seed System and NUS - PELUM Uganda's experience By Richard Guloba – PELUM Uganda PELUM is a network of 74 organizations supporting over 3 million smallholder farmers in Uganda. PELUM supports seed system development specifically training and capacity development on see production, conservation through Community Seed Banks (CSBs), participatory variety selection through Farmer Field Schools (FFS), value addition and linking farmers to markets. PELUM recognizes the importance of informal, farmer-led seed systems which focuses on indigenous seeds and NUS. This unregulated, community-based model allows farmers to grow, harvest, and sell seeds independently. To address challenges like limited seed access, quality, and loss of preferred varieties, PELUM developed the community-managed seed security model. Richard explained that this model empowers communities to design their own seed security measures, improving productivity and seed sovereignty. This model is distinct for its emphasis on farmer-led participation, gender equality, and a crop diversity approach – for most of the NUS crops such as pearl millet. Through it, PELUM has enhanced stakeholder capacity and advocated for farmer-led systems as a means of protecting farmers' rights, improving food security, and reducing reliance on commercial seed markets. Additional initiatives include advocacy, cross-learning, participatory variety selection, a guide on indigenous foods in Uganda, and the establishment of 20 seed banks. However, PELUM faces challenges, such as research influences on farmer priorities, limited access to indigenous seeds, and insufficient private sector support. 5.3 Research and Breeding of NUS at Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) By Dr. Alfred Ozimati – MaRCCI Makerere University Regional Center for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) is hosted at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) of Makerere University. MaRCCI builds on two existing regional graduate programs, a PhD in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology (PBB) and an MSc in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems (PBSS), initiated by Makerere University and diverse partners in 2008. MaRCCI runs a vibrant research and breeding program which also extends to seed technology. MaRCCI also has a Gene Bank with collections of 602 accessions of tomatoes, 589 accessions of pepper,25 accessions of amaranth and 30 accessions of pumpkin. The research program at MaRCCI has played a key role in advancing amaranth, a widely consumed vegetable in Uganda, often found growing in the wild. Amaranth’s popularity is due to its resilience to drought, short maturity period, and high nutritional content, particularly in Vitamin A. Additionally, it holds strong market potential, especially in urban areas, providing a source of income for many farmers. However, amaranth producers encounter several challenges, including pest and disease issues, low yields, poor post-harvest handling, and an underdeveloped seed system. Addressing these barriers could enhance its contribution to nutrition and livelihoods. Alfred shared MaRCCI’s breeding goals for amaranth, aiming to develop high-yielding, nutritious grain and leafy varieties that are resilient to common environmental and biological stresses. The breeding targets are categorized as follows: 1. Short-term (1-2 years): Focuses on trait prioritization, pest and disease monitoring, and germplasm characterization. 2. Mid-term (2-3 years): Targets the development of high-yield, pest- and disease-resistant varieties. 3. Long-term (3-6 years): Aims to produce high-yield varieties with strong pest and disease resistance. Alfred highlighted two main market segments that they are targeting for breeding: a well-established market for leafy greens and a growing market for amaranth grain. MaRCCI has set up grain amaranth trials and gathered data on accessions, as well as supported capacity building through graduate programs. 5.4 Grain Amaranth and Community Based Management of Moderate Acute Malnutrition in Rural Uganda By Dr. Dorothy Masinde - Iowa State University (ISU) Dorothy began by highlighting the nutritional benefits of grain amaranth, a gluten-free pseudo-cereal rich in lysine and oil, commonly used in porridge and for fortifying maize meal in Uganda. She shared that Iowa State University (ISU) has set up ten nutrition centers in hospitals to support health and nutrition for mothers of premature babies by using local foods. Each child receives three cups of amaranth-fortified porridge daily, and those living further away receive composite flour to prepare at home. In partnership with a local NGO, ISU introduced amaranth production in Kamuli district in 2006, promoting it through farmer field days and recipe development. Dorothy noted a strong market for amaranth in Kenya, where it sells for USD 1 per kilogram, with local prices ranging from USD 0.5 to USD 0.75 per kilogram. She concluded by underscoring amaranth’s promising potential in both local and international markets. Participants asked about the seed system for grain amaranth, the edibility of its leaves, and the potential of the weed variety for grain production. Dorothy explained that a formal seed system is not yet established; most grain amaranth in Uganda originates from their program in Kamuli, though its spread is helping minimize risks. She confirmed the leaves of the grain amaranth are edible, though they harden as they mature and can also serve as livestock feed. She added that farmers are encouraged to consume their grain amaranth, as only those producing over 50 kg are allowed to sell. As for the weed variety, she noted that while it yields little grain, varieties producing enough grain are profitable, with one acre needing only 1 kg of seed and yielding up to 300 kg within 2–3 weeks under low-input conditions. 5.5 NUS contribution to malnutrition and school feeding programs: the case of Community Food Basket Initiative (CFBI) By Lewis Sylus Rwakatale – CFBI CFBI is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives, focusing on food and education as fundamental rights. Their vision is a hunger-free world, pursued through the provision of nutritious food and education for those in need. CFBI does value addition of NUS producing nutrient-rich products, including a porridge flour blend called the "immunity booster", containing nine ingredients like yellow corn, rice, millet, soy, moringa, pumpkin seeds, and oats, with plans to add amaranth grain. Lewis shared that CFBI began by providing porridge to school children and has now reached over 20 districts, extending support to street children with food and clothing. He highlighted their new "10 million Nutritious Meals" campaign, which aims to supply porridge and other meals to food-insecure school children. The porridge is also available in supermarkets for USD 4.50 per kilogram. 5.6 Access to and Utilization of Wild Species for Food and Nutrition Security in Teso and Acholi Sub regions of Uganda By Nasser Mulumba – Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT (ABC) Nasser presented findings from a study by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT on factors affecting the availability, accessibility, and use of wild foods for food and nutrition security between 1997 and 2017. Using a four-cell analysis tool, agrobiodiversity data was collected from purposively selected districts. Results from the Teso sub-region showed a decline in species diversity and availability, driven by habitat loss, reduced consumption, and minimal trade in wild species. Nasser recommended a coordinated approach to address the decline in species in the Acholi sub-region, which is even more pronounced than in Teso. He emphasized creating synergies between wildlife and forestry sectors and fostering a supportive policy environment. The introduction of exotic species has shifted interest away from natural habitats and wild food foraging, further contributing to the decline. Additionally, wild foods are often stigmatized as "foods of the poor," reinforcing negative perceptions that link them to poverty and backwardness. 