Enhancing the Adoption of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) in Asia and the Pacific

Rationale
The Asia-Pacific region hosts many agroecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests and mountainous terrains to expansive river deltas and arid plains. This ecological diversity supports various crops and farming practices, positioning the region as a crucial player in global food production.
Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS), such as quinoa, millet, rapeseed, cowpea, soybean, potato, and high-value legumes, offer immense potential for strengthening food security, improving nutrition, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting sustainable agricultural development. Despite their adaptability to diverse agro-climatic conditions and significant nutritional benefits, these crops remain underexploited due to limited research, weak policy support, restricted market access, and insufficient financial investment.
Agricultural systems across the region face mounting challenges, including climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. Addressing these issues requires a shift toward more resilient and diversified cropping systems. NUS can play a pivotal role in this transformation, as they typically require fewer inputs, exhibit higher resistance to pests and diseases, and thrive in marginal environments where staple crops struggle. Moreover, they hold deep cultural significance, contributing to traditional diets and local economies.
Despite their advantages, NUS remains commercially underdeveloped due to low consumer awareness, limited availability of improved varieties, underdeveloped value chains, and weak policy integration. It is imperative to mainstream these species into national agricultural strategies to unlock their full potential, enhance research and development efforts, and implement market-driven interventions that promote their cultivation and utilization.
A comprehensive study and high-level policy dialogue on NUS in Asia are essential for aligning regional and national initiatives across investment, research, pilot programs, agricultural best practices, extension services, market development, partnerships, and international collaboration. A key outcome of this initiative will be the development of a policy brief outlining actionable strategies for integrating NUS into Asia’s agricultural systems—paving the way for a more resilient, sustainable, and food-secure future.
Objective:
To conduct a comprehensive study on the Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) in Asia and develop policy guidelines for its effective adoption and large-scale implementation.

Activities:
1.    Assess the Current Landscape – Review the status, gaps, and opportunities for integrating NUS into Asia’s main cropping systems, focusing on gender-sensitive, climate-smart agriculture.
2.    Identify and Benchmark Innovations—Stocktake successful approaches that support farmers, especially women, in adopting sustainable mechanization and producing NUS. This includes innovative financial tools, digital technologies, entrepreneurship, and service models.
3.    Facilitate High-Level Policy Dialogue – Engage stakeholders from governments, international agricultural and financial institutions, NGOs, and civil society to discuss strategies for scaling up NUS.
4.    Develop Policy Recommendations – Conduct fact-based research and expert consultations with development partners, agricultural research institutions, and the private sector to shape actionable policy guidelines.
5.    Create Knowledge Products – Produce and disseminate reports, case studies, policy briefs, and other resources to support the integration of NUS into food system transformation and digitalization efforts.
By implementing these activities, this initiative aims to foster a supportive policy environment, enhance research and development, and strengthen market systems to promote the widespread adoption of NUS, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and food-secure Asia-Pacific region.

Deliverables:
The service provider will deliver the following outputs:
Deliverables and Due date
1.    A comprehensive report on the status, gaps, and opportunities for the adoption and upscaling of NUS in Asia -    30 June 2025
2.    Proceedings of the high-level policy dialogue  -    30 September 2025
3.    A policy brief of NUS in Asia -    15 November 2025

Budget:
Thirty thousand US dollars (30,000 USD)