The 3rd International Conference on Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS): For a Food-Secure Africa featured presentations from specialists and students in the field from around the world.
A large number of interesting talks and posters were presented by conference participants over the three days. Among them, keynote addresses were delivered on the conference themes by distinguished speakers: Prof. Mary Abukutsa-Onyango, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Dr. Yemi Akinbamijo, Director General, FARA, Ambassador Mary Mubi, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Representative to FAO, Prof. Patrick Van Damme, University of Gent, Belgium, Mr. Gus Le Breton, CEO, Bio-Innovation, Zimbabwe, and Dr. Raymond Vodouhe, Bioversity International, Benin.
Side events were also hosted during the event by Crops for the Future Research Organization, FAO, Bio-Innovation, Zimbabwe and Bioversity International on a range of topics, such as NUS in higher education and value chain development. On the last, day panel discussions on critical issues took place.
All presentation slides and posters from the conference can be downloaded below. As the list is quite long, you can skip to presentations in the following categories by following the links:
Keynote Addresses
Plenary Session: Policy Implications and Actions
Participant Contributions - can be viewed by theme:
Abukutsa-Onyango, M. Strategic repositioning of neglected and underutilized species for food security, nutrition, health and economic development. 
View slides (4.4 MB).
Van Damme, P. Leveraging livelihood benefits from neglected and underutilized species through agricultural research challenges, needs and opportunities (Introducing Theme 1: Resilience of agricultural and livelihood systems). View slides (19.6 MB).
Le Breton, G. Upgrading value chains of neglected and underutilized species: commercial solutions to a commercial problem (Introducing Theme 2: Upgrading value chains of neglected and underutilized species). View slides (3.5 MB).
Vodouhe, R. Partnerships for promoting neglected and underutilized species: Bioversity International’s experience (Introducing Theme 3: Creating an enabling policy environment). View slides (3.1 MB).
Padulosi, S. Global analysis and perspectives of NUS policy issues. View slides (362 KB).
NUS2013 Policy Recommendations (documented by conference rapporteurs). View slides (138 KB).
Session T1.1
Dakora, F. D. Characterization of the ripe edible shea nut (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn.) fruit pulp for dietary minerals and metabolites in Ghana. View slides (1011 KB).
Hermann, M. The use of artisanal popping machines in Andean countries causes lead contamination of expanded grain products. View slides (1.6 MB).
Karthikeyan, M. Enhancing the resilience of livelihoods of small millet farmers through participatory varietal selection in India. View slides (930 KB).
Sugri, I. Sustaining frafra potato (Solenostemon rotundifolius Poir.) in the food chain current opportunities in Ghana. View slides (2.1 MB).
Walker, S. Production of underutilized crops in climate change scenarios in semi-arid southern Africa. View slides (2.2 MB).
Session T1.2: Conservation
Assogba, P. Ethnobotanical study and agro-morphological evaluation of Kersting’s groundnut (Macrotyloma geocarpum Harms) in Benin. View slides (862 KB).
Assogbadjo, A. E. How far do home gardens conserve threatened underutilized species and crop wild relatives in Benin? View slides (823 KB).
Rodrigue, I. National inventory and prioritization of crop wild relatives case study for Benin. View slides (979 KB).
Yemataw, Z. Morphological and use-value related management of enset (Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman) diversity and distribution in SNNPRS, Ethiopia. View slides (1.6 MB).
Posters 1.2: Conservation
Iloh, A.C. Enhancing community-based home gardens via improved indigenous knowledge and adaptation to new technologies: a case for the optimal utilization of NUS in Nigeria. View poster (192 KB).
Sessions T1.3 and T1.4: Nutrition
Abera, G. Nutrient concentration of anchote plant parts at different harvesting dates and in situ storage. View slides (1.4 MB).
Addis, G. Wild and semi-wild edible plants: diversity, use in household food sovereignty in remote parts of southern Ethiopia and nutritional benefits. View slides (6.6 MB).
Adewuyi, A. Lesser known underutilized seed oils potential source of food for the African communities. View slides (954 KB).
Arthur, P. K. Analysis of anti-infective compounds produced by marine endophytic fungi found in Ghana. View slides (1.4 MB) .