6 Stakeholder Mapping The stakeholder mapping exercise involved three main steps: i. First the workshop participants were classified into different categories based on the NUS food and seed system functions covered in Table 2. below. Table 2. NUS food and seed system functions and stakeholder categories. NUS FOOD AND SEED SYSTEM FUNCTIONS STAKEHOLDER CATEGORIES AND THEIR ROLES NUS BIODIVERSITY USE AND MANAGEMENT CONSERVATION RESEARCH AND BREEDING SEED SYSTEMS CROP PRODUCTION NUS FOOD SYSTEMS VALUE ADDITION & PROCESSING MARKETING CONSUMPTION CROSS CUTTING KNOWLEDGE VALIDATION, POLICY FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION Farmers and local communities – are primary custodians of NUS and conserve them in-situ and on-farm Genebanks – conserve NUS ex-situ Researchers and breeders – evaluation, breeding and development of new technologies and innovation they also provide scientific knowledge Private sector including restaurants and chefs– invest in value chains and market development, seed sector Non-Governmental organizations – capacity development, value addition, policy advocacy, consumer awareness Knowledge management organizations, Government agencies – formulate policies, laws and regulations and provide funding Media – consumer awareness and knowledge dissemination The end-result was 5 main groups classified as below Stakeholder groups and facilitators 1. NUS biodiversity uses and management - farmers and local communities (Gloria Otieno - ABC and Joyce Adokorach – NARO-PGRC) 2. NUS biodiversity uses and management – Gene Banks, researchers, breeders and seed sector (Nasser Mulumba - ABC and Abdul Shango - WorldVeg) 3. NUS food systems - human health and nutrition + NGOs (Daudi Mubiru - ABC, Nora Castaneda – Crop Trust) 4. NUS food systems - private sector (value addition, marketing, consumption) (Juana Thimnu – Crop Trust, Anastasia Wahome - ABC) 5. Cross-cutting: policy formulation and implementations, capacity development, communication + NGOs (Stephen Angudubo and Rosina Wanyama from ABC) ii. The stakeholders were then asked to work in their groups to identify other stakeholders that they work with and summarize them in a table based on the above-mentioned categories and functions. See the stakeholder mapping table template in annex 3. iii. Using a flip chart, participants classified stakeholders according to the interest and capacity to influence using the following matrix: All the stakeholders listed in the ‘high interest’ and ‘high influence’ categories are then listed separately with their contact information as these are the stakeholders that are critical for the success of the project. Group work sessions 6.1 Stakeholder Mapping: The Human Health and Nutrition Group The human health and nutrition expert group collaborates with private sector stakeholders, including maize/grain millers (Mama Jane Sabi Flour, Nutreal), agricultural producers (Bana Farmers, Bangi Robert & Associates), and healthcare providers (Whispers Magical Children Hospital). These partners provide value addition, supply chain management, and capacity building. Notably, Whispers Magical Children Hospital also offers shelter and nutrition support to orphaned children who can be easily accessed and fed through ISU's feeding program. The identified producer organizations - Youth Entrepreneurship Program, MUARIK, and Kamuli households - focus on producing and marketing amaranth and soybean grain, with MUARIK also providing capacity-building training for students to enhance research skills Busoga Kingdom – DLLN-Uganda and Plan Uganda were the two NGOs identified by the human health and nutrition group with main roles to purchase and distribute composite flour in the community. Plan Uganda plays a key role in value addition, capacity building, and policy influence, notably supporting Uganda's National Nutrition Policy (UNAP-II) development and implementation, while empowering smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, to enhance agricultural productivity and market access. The human health and nutrition group collaborates with national research organizations (NARO-NaSARRI, MaRCCI) and international partners mainly WorldVeg and universities like Iowa State and Makerere University to advance breeding, research, capacity building, and germplasm conservation. Notably, WorldVeg distributes 10,000 seed samples annually to researchers Worldwide (The World’s Largest Public Vegetable Genebank, 2022), leading to hundreds of vegetable varieties being released globally. NaSARRI, on the other hand supports semi-arid seed systems, providing high-quality seeds (finger millet and cowpea seeds mentioned) to smallholder farmers, while Iowa State University funds IOS Uganda programs, demonstrating its commitment to improving lives. Key consumer groups, including Nutrition Education Center clients and schools in Kamuli (such as Nakanyonyi, Namasagali Kasozi, and Nalwoli senior secondary school), have benefited from IOS drinks and amaranth products produced by ISU, with schools also purchasing amaranth planting materials to cultivate and consume the nutritious grain and leaves Government agencies - Kamuli General Hospital, Kamuli Local Government, MAAIF, and Food Right Alliance - have collaborated with the human health and nutrition group. Key contributions include, Capacity building (hospital, MAAIF, local government), Nutrition sensitization and demonstration gardens (hospital, local government), Extension services, quality seed distribution (MAAIF), and farmer training (local government), Certification of Quality Declared Seed (QDS) for high-quality seeds (local government), Policy advocacy for equitable, sustainable food systems (Food Right Alliance). The human health and nutrition group also partners with the Plant Genetic Resource Center (PGRC) and MaRCCI to conserve and manage Genetic Resources, ensuring access, capacity building, and promotion of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA). MaRCCI also conducts breeding programs for Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) and research initiatives to address related challenges. For a comprehensive stakeholder mapping of the human health and nutrition group, please refer to Annex 4 Figure 1. Influence Vs. Interest Chart for the Human Health and Nutrition Group S T A K E H O L D E R I N T E R E S T STAKEHOLDER INFLUENCE Schools in Kamuli, Maize/grain millers in Kamuli, PLAN Uganda, Kenyan and South Sudanese buyers, Bana farmers, Nutreal, Busoga’s kingdom NGO (DLLN Uganda), Kamuli households, Bangi Robert PGRC, MAAIF, MUK, Mama Jane Subi flour, MaRCCI, NARO-NaSSARI, ISU, Food right alliance, Local government, MUARIK, WorldVeg Nutrition education center clients Whispers magical children hospital Kamuli general hospital 6.2 Stakeholder Mapping: Gene banks, researchers, breeders and seed sector actors The stakeholder group, comprising gene banks, breeders, and researchers, collaborates with private sector actors, including; Seed companies (USTA, MADIFA, East West, Hoima Community Seed, Syova Seeds, Simlaw Seeds) for quality seed supply, National Horticulture Laboratory (NHL) that has played a crucial role in seed distribution, Uganda Breweries Limited and RUCID for NUS value addition, Uganda Millers Association, Hortfresh for marketing, Centenary Bank for credit services, SAIMCO Uganda for agricultural machinery fabrication and National Horticulture Laboratory (NHL) for seed quality and health assurance. Additionally, the group partners with advocacy organizations (Advocacy Coalition for Sustainable Agriculture, United Nations Forum on Forests) and international organizations (Prometra) for capacity building, advocacy, and traditional medicine development. The group identified five key producer organizations that drive agricultural productivity and community empowerment. These include the District Farmers Association, which mobilizes farmers into groups, and Community Seed Banks, which conserve and promote agricultural biodiversity. Local Seed Businesses produce and market high-quality seeds to meet local farmers' needs, while BUCADEF focuses on mobilizing coffee farmers. Additionally, SOCADIDO empowers marginalized communities, including youth, women, girls, and people with