Report of the Regional Consultation on Opportunity Crops in Africa

Abstract

FAO and FARA convened a three-day hybrid consultation in Accra with researchers, policymakers, universities, development partners, farmer organizations, private-sector actors and regional institutions. The aim was a unified continental vision for indigenous and traditionally cultivated crops in Africa's agrifood systems. Participants agreed that "opportunity crops" conveys these species' strategic value better than "orphan" or "neglected". They also agreed that conservation alone is insufficient: benefits depend on coordinated investment across genetic resources, breeding, seed systems, value addition, markets, education, policy and finance. Sessions covered genetic resources, breeding for resilience, seed systems, market creation and the enabling environment. Working groups set seven strategic priorities: conserve and mobilize genetic resources; accelerate research and crop improvement; build inclusive seed systems; develop competitive value chains; mainstream the crops in policy and investment; strengthen human and institutional capacity; and establish coordinated continental implementation. The report closes with recommendations for governments, research institutions, universities, financing partners, the private sector, farmer organizations and regional bodies.