Emenalom, O. O. Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) in monogastric animal nutrition: effect of some local processing methods. View slides (1.1 MB).
Ezeocha, V. C. Evaluation of the nutrient and health potentials of wild and cultivated trifoliate yam (Dioscorea dumetorum) in Nigeria. View slides (664 KB).
Nwalo, F. Simple sequence repeats (SSR) polymorphisms and the relationship with phytochemical composition in Nigerian sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) cultivars. View slides .
Onwurafor, E. U. Effect of malting periods on the chemical and antinutrient contents of mung bean (Vigna radiata) orarudi flour.
Ratlhatloleng, N. M. Antihelmintic effects of a diet containing a traditional plant Viscum verrucosum on faecal egg count and eosinophils of naturally infected Tswana goats. View slides (812 KB).
Sanoussi, F. Ethnobotanical investigation of three leafy vegetables (Alternanthera sessilis (L. DC)., Bidens pilosa L., Launaea taraxacifolia Willd.) widely consumed in southern and central Benin. View slides (1.3 MB).
Yayra, A. Assessment of fonio (Digitaria exilis) as a dietary intervention in northern Ghana. View slides (2.7 MB).
Posters 1.5: NUS for Nutrition and Health
Ahiakpa, J. K. Health and nutritional potential of okra (Abelmoschus spp. L.) for reducing malnutrition in rural Ghana. View poster (307 KB).
Anankware, J. P. Neglected and underutilized insect species for nutrition and health. View poster (188 KB).
Brindza, J. Morphological and biochemical characterization of fruits from common persimmon (Diospyros virginiana L.) widespread seedlings. View poster (1.9 MB).
Brindza, J, Abrahamova, V., Grygorieva, O., and Karnatovska, M. Morphological and antioxidant characteristic of (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) fruits. View poster (1.9 MB).
Monka A., Brindza J., Oleárová H., Chlebo P., and Eftimová, J. Comparison of quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) and Chinese quince (Pseudocydonia sinensis Schneid.) in morphological and antioxidant characteristics. View poster (666 KB).
Olearova, H., Brindza, J., Chlebo, P., Biro, D., and Tomová, Z. Morphological characteristics and antioxidant activity of flowers and fruit from oil pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. styriaca) and giant pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.).
Tewolde-Berhan, S. Cordia africana fruit nutritional composition across different agroecology and land use in northern Ethiopia. To be published shortly.
Chukwurah, Peter Nkachukwu and Uyoh, Edak Aniedi. Eremomastax species have antioxidant benefits. View poster (121 KB).
Dari, L. Proximate composition of ackee apple (Blighia sapida) fruits. View poster (1.3 MB).
Oduntan, A.O. Ascorbic acis, total phenolic content, flavanoid and antioxidant activities of two cultivars of Basella alba. View poster . (344 KB)
Sessions T1.5 and T1.6: Agronomy
Algharib, A. Biodiversity of castorbean in Egypt: for the potential possibility of using as a bioenergy crop. View slides . (1.7 MB)
Assah, E. Response of indigenoius fruit trees under domestication in West and Central Africa to grafting. View slides . (802 KB)
Bigirimana, C. Local uses of preferred indigenous fruit trees in Lake Victoria basin, Rwanda. View slides (524 KB).
Bourou, S. Tamarind density and distribution: evaluation for climate change adaptation. View slides (1.3 MB).
Dembele, U. Local perceptions and endogenous technologies of Carapa procera oil production in Mali. View slides (621 KB).
Kanfany, G. Agronomic diagnosis on farmers’ fields and effects of harvest date on fonio millet (Digitaria exilis Stapf) in Senegal. View slides (826 KB).
Kendabie, P. Daylength effects on growth and seed production efficiency in bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L.). View slides (2.4 MB).
Mabhaudhi, T. Yield response of selected taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) landraces from South Africa to irrigated and rainfed field conditions. View slides (1.5 MB).
Maduwa, D. Agro-morphological characterization of Amaranthus spp. View slides (3.1 MB).
Mohale, K. C. Why is bambara groundnut able to grow and fix N2 under contrasting soil conditions in different agro-ecologies? View slides (2.6 MB).