disabilities. These organizations collectively enhance collective strength, ensure food security, and promote sustainable agriculture. In addition, the group recognized several NGOs, including Integrated Seed and Sector Development-UG, Oxfam, FAO, PELUM, ACSA, ESSAF, and Slow Food, for their contributions in advocacy, capacity building, policy influence, production, training, and value addition, particularly promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting locally sourced traditional foods. The group recognized several research organizations for their contributions to agricultural research and capacity building. These organizations include: National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) institutes (NaSARRI, NARL, NaCRRI, NaCORI, NaFORRI, NaLIRRI), Plant Genetic Resource Center, Uganda Industrial Research Institute (also a government agency focused on value addition), Uganda National Bureau of Standards, Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institutes (ZARDIs), CGIAR centers ( ICRISAT, ABC, WorldVeg, IITA, ICARDA, CIMMYT, IRRI, IFPRI), Universities: MUNI, UCU, MUK, Uganda Martyrs – Nkozi, Mount of the moon, Gulu University, ISU, Busitema and Kyambogo Universities. These organizations have played key roles in conducting research, breeding, capacity building, extension, outreach, policy, and advocacy to promote sustainable agricultural development. The stakeholder group collaborates with various consumer groups, including Ugachic, Biyinzika, Maganjo, Nuvita, Kazire and Kayebe Sauce Packers, involved in animal feeds, processing, and value addition, as well as schools, universities, Kiganda Coffee, and humanitarian organizations like Oxfam and World Vision. Additionally, the group partners with government agencies, such as the National Forestry Authority, National Environment Management Authority, Uganda Coffee Development Authority, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, and Uganda National Bureau of Standards, to drive progress in research, policy development, quality control, sustainable forestry, conservation, and environmental protection. Through a collaborative framework, the stakeholder group has strategically partnered with; Community Seed Banks, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Plant Genetic Resources Centre, National Agricultural Research Organisation, Universities, National Forestry Authority, Food and Agriculture Organization, Crop Trust, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, International Potato Center, International Rice Research Institute, Millennium Seed Bank, Royal Botanic Gardens, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, and Botanic Gardens Conservation International - to collectively strengthen the conservation, management, and utilization of Genetic Resources for sustainable agricultural development and biodiversity preservation. It is worth noting that the stakeholder group has extended its impact through policy engagement with MAAIF, National Planning Authority, Parliament, ACODE, District Local Governments, IFPRI, and donors, fostering an enabling environment for Genetic Resource management, agricultural growth, and sustainable development. For a comprehensive overview of the stakeholder mapping for the Gene banks, researchers, breeders and seed sector group, please refer to the detailed table provided in Annex 5. 6.3 Stakeholder Mapping: Private sector actors The private sector actors’ group has fostered strategic partnerships with key organizations, including NECOFAM Uganda, specializing in indigenous seed production and marketing, Jero Farm, focusing on growing indigenous crops, value addition, business incubation, and agro-tourism, and Hello Mushrooms, expertise in mushroom growing and value addition to indigenous crops, to drive sustainable agricultural development, entrepreneurship, and market access. Extending their collaborative efforts, the private sector actors group has also engaged with producer organizations, including Kasawo Millers, specializing in producing and marketing indigenous crops with value addition, Gladys, focusing on cultivating a diverse range of indigenous crops such as maize, soya, bambara nuts, beans, tomatoes, and leafy vegetables, and GLOWISH Agro Solutions, promoting the growth, utilization, sale, and export of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) crops. The private sector group mentioned collaborating with various NGOs to promote sustainable agriculture and indigenous food systems. Key partners include Slow Food (advocacy and promotion of indigenous food), PELUM and African Food Sovereignty Alliance (advocacy for NUS), AFAS (extension services), Advocacy Coalition for Sustainable Agriculture (policy and organic farming), World Vision (advocacy and extension services), CEFROHT (legal advice and food rights), Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (seed production and farmer support), and Food Rights Alliance (advocacy and food systems). These partnerships enhance advocacy, extension services, policy influence, and support for indigenous crops, promoting food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture. The private sector group accelerates agricultural Research and Development progress through strategic alliances with, CGIAR centers, and Universities to drive agricultural innovation and conservation. Key partners include the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) for agricultural research, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) for Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) seed conservation, Uganda Martyrs University for capacity building, Uganda Christian University for research on indigenous crops, Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute (MUARIK) for research, and Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT for reserahc on indigenous crop species conservation. Additionally, expanding the reach of indigenous cuisine, the private sector group partners with consumer groups like 2K, Moriza Farm, Community Food Basket Uganda, and Amic Worlds, pioneers in cooking, promoting, and adding value to Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) to delight local palates. S T A K E H O L D E R I N T E R E S T STAKEHOLDER INFLUENCE SOCADIDO, IFPRI, MADIFA, RUCID, Uganda Millers, DFF, BUCADEF FAO, ISUP-Iowa state, Slow Food, NARO, UNBS, USTA, NAL, UNFF, ACSA, HortFresh, Universities, Donors, World Vision, CSB, LSB, ISSD – UG, ESSAF, OXFAM, CGIARs ACODE, UBL, NBL, DLGs, Consumer groups, UIRI, Media, Parliament, Centenary bank, maaif, NPA Figure 2. Influence Vs. Interest Chart for Gene banks, breeders and Researchers Group The private sector group has forged powerful alliances with key government agencies and organizations to champion agricultural growth and conservation. Notably, they've collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture to maintain the country's vital Gene Bank, develop regulations, and craft policies. Additionally, they've worked closely with Uganda's Parliament to shape laws and policies that foster a conducive environment for agricultural development. In the realm of conservation and Genetic Resource management, the group has partnered with; Joy and Family Demo Farm, pioneering local seed bank conservation and community engagement, Rural Community Development, dedicated to preserving indigenous crop species and promoting sustainable agriculture, NiCOFAM, focused on conservation efforts that protect Uganda's rich biodiversity, National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), safeguarding national seed resources for future generations. Additionally, organizations like PELUM have drafted and initiated policies, and Uganda National Farmers Federation has advocated for farmers' rights and policy changes, demonstrating the group's commitment to holistic agricultural development. These strategic partnerships demonstrate the private sector group's commitment to holistic agricultural development, bridging the gap between research, policy, and community action. For a comprehensive overview of the stakeholder mapping for the private sector group, please refer to the detailed table provided in Annex 6. 