ABSTRACT
Neglected and underutilised species (NUS) are highly localised plants involving specialised local knowledge of people, mostly women, who are often marginalised and impoverished. This chapter presents findings from baseline studies with local and Indigenous peoples in Myanmar, Peru and Zimbabwe. The findings concur with that of other studies that show NUS as integrated in local peoples’ land use and agro-biodiversity management. Local people associate agro-biodiversity, including NUS, with dietary diversity, which people closely link with their sense of well-being. NUS are part of people’s strategies for food and nutrition security, during both the lean and plenty seasons. The studies highlighted the prominent role of women in the coping strategies used during lean season, including the use of NUS. The study also presents conceptual and methodological challenges and opportunities. There is much to be gained from sharing information, resources and expertise from the local at the global level. NUS research, development and policy interventions, including capacity building programmes, should build from the (still largely untapped) local peoples’ knowledge on NUS. The further enhancement of NUS needs to be defined from the perspectives and in support of the people for whom NUS are a critical part of the landscape and for whose well-being it is vital.