Nee Wong, Q. Genetic improvement of winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) for increased productivity and nutritional security. View slides . (1.7 MB)
Posters 1.1: Agronomy
Beeching, J. A charity providing demand-driven seed research in under-utilized species. View poster.
Berchie, J.N. Evaluation of 13 bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L) Verdc. Lanraces Under 12 H and 14 H Photoperiods. View poster.
Dachi, S.N. and Mamza, W.S. incidence and severity of Curvularia leaf spot on Digitaria iburua (fonio) in Riyom, Plateau State, Nigeria. View poster.
Yield of an acha accession under the dibbling method of planting at different seed rates. View poster.
Esaie, K. G. Design and technical performance of a capillary irrigation system to produce neglected and underutilized vegetables. View poster.
Gideon, A. A. Exploitation of wastewater disposal sites and river banks in the cultivation of Vernonia spp. (Ndolé) in urban areas in Cameroon. View poster.
Idowu, M.K. Planting method and sees density affected vegetable yield and nutrient composition of Solanum macrocarpon and Solanum nigrum. View poster.
Motsa, N.M. Growth and yield response of three sweet potato (Ipomea batatas L.) varieties to different seasons of a subtropical environment of KwaZulu–Natal, South Africa. View poster.
Ngwene, B. Targeted influence on rhizospheric conditions for enhancing secondary metabolism in some tropical crops. View poster.
Olajide, O. A. Time aspects of food security: the case of remote and peri-urban farming systems in Imo State Nigeria. View poster.
Rahman, K. U. Quinoa prospects as an alternative crop for salt-affected areas. View poster.
Tsobeng A.; Assah, E. and Van Damme, P. Improving rooting in leafy stem cuttings of Allanblackia floribunda Oliver using fertilizers. View poster.
Sessions T1.7 and T1.8: Climate Change
Belko, M. N. Variation in seed germination response to water deficit stress in six baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) provenances. View slides.
Berchie, J. N. Effect of drought and heat, on the performance of bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) landraces. View slides.
Chai, H. H. Physiological responses of bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) to drought stress. View slides.
Fandohan, A. B. Impact of climate change on the geographical areas suitable for cultivation and conservation of neglected underutilized species: the case of the tamarind tree in Benin. View slides.
Kimani, E. Evaluation of sorghum genotypes to enhance production to cope with climate change in Makueni County, Kenya. View slides.
Meldrum, G. Methodology mapping for resilient production systems: approaches and results from surveys in Bolivia, India, and Nepal. View slides (1.6 MB).
Rao Nanduri, K. Neglected and under-utilized crops for food and income security in marginal environments. View slides (3.2 MB).
Sode, I. Impact of climate change on the geographic range of Indigenous neglected and underutilized species: case study of Dialium guineense Willd. in Benin. View slides (1.2 MB).
Posters 1.3: Global and Climate Change
Chimonyo, V.G.P. Growth responses of selected bottle gourd landraces to water stress under controlled environment conditions. View poster. (508 KB)
Session T1.9: Utilization, Post Harvest
Enibe, S. O. Progress in agronomic, nutritional and engineering development research on Treculia africana tree crop. View slides . (1.1 MB)
Mbosso, C. Collective action in managing Ricinodendron heudelotii kernel extraction machine: exploratory study in Southern Cameroon. View slides (940 KB).
Nenguwo, N. Effect of postharvest losses of traditional vegetables on market participation by smallholders in Tanzania. View slides (414 KB).
Omotesho, K. Management strategies of perceived risks associated with moringa products by consumers in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. View slides (269 KB).
Posters 1.4: Utilization, Processing and Post-Harvest
Chukwumalume, R.C. Production and sensory evaluation of African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) fruit juice. View poster (367 KB).
Fayose, F. T. Extrusion processing of neglected and underutilized species prospects, challenges and opportunity for food security in Africa. View poster . (1.2 MB)
Mutemi, E. The nutritional and food security situation of young children and their carers in the Busia district of western Kenya. View poster. (398 KB)
Senyolo, G.M. Households’ purchasing decision for underutilised leafy vegetables in the Limpopo Province of South Africa: a double-hurdle model approach. View poster (2.9 MB).