6.4 Stakeholder Mapping: Cross-cutting Group The cross-cutting group has successfully collaborated with private sector to boost agricultural productivity and innovation. Through strategic partnerships with Nutreal and Peak Value, the group has driven value addition and product development, unlocking new market opportunities. Additionally, local machinery fabricators like Munyegera and Tonnet have played a vital role in fabricating machinery, managing field agronomics, and streamlining processing systems, further enhancing the sector's competitiveness. Complementing its private sector partnerships, the cross-cutting group has also fostered strong alliances with Producer Organizations, including Gombe Amaranthus Producer Association, District Farmers Associations, and Uganda National Farmers Federation, empowering farmers through seed production, advocacy, marketing, and credit provision. Figure 3. Influence Vs. Interest Chart for Private Sector Group S T A K E H O L D E R I N T E R E S T STAKEHOLDER INFLUENCE PELUM, AMIC world, GLOWISH Agro solutions, NECOFAM, JEROFARM, CFBI, Joy and Family Demo, Hello mushrooms, Glady’s farm, MLINZA, CEFROHT, Uganda Martyrs University, ISSD Uganda, World Vision, Slow Food, ABC, Kasawo Millers MaRCCI, UNFEE MAAIF, Parliament, Government, NARO, 2K restaurants Collaborating with NGOs like; FAO (farmer training, field schools, resource mobilization), PELUM (policy initiation, community mobilization, advocacy, training), ISSD (local seed business promotion, climate-smart agriculture, advocacy), Sasakawa Africa Association (climate-smart technology promotion, farmer training), and OXFAM (farmer field schools, Community Seed Banks, policy advocacy), the cross-cutting group accelerates agricultural growth through farmer-centric initiatives, policy reforms, technology dissemination, and resource mobilization, fostering resilient and sustainable agricultural communities. It is also important to note that the cross-cutting group's partnerships with CGIAR centers (CIMMYT, IITA, ABC) and academic institutions (Makerere, Uganda Christian universities) has fostered cutting-edge research, capacity building, and innovation, while collaborations with NARO and Plant Genetic Resource Centre ensure technology dissemination, germplasm conservation, and community engagement. The cross-cutting group has strategically collaborated with government agencies, including local government authorities (CAO, DAO, DPO) for resource allocation, planning, and project supervision, and policy actors like MAAIF (crop inspection and certification, policy initiation), Policy Unit - MAAIF (policy development), Local Government extension agencies (technology dissemination, community training), Parliament (food and nutrition security committees, appropriation, oversight), and Cabinet Sectoral Ministry (policy approval process), to drive agricultural growth, policy reforms, and service delivery. For a comprehensive overview of the stakeholder mapping for the cross-cutting group, please refer to the detailed table provided in Annex 7. 6.5 Stakeholder Mapping: Farmers and local communities’ Group Farmers and local communities group have worked together with private sector actors, including CBI (oil crop value chain and export support), Serere Seeds Limited (seed supply), Joy and Family Demo Farm (millet, amaranth, and chia seed production and value addition), Equator Commercial (pumpkin value addition), Aunt Porridge, Sage (chia seed supply), NARO Holdings Limited (seed production and dissemination), Katunkuma Limited (seed provision and value addition), and Camelot (tomato seed supply), to enhance agricultural productivity, value chains, and market access. Extending its outreach, the farmers and local communities’ group has engaged with producer organizations - ESAFF (policy influence), S T A K E H O L D E R I N T E R E S T STAKEHOLDER INFLUENCE CGIAR, OXFAM, Gombe Amaranthus traders Association, UCU, PELUM, Makerere University, Nutreal, Peak Value, FAO, Farmers, Sasakana Africa Association, ISSD Plant Genetic Resource Centre, Parliament, NARO, ABC, Makerere, UCU, IITA, CIMMYT, MAAIF, ICRISAT, Farmers, FAO, CIMMYT, Local machinery Fabricators, Agro processors, Peak Value, Nutreal, CAO Parliament, Farmers, UNFFE, Producer organisations, DFAs, MAAIF, DCIC, MAAIF policy unit, DLG (CAO, DAO, DPO), Cabinet secretariate, Cooperatives, MAAIF crop inspection and certification Figure 4. Influence Vs. Interest Chart for the Cross-cutting Group Community Seed Banks (seed production), Homeland Organics (seed and tree production), UyDNET (pumpkin seed production), and MADIFA (seed production) - and consumer groups, including Mwanamujimu Consent (marketing and awareness), and institutional consumers like schools, hospitals, and prisons. Farmers and local communities have joined forces with NGOs to drive agricultural transformation, leveraging expertise from PELUM (policy, capacity building), Iowa SU (seed provision, value addition), ACSA (marketing, farmer development), RUCID (seed multiplication, market linkages, value addition), Slow Food (consumer awareness), CARITAS (seed multiplication, capacity building), AUPWAE (capacity building), TEDO (market linkages, value addition), and CIDI (market linkages, value addition) to enhance productivity, market access, and resilience. They have also worked collaboratively with National Research Organizations like NARO, MaRCCI, UCU, UMU, ARU, AWU, Muni University, Mt. of the Moon university, Gulu university, CERD, Makerere and CGIAR centers like ABC, INVC, IITA and ICRAF to advance agricultural Research and Development agenda. Through strategic partnerships, the farmers and local communities’ group has worked closely with MAAIF to shape agricultural governance and policy, Local Government to ensure policy alignment, and the Plant Genetic Resources Centre (PGRC) to ensure quality assurance, training, and conservation of Plant Genetic Resources, driving sustainable agricultural growth. For a comprehensive overview of the stakeholder mapping for the Farmers and Local Communities group, please refer to the detailed table provided in Annex 8. S T A K E H O L D E R I N T E R E S T STAKEHOLDER INFLUENCE AUPA, CGIAR, MADIFA, Katunkuma limited, UyDNET, Joy and family Demo farm, SAGE, Camelot, CARITAS, Slow food, Homeland Organics, Serere seeds, TEDO, CIDI, SODI, Equator commercial UCU, PELUM, ACSA, RUCID, Iowa State University, MaRCCI, PGRC, CSBs, MAAIF, NOGAMU African Rural University, Universities, NARO Holdings Makerere, NARO, ESAFF Figure 5. Influence Vs Interest Chart for Farmers and Local Communities 7 NUS and Trait Prioritization Group exercise The second day of the workshop entailed a NUS prioritization exercise to determine the four/five NUS crop species of focus within each country and their prioritized traits. The NUS prioritization exercise involved preparing a master list comprising 186 Neglected and Underutilised Crops to guide the crop prioritization exercise with the meeting participants. This list was obtained from the 150 crops identified during Phase 1 of the prioritization exercise of the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) (https://www.state.gov/the-vision-for-adapted-crops-and-soils/), 99 species of the African Orphan Crops Consortium (https://africanorphancrops.org/), 97 species of FAO’s compendium of forgotten foods in Africa (https://www.fao.org/family-farming/detail/en/c/1681304/), 50 species prioritized in van Zonneveld et al., 2023 and 21 crops NUS community. i.e., Table 3. Table summarising the crop category and number of crops Crop Category Number of crops Crop Category Number of crops Crop Category Number of crops Vegetables 49 Nuts, seeds and oilseeds 19 Legumes 14 Fruits 71 Cereals 14 Roots and tubers 11 Participants engaged in a process to redefine and clarify the concept of "Neglected and Underutilized Species" (NUS), including identifying crops that do not qualify as NUS. They were encouraged to list crops that, by consensus, should not be considered NUS. To guide the discussion, participants considered key questions such as: • Is this crop widely consumed in the country, but still lacking in research? • Is there a dedicated breeding or agronomy program in the country focusing on this crop? These guiding questions helped participants distinguish NUS from other crops and form a clearer, shared understanding of which species align with NUS criteria. Participants were then tasked with prioritizing selected NUS crops within major crop categories: fruits, vegetables, cereals, roots and tubers, legumes and nuts, and seeds and oilseeds. The crops were selected based on the following criteria: 1. Climate Adaptability: Potential to adapt to climate change, including resilience to high temperatures, long dry spells, low precipitation, and arid conditions. 2. Nutritional Value: Contribution to improving nutrition and health. 3. Cultural Acceptance: The extent to which the crop is part of local diets and traditional food practices. 4. Local Market Potential: Opportunities for market expansion and demand growth within the country. These criteria ensured a comprehensive approach to selecting crops that could sustainably enhance local food systems and contribute to resilience. 7.1 Prioritised NUS and the rationale for their selection Following the thorough evaluation, four Neglected and Underutilized crops were prioritized for their potential to enhance food security and economic benefits in Uganda. Jackfruit topped the list with a score of 11.6, boasting high climate change adaptability, nutritional value, and cultural acceptance. As a perennial tree, it fruits throughout the year and thrives in various conditions. Pearl millet followed closely with a score of 11.4, demonstrating drought tolerance, high shelf life, and significance in traditional marriages. Pumpkin ranked third with a score of 11.2, offering high nutritional value, medicinal properties, and widespread acceptance. Cowpea completed the top four with a score of 11.0, showcasing seasonal adaptability, high nutritional value, and cultural significance in celebrating twins. It is worth noting that the four prioritized NUS offer opportunities for improved food security, nutrition, and economic benefits, particularly in Uganda. Their potential uses range from food and animal feed to medicinal applications and export markets, making them valuable assets for sustainable development. Key highlights of the prioritized crops include: • High climate change adaptability and drought tolerance • Rich nutritional profiles, including essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants • Cultural significance and widespread acceptance • Strong local market potential, with opportunities for export and value addition By promoting these Neglected and Underutilized Crops, Uganda can enhance its food systems, improve nutrition, and support sustainable economic growth. A comprehensive table outlining the prioritized NUS and the justification for their selection is provided in the table in Annex 9 7.2 Trait Prioritization for the Four NUS Stakeholder groups, including Human Health and Nutrition, Farmers and Local Communities, Cross-cutting, Gene banks, Breeders and Researchers, and Private Sector, prioritized traits for four Neglected and Underutilized crops: Jackfruit, Pearl Millet, Pumpkin, and Cowpea, with the goal to enhance the crops' potential for improved nutrition, food security, climate resilience, and market value. Key priorities across crops and stakeholder groups included: 1. Nutritional value 2. Drought tolerance and adaptability 3. Yield and food security 4. Pest and disease resistance 5. Quality traits (taste, texture, color) Specific priorities varied by crop: • Jackfruit: sweetness, texture, crunchiness and reduced flower abortion rate. • Pearl Millet: stronger stem, grain size, lodging resistance and resistance to bird attacks. • Pumpkin: softness of cover, time to cook, smoothness of pulp and longer shelf life. • Cowpea: shatter resistance, shorter cooking time, bigger pods and dual-purpose varieties. Stakeholder-Specific Priorities: Different stakeholder groups emphasized distinct traits: • Human Health and Nutrition Group: focused on nutritional value and satiety. • Farmers and Local Communities Group: prioritized food and nutrition security, yield, and adaptability. • Gene banks, Breeders and Researchers Group: emphasized pest and disease resistance, drought tolerance, and climate adaptability. • Private Sector Group: focused on market traits, postharvest properties, and industrial use. These priorities reflect the diverse needs and goals of different stakeholders, from improving human health and nutrition to enhancing crop resilience and market potential. By understanding these priorities, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders can develop targeted strategies to improve these Neglected and Underutilized crops, enhancing food security, nutrition, and livelihoods for communities worldwide. For detailed information, please refer to the table in the Annex 10. 8 Closing remarks By Gloria Otieno - ABC Gloria concluded by appreciating stakeholders for their participation in the workshop, she noted that she is hoping to hold a conference for NUS crops next year bringing together all stakeholders working around NUS. By Nora Castaneda – Crop Trust Nora thanked participants for attending the workshop and informed them that a meeting with all national Gene Banks will be held later this month to discuss the way forward. She also noted that Crop Trust is working closely with WorldVeg and ABC who will analyse the selected crops to establish how the project can contribute to them. By Halid Kirunda – NARO- MBAZARDI Halid acknowledged the benefit of the two days of the workshop thanking both the participants and organisers for setting aside the resources. He noted the challenge of the world’s growing population and land encroachment which needs a solution. He informed the participants about the critical events that happened within the same period in his organisation leading to the engagement of all scientists forcing him, a non-subject matter specialist to represent the team in the workshop. He however, appreciated the diverse stakeholder categories which enhances better results. Halid recommended demand led research and building on existing efforts to create more solutions. 9 Annexes 9.1 Annex 1: Workshop Participants No Name Organisation Email 1 Ddamulira Gabriel NARO 2 Mulumba Nasser ABC 3 Ssembajjwe David Camelot Agroecology Farm 4 Elizabeth Kabakoyo Amic World 5 Stuart Nyanzi RUCID (Ruifresh) 6 Daudi Mubiru M. ABC 7 Rwakatale Sylus Lewis Food Basket 8 Rosina Wanyama ABC 9 Sharifah Nambirige UG Parliamentary Alliance on F&NS 10 Abaca Alex Muni University 11 Stephen Angudubo ABC 12 Mulumba John Wasswa NARO - PGRC 13 Kalule Okello David NaSSARI 14 Kamusiime Azaria Amic World 15 Eve Luvumu AUPWAE 16 Joseph Ekwangu NARO -BULINDI 17 Adriko John NARL 18 Harriet Nakasi ACSA Uganda 19 Florence B Kyazze MAK 20 Joy Mugisha Joy & Family Demo Farm 21 Rose Mary Bulyaba UCU 22 Kakeeto Ronald NARO - NaSARRI 23 Wambi Wilber NARO-BULINDI 24 Mugenyi William NARO-BULINDI 25 Gloria Otieno ABC 26 Francis Onyilo Lira University 27 Mitala Moses NECOFAM Uganda 28 Caroline Nambafu ISU - UP 29 Mbeiza Moureen ISU - UP 30 Juana Thimnu Crop Trust 31 Ssendowooza Kizito Parliament (UPA – FNS) 32 Luyombya Juma Parliament (UPA – FNS) 33 Abdul Shango WorldVeg 34 Anastasia Wahome ABC 35 Kaisuka Reagan Parliament (UPA – FNS) 36 Dorothy Masinde Iowa State University 37 Pricilla Marimo ABC 38 Moreen Nansamba ABC 39 Benard Yada NARO 40 Daniel Bomet Kwemoi NARO - NaCRRI 41 Kasumba Joseph NARO - BULINDI 42 Oniro Mathew NARO 43 Nyabasha Sylvia Joy and Family Demo Farm 44 Robert Guloba PELUM -UG 45 Halid Kirunda NARO- MBAZARDI 46 Lucy Mulugo Were MAK-CAES 47 Dramadri Isaac O MAK-MaRCCI 48 Alfred Ozimati A. MAK - MaRCCI 49 Catherine Kiwuka PGRC 50 William Tinzara ABC 51 Fiona Ibudi ISSD 52 Joyce Adokorach NARO - PGRC 53 Chika Kondo Oxfam 54 Eva Zaake NARL-PGRC 55 Brenda Namulondo NARL-PGRC 56 Tugume Joab MAAIF 57 Mary Teddy Asio MAAIF 58 Agudoai George NaCRRI 59 Lutwama Emmanuel NaCRRI 60 Joseph Isaac Mugagga NARO 61 Wandulu Joseph NARO-NaSARRI 62 Wassajja Stanley NARO - Mbarara 63 Wamatsembe Issac MAAIF 64 Wandera Walter MAAIF 65 Caroline Nankinga NARO 66 Ssentongo Geofrey MAAIF 67 Elizabeth Kizito UCU 68 Manyindo John MAAIF 69 William Esuma NARO 70 Sharon Mbabazi AGRA 71 Brenda Kisingiri MAAIF 72 Nam Bonny Ogwang MUNI University 73 Emong David NARL 74 Masereka Nelson USTA 75 Moureen Awori ABC 76 Kisekig Charles NaSSRI 77 Matovu Juma Iowa State University 78 Nora Castaneda-Alvarez Crop Trust 79 Kato Stephen NARO - PGRC 9.2 Annex 2: Agenda DAY 1 Time Activity Responsibility 8:00-9:00 Arrivals, Registration, Introductions 9:00 to 9:30AM Welcome remarks John Adriko Head Agro-biodiversity and Biotechnology-NARO 9:30-9:45 AM Workshop Objectives and Agenda Gloria Otieno – Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT 9:45-10:30AM BOLDER Initiative project – objectives and components Crowdsourced Citizen-science Approach for Participatory Evaluation and Selection. Nora Castaneda Crop Trust Stephen Angudubo – Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT 10:30 -10:45AM Q&A on Bolder project ALL 10:45-11:15AM TEA BREAK 11:30-12.45 PM Existing Nus projects and Programmes in the country 1. Traditional leafy vegetable collections and breeding at Uganda University 2. Farmer Managed Seed System and NUS-PELUM Uganda's experience 3. Research and Breeding on NUS at MaRCCI 4. Access to and Utilization of Wild Species for Food and Nutrition Security in Teso and Acholi Sub-regions of Uganda 5. NUS contribution to malnutrition and school feeding programs: the case of Community Food Basket Initiative (CFBI) Elizabeth Kizito – Uganda Christian University Richard Guloba – PELUM Uganda Alfred Ozimati – MaRCCI Nasser Mulumba – Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT Lewis Sylas Rwakatale – Community Food Basket Initiative (CFBI) 12:45 – 13:00 Q&A and Discussions ALL 13:00-14:00PM LUNCH 14:00- 14:15PM Stakeholder mapping - objectives and methodology and instructions for participants Nora Castaneda/Gloria Otieno 14:15 – 15.00PM Group exercises to map stakeholders and their functions All + Organizers 15.00 – 15.30PM Plenary -session reporting back ALL 15:30-16:00 PM Summary day 1 Gloria Otieno – Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT 16:00PM TEA BREAK AND DEPARTURE DAY 2 8:00-9:00 Arrivals and registration 9:00 to 9:30AM NUS crop prioritization – guidelines and methodology (and instructions for participants) Results of the preliminary online survey Nora Castaneda /Juana Thimnu– Crop Trust 9:30-10:45 AM NUS crop prioritization exercise – Group work ALL 10:45-11:15AM TEA BREAK 11:15-12:15PM Plenary and discussions on NUS prioritization 13:00-14:00PM LUNCH 14.00-15.00 PM Stakeholder Maps (draft) Final List of Prioritized NUS Gloria Otieno – Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT Nora Castaneda – Crop Trust 15.00 – 16.00PM Next Steps Nora Castaneda 4:00PM TEA BREAK AND DEPARTURE 9.3 Annex 3: Stake holder Mapping template Stakeholder Local (Name) National Regional organizations and global Main roles/functions Private sector Producer organizations NGOs SWISSAID, Slow Food National Research organizations CGIARs ICRISAT ABC, World Veg, IITA, ICARDA, CIMMYT Universities Consumer groups Government AGENCIES Conservation and management of genetic resources Policy 9.4 Annex 4: Stakeholder Mapping for the Human Health and Nutrition Group Stakeholder Local National Regional International Main roles/functions Private sector Maize/grain millers Value addition composite flour Mama Jane Sabi flour Value addition, Retailer of composite flour, capacity building for mothers and childcare and development, buy from farmers, support group coordinators Whispers magical children hospital Orphanage (children’s home), treat severe acute malnutrition, capacity building for public health Nutreal Buyers of produce, processors, wholesaler, value addition (flour), retailers Bana farmers Value addition (flour), buy grain, retailers Bangi Robert & associates Supplies amaranth, finger millet and soybean, aggregator (smallholder farmers produce), value addition Kenyans and South Sudanese Buy grain amaranth and grains Producer Organizations Youth entrepreneurship program (out of school youth) Producers (amaranth) and sell MUARIK Research, produce seeds (soybean), capacity building Kamuli households Purchasers and consumers of flour NGOs Busoga Kingdom – DLLN- Uganda Purchase composite flour from Iowa State University – Uganda program, capacity building, distribute composite flour in the community, Making nutrition food Plan Uganda Buy composite flour, capacity building, value addition National research organizations NARO- NaSARRI Breeding, support seed system, provide finger millet and cowpea seeds, capacity building MaRCCI Breeding, capacity building (students and farmers), germplasm conservation and distribution (genebank). Introducing germplasm (amaranth), research, demonstration site. CGIAR WorldVeg Breeding amaranth, capacity building, germplasm conservation and collecting, demonstration site, varietal release Universities Iowa State University Capacity building, research, extension, breeding amaranth, germplasm conservation and distribution, funding (of IOS – Uganda program) Stakeholder Local National Regional International Main roles/functions Makerere University Capacity building, research, human resource, breeding, demonstrations, extension Consumer groups Nutrition education center clients Consume IOS- drink, purchase planting materials and seed Schools in Kamuli Nakanyonyi, Namasagali Kasozi, Nalwoli, primary schools Namasagali college staff’ children school (Kasubi), Nalwoli senior secondary school, Namasagali college Consume IOS-drink, consumers of amaranth leaves in school lunch, produce grain and leave amaranth Government agencies Kamuli general hospital Consumers, capacity building (grain amaranth and finger millet and how to use it to prepare the composite flour), demonstrations MAAIF Extension, distribution of seed, capacity building Local government Extension, agronomy of NUS, capacity building, demonstration, certification of Quality Declared Seed Food Right Alliance Lobbying, advocacy and policy Conservation and management of GR PGRC Germplasm conservation, source of germplasm, demonstration, capacity building MaRCCI Breeding, capacity building, conservation PGR, research, demonstration 9.5 Annex 5: Stakeholder Mapping for the Gene banks, Researchers, Breeders and Seed Sector Group Stakeholder Local National Regional/Global Main roles/functions Private sector Uganda Seed Trade Association Umbrella for seed companies NHL Seed distribution MADIFA Seed company Uganda Breweries Limited Breweries RUCID Value addition East West Seed company Hoima community seed company Seed company Syova seeds Seed company Simlaw seeds Seed company Uganda millers Association United Nations Forum on Forests Advocacy Coalition for Sustainable Agriculture Umbrella extension advocacy, SAIMCO Fabrication of tools Hortfresh Marketing Centenary bank Credit Prometra Capacity building, Advocacy Producer organizations District Farmers Association Mobilisation of farmers into groups Community seed banks Conservation Local seed business Produce and market BUCADEF Coffee mobilization SOCADIDO Mobilisation NGOs PELUM Advocacy Advocacy Coalition for Sustainable Agriculture Policy Stakeholder Local National Regional/Global Main roles/functions Integrated Seed and Sector Development -UG Advocacy, Capacity building, policy ESSAF Production, extension, capacity building Oxfam Advocacy, Capacity building, policy FAO Advocacy, Capacity building, policy ISUP – Iowa state Capacity building, Advocacy Slow food Production, training, value addition Research organizations NARO (NaSARRI, NARL, NaCRRI, NaCORI, NaFORRI, NaLIRRI) Research, Capacity building PGRC Research, Capacity building ZARDIs Dissemination Uganda Industrial Research Institute Research, Capacity building Uganda National Bureau Of Standards CGIAR ICRISAT, ABC, WorldVeg, IITA, ICARDA, CIMMYT, IRRI, IFPRI Research, Policy, Breeding Universities MUNI, UCU, MUK, Uganda Martyrs – Nkozi, Mount of the moon, Gulu University, Busitema and Kyambogo Universities Capacity building, Research, Breeding, Extension, Outreach Consumer groups Maganjo, Nuvita Value addition Ugachic, Biyinzika Animal feeds Breweries, Numa foods, Kayebe sauce packers Value addition Kazire Processors Schools Universities Consumption Kiganda coffee, District Farmers Association Stakeholder Local National Regional/Global Main roles/functions Oxfam, World Food Programme, World Vision Government agencies NARO National Forestry Authority Protection National Environment Management Authority Conservation Uganda Industrial Research Institute Value addition Uganda Coffee Development Authority Uganda Wildlife Authority Uganda National Council for Science and Technology Policy Uganda Bureau of Statistics Research Uganda National Bureau of Standards Quality Assurance Conservation and management of genetic resources Community Seed Banks UWA, PGRC, NARO, Universities, NFA, FAO, Crop Trust, ABC, CIP, IRRI, Millenium Seed Bank, Royal Botanical Garden, ICRISAT, IITA, Botanical garden conservation International, International PGR Policy MAAIF National Planning Authority Parliament ACODE District Local Government Stakeholder Local National Regional/Global Main roles/functions IFPRI Donors 9.6 Annex 6: Stakeholder Mapping for the Private Sector Actors’ Group Stakeholder Local National Regional and global Main roles/functions Private sector Necofam Uganda Indigenous seed production and marketing Jero Farm Grow indigenous crops, Value addition, Business cafeteria, Agro-tourism Hello Mushrooms, Grow Mushrooms, Value addition to indigenous crops Producer organizations Kasawo Millers Produce indigenous crops, Value addition, Market the crops Gladys Produce indigenous maize, Soya, bambara nuts, beans, tomatoes, leafy vegetables GLOWISH Agro solutions Encourage growth and utilization of NUS crops, Sale and export NGOs Slow Food Advocacy and promotion of indigenous food PELUM Advocacy for indigenous foods African Food Sovereignty Alliance Advocacy, Support organizations that promote indigenous crops UFAS African Forum for Agriculture Advisory Services (AFAS) Support extension services Advocacy Coalition for Sustainable Agriculture Policy, advocacy, organic farming World Vision Advocacy, Extension services to farmers CEFROHT- Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights Legal advice and support for indigenous food systems and food rights, Promote food, economic and climate justice Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International Improving seed production, supporting farmers who grow indigenous crops Food Rights Alliance Advocacy, Food systems Research organizations NARO Gather data in Agriculture Research IITA NUS seed conservation 9.7 Annex 7: Stakeholder Mapping for the Cross-cutting Group Uganda Martyrs University Capacity building Uganda Christian University Research in Indigenous crops MUARIK Research CGIARs IITA NUS conservation ABC Research in indigenous crop species conservation Universities Makerere University, Uganda Martyrs University Consumer groups 2K Cook indigenous meals Moriza farm Farm and cook indigenous foods, agrotourism Community food basket in Uganda Grow NUS, Value addition Amic Worlds Value addition Government Agencies Ministry of Agriculture Maintain the country’s genebank, Regulation and policy making Uganda Parliament Policy and law creation Conservation and management of genetic resources Joy and Family Demo Farm Local seed bank/conservation Rural Community Development Seed/species conservation of indigenous crops NiCOFAM Conservation NARO Conserve national seed resources Policy PELUM Draft and initiate policies Uganda National Farmers Federation Advocacy for farmers and policy Stakeholder Local National Regional and global Main roles/functions Private Sector Nutreal Value addition, product development Stakeholder Local National Regional and global Main roles/functions Peak Value Product development and value addition Local machinery fabricators (Munyegera, Tonnet) Fabrication of machinery, field agronomic management and processing Producer Organizations Gombe Amaranthus producer association Seed production, Grain production District Farmers Associations Uganda National Farmers Federation Advocacy, mobilization, marketing, product development, seed multiplication, credit provision, Extension/advisory Cooperations Cooperations Input distribution, marketing, credit provision Farmers Seed production, Marketing, germplasm provision, host and manage trials, seed selection/multiplication NGOs FAO Farmer training, Farmer field schools, Resource mobilisation, support seed production PELUM Policy initiation recommendation, Community and farmer mobilization, Advocacy, Farmer training, Advisory services, Technology dissemination ISSD Promoting local seed businesses, CSA, Advocacy Sasakawa Africa Association Promoting climate smart technologies, Farmer training OXFAM Farmer field schools, community seed banks, Policy advocacy, Resource mobilization CGIARs CIMMYT, IITA, ABC Source of germplasm, technical backstopping, Capacity development, Resource mobilization, Stakeholder engagement, Research/development of technologies, Dissemination of TIMPs Universities Makerere University Capacity building, Research/Innovation, Dissemination of products – outreach, farmer training, development of information, education, and communication materials Uganda Christian University National Research Organizations NARO Development of technologies, Capacity building, Dissemination of TIMPs Plant Genetic Resource Centre Germplasm conservation assembling and sourcing, production of EGS, Genetic conservation in community genebanks Policy MAAIF crop inspection of certification Training, Policy initiation and lobbying, Conservation and traceability, Seed certification (variety registration), Quality assurance, Germplasm regulation 9.8 Annex 8: Stakeholder Mapping for Farmers and Local Communities Group Stakeholder Local National Regional Main roles/functions Private sector CBI Support value achin and exports for oil crops i.e., sesame, shea nut, chia seed Serere seeds limited Supply millet gram, sorghum, sesame, g.nuts, pearl millet Joy and Family Demo farm Produce millet, amaranth, chia seeds and value addition Equator commercial Pumpkin value addition Aunt Porridge Sage Chia seed NARO holdings limited Produce and disseminate seeds, Katunkuma limited Seed and value addition Camelot tomato seed, ESAFFI Policy CSBs Seed production Stakeholder Local National Regional and global Main roles/functions Policy Unit - MAAIF Policy development Local Government Agencies Extension services Dissemination of technology, Community training, Training packages Parliament (Alliance on food and nutrition Security agricultural committees Appropriation, Oversight, Representation, Legislation, Advocacy, Cabinet Sectamate Policy development/ approval process Government Agencies Local government authorities (CAO, DAO, DPO) Allocation of resources, Planning, Supervision and coordination of agricultural projects Stakeholder Local National Regional Main roles/functions Producer Organizations Homeland Organics Seed production and trees UyDNET Seed production - pumpkins MADIFA Seed production Consumer Groups Mwanamujimu consent Marketing and awareness creation Schools, hospitals, prisons Consumption NGOs PELUM Training and capacity building, policy Iowa SU Provide seed, value addition, capacity building ACSA Capacity building, marketing, policy, farmer development RUCID Capacity building, seed multiplication, value addition, Market linkages, Seed Oriented Development Initiative Capacity building, seed multiplication, value addition, Market linkages, Slow Food Consumer awareness CARITAS Seed multiplication, Capacity building AUPWAE Capacity building TEDO Market linkages and value addition CIDI Market linkages and value addition National Research Organizations NARO, MaRCCI, UCU, UMU, ARU, AWU, Muni University, Mt. of the Moon university, Gulu university, CERD, Makerere PROMETRA CGIARs ABC INVC IITA Seed distribution, Capacity building ICRAF MAAIF Governance and policy Stakeholder Local National Regional Main roles/functions Government Agencies Local Government Governance and policy PGRC Quality assurance, trainings, collection and conservation 9.9 Annex 9: A matrix of prioritised NUS and the rationale for their selection Prioritized Crops Climate change adaptability Nutritional value Cultural acceptance Local market potential Jackfruit -11.6 – 1st priority High climate change adaptability. Fruits throughout the year – Perennial, It's a tree, grows everywhere in the country. Still grows under low water availability. High nutritional value. Anticancer agents, vit A, vit C, Calories: increase lactation, animal feed, seeds five oil, Seeds can also be edible (potential). No anti-nutritional factor. High cultural acceptance, Grown in Uganda High local market potential Pearl millet – 11.4 – 2nd Priority High climate change adaptability, drought tolerant, can grow in marginal lands High shelf life, Birds love, Used in porridge. Contains iron and micronutrients. Also used as starch. High cultural acceptance, eaten by men but also by others, Most appreciated in areas where it is the staple, grown in Uganda, Used in traditional marriages. No taboos or stigmas associated. High local market potential, constant (throughout the year). High volume Pumpkin – 11.2– 3rd Priority High climate change adaptability, Grows only in rainy season High nutritional value. Antioxidants, zinc, Carbohydrates micronutrients, calcium, vitamins, fibre, immune function All culture. Medicinal. Used in “Kwamjula”, widely accepted, served in restaurants High local market potential, higher return of investment Cowpea – 11.0– 4th Priority High climate change adaptability, seasonal crop High nutritional value, Zn, Fe, Vit A and C, Eaten a lot High cultural acceptance. Celebrating twins High: local and export market potential, Poultry and chicken industry Other crops Prioritized Crops Climate change adaptability Nutritional value Cultural acceptance Local market potential Cashew nuts High climate change adaptability High nutritional value, Antioxidants, High potassium. Seed has anti- nutritional factors. High cultural acceptance, Nuts are for the high-class. High local market potential, Demand is constant (hotels). Cocoyam Needs a lot of water (grows in swamps), can survive on its own, can grow anywhere Carbohydrates, minerals, Can be processed to other food forms, highly nutritious Grown in Uganda. Well eaten, not so available High market demand. Constant demand. High volume Taro Wetland, not climate resilient High nutrients - Carbohydrates, minerals Highly accepted, cultural myth – getting twins Has a market potential, Niche market. Oats Seasonal crop, matures fast, Not known Good substitute for milk, Gluten-free, good substitute of wheat, used for baby supplements. No anti-nutritional factor. Not well known but bought in supermarket Usually eaten by middleclass, No local market potential Bambara groundnut Very adaptive. Grows in dry and hot environments Protein Not widely cultivated in Uganda. No special social significance, nor taboos. No demand Passion fruits Not climate adaptable, seasonal Vitamins, leaves, and flowers have antioxidants, treat allergies Widely eaten Highly marketable Shea Climate adaptable Fats, vitamins, Oil. Not commonly used in cooking, mostly used in cosmetics. Northern Uganda used for food. Highly acceptable, Grown in northern Uganda. Hair, skin, highly marketable, Nuts and oil sold. Dioscorea Seasonal Carbohydrates Highly acceptable Takes long to grow, eating in evening in streets, High demand Amaranth Survives droughts, harvested throughout the year, matures fast Rich in vitamins, zinc (grains), cleanser (digestive), High in protein, omega 1, oil and fats Accepted by all, Good for managing malnutrition Available, affordable, 9.10 Annex 10: A matrix of prioritized traits of the four priority crops for each stakeholder category Order of priority/ Rank Jackfruit - Preferred Traits Human Health and Nutrition Group Farmers and Local Communities Cross-cutting Group Gene banks, Breeders and Researchers Group Private Sector Group 1st Nutritional value (satiety) Food and nutrition security Quality (sweetness, texture, taste, colour, crunchiness) Pest and diseases (abiotic and biotic stresses) Higher yield 2nd Early flowering Adaptability Yield Yield Longer shelf like (last longer before rotting) 3rd Adaptability Pest and disease tolerance Pest and disease resistance Maturity Shorter period before it starts producing 4th Acceptability (taste) Medicinal Early maturity Nutrient content Less or no sap 5th Reduce flower abortion rate Eaten in different forms Postharvest properties: canning shelflife Shelf life Height: shorter preferred 6th Fodder to animals Source of fuels Pearl millet - Preferred Traits Rank Human Health and Nutrition Group Farmers and Local Communities Cross-cutting Group Gene banks, Breeders and Researchers Group Private Sector Group 1st Nutritional value Food and nutrition Yield Biotic and abiotic stresses Stronger stem 2nd Drought tolerance High yield Quality: nutritional properties, taste, colour Lodging (shorter plants) Grain size 3rd Resistance against bird attacks (grain) Early maturity Disease and pest resistance Yield More adaptable to different climatic conditions 4th Tillering Drought tolerance Drought tolerance (early maturity) Nutrient content 5th Increase panicle size Industrial use (multiple) Postharvest traits Grain colour 6th Lodging resistance Pumpkin - Preferred Traits Rank Human Health and Nutrition Group Farmers and Local Communities Cross-cutting Group Gene banks, Breeders and Researchers Group Private Sector Group 1st Nutritional value Nutrition Quality: taste, texture, softness of cover, time to cook , smoothness of pulp Biotic and abiotic seeds Disease and pest resistance 2nd Multi-purpose Drought tolerance Yield Yield Less water content 3rd Drought tolerance All parts edible Pest and disease resistance Dry matter Higher yield 4th Grows in poor soils Long shelf-life Early maturity Nutrient content Adaptable to less moisture, growth throughout the year 5th Starchy texture Grown in all zones Drought tolerance Market traits Last longer after cutting (shelf life) 6th Culturally accepted Cowpea - Preferred Traits Rank Human Health and Nutrition Group Farmers and Local Communities Cross-cutting Group Gene banks, Breeders and Researchers Group Private Sector Group 1st Nutritional value Drought tolerance Shatter resistance (post- harvest): it is a common problem which can lead to loss a whole crop Biotic and biotic stresses Shorter cooking time 2nd Multi-purpose Early maturity Quality: taste, texture Yield Pest and disease resistance 3rd Drought tolerance Nutrition Pest and disease resistance Nutrient content Adapt to different climate conditions 4th Softer fibres leaves Eaten in difference forms Yield Market traits 5th Bigger pods Medicinal value Early maturity Dual purpose 6th Early-maturity Drought tolerance 9.11 Annex 11: The list of crops Participants selected from Crop group Common name (English) Crop group Common name (English) Crop group Common name (English) Fruits Bitter-berry Vegetables Okra Nuts, seeds and oilseeds Vegetable tallow tree Fruits Turkey berry Vegetables Aibika, Sunset Muskmallow, Sunset Hibiscus Nuts, seeds and oilseeds Allanblackia Fruits Cooking banana Vegetables Onion Nuts, seeds and oilseeds Cashew Fruits Bananas Vegetables Prostrate Pigweed Nuts, seeds and oilseeds Groundnut Fruits Bananas Vegetables Smooth Amaranth, Slim Amaranth Nuts, seeds and oilseeds Aizen, Nabedega Fruits Indian fig Vegetables Spiny Amaranth, Spiny Pigweed Nuts, seeds and oilseeds Canarium nut, Ramy nut Fruits Prickly pear Vegetables Amaranth/Joseph's coat Nuts, seeds and oilseeds Safflower Fruits Baobab Vegetables Slender Amaranth, Green Amaranth Nuts, seeds and oilseeds Coconut Fruits African pepper Vegetables Vine spinach, Ceylon spinach, Malabar spinach Nuts, seeds and oilseeds Sickle Senna Fruits Pineapple Vegetables Blackjack Nuts, seeds and oilseeds Cumin Fruits Custard Apple Vegetables Boscia Nuts, seeds and oilseeds Bottle Gourd, Calabash Fruits Wild Custard Apple Vegetables Ethiopia Mustard Nuts, seeds and oilseeds Flax Fruits Sugar Apple, Sweetsop Vegetables Celosia Nuts, seeds and oilseeds Macadamia Fruits Breadfruit Vegetables Silver spinach Nuts, seeds and oilseeds Groundnut tree Fruits Jack Tree Vegetables Spiderplant Nuts, seeds and oilseeds Sesame Fruits Balanites Vegetables Ivy Gourd, Scarlet Gourd Nuts, seeds and oilseeds Shea Fruits Papaya Vegetables Jute mallow Nuts, seeds and oilseeds Chestnut Fruits Carissa Vegetables Yoruban bologi Nuts, seeds a