Sessions T2.1, T2.2 and T2.3
Adebowale, A. R. A. Effect of Drying Method and Variety on Functional Properties of Trifoliate Yam (Dioscorea dumentorum) Flour. View slides (365 KB).
Bin Ismail, A. Developing a Value Chain for Dabai: an Underutilized Fruit of Sarawak, East Malaysia. View slides (1.5 MB).
Chadare, F. Traditional baobab novel foods from Benin processing, preservation and gender analysis. View slides (1.3 MB).
Dari, L. Nutritional Composition and Stability of Saba senegalensis Fruit Extract. View slides (737 KB).
Eboutou, L. Y. More than chocolate diversifying cocoa agroforests for higher profitability in Cameroon. View slides (973 KB).
Matambo, B. Inclusive PPA-business model for developing underutilized plants to improve food security in Zimbabwe. View slides (2.1 MB).
Oyerinde, O. V. Improving opportunities for women in the value chains of underutilized species in Oyo State, Nigeria. View slides (904 KB).
Padulosi, S. Marketing Underutilized Species: The Strategy of Bioversity International. View slides (2.1 MB).
Rajendran, S. Contract Farming by Traditional African Leafy Vegetable Seed Producers in Tanzania: Implications for Household Cropping Income. View slides (758 KB).
Zimba-Chimzinga, S. Evaluation of Consumer’s Preference on Indigenous Leafy Vegetables (ILVs) in Selected Districts, Malawi (an overview). View slides (1.1 MB).
Posters on Theme 2
Adedayo, A. G. Policies and strategies to improve the utilization of Blighia sapida (K Konig) in the rainforest and savannah ecological zones of Nigeria. View poster (23 KB).
Agbonladhor, M. Marketing and contribution of pepper fruit (Dennettia tripetala) to rural households’ income in rainforest belt of Nigeria. View poster. (328 KB)
Amadou, A. Diversification and valorization of Non Timber Forest Products of plants resources in Torodi department (Niger, West Africa): social variation and implications for perspectives policies. View poster. (311 KB)
Ayano, A.E. Functional Properties and Sensory Quality of Fermented Cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) Flour and its Cooked Paste. View poster. (240 KB)
Fayose, F. T. Heat Pump Drying of Neglected and Underutilized Species: Status, Potentials and Applications. View poster. (578 KB)
Ibe, R.B. Socio-economic determinants of Corchorus olitorius and Telfairia occidentalis demand in Osun State, Nigeria: Implications for local value chain upgrading. View poster. (334 KB)
Makelo, M.N. Upgrading the pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (I.) Millsp.) value chain for increased productivity and improved livelihoods for small holder farmers. View poste (119 KB)r.
Nimino, G. Does collective action improve the performance of actors in the njansang (Ricinodendron heudelotii) value chain: Insights from Cameroon’s experience. View poster (146 KB).
Ogundipe, O.O. Production and quality evaluation of mixed fruit jam made from african star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) and tamarind (Tamarindus indica) using different blend ratios. View poster (282 KB).
Van Damme, P. Commercialization of underutilized plants in Uganda An analysis of the market chains of Cyphomandra betacea L. in Uganda. View poster (45 KB).
Sessions T3.1, T3.2 and T3.3
Dinssa, F. F. Prospects and challenges for preserving and mainstreaming underutilized traditional African vegetables. View slides (1.8 MB).
French, B. R. Information for small holders in africa on edible plants. View slides (16.5 MB).
Issaka, B. Y. Current Policy Issues and Recommendations for Sustainable Management of NTFPs in the Northern Savannah Zones of Ghana. View slides (81 KB).
Koffi K. E. Neglected and underutilized food crops current status and actions towards an enabling policy environment in Cote D’Ivoire. View slides (69 KB).
Kwaku, K. Bamboo Based Sustainable Livelihood and Economic Development in Sub-Sahara Africa: A Policy Perspective on Research and Development. View slides (1.3 MB).
Mayes, S. Thousands of crops and very little money – how can marker technology be applied to underutilised species? View slides (3.4 MB).
Ofori, D. A. Public-Private partnerships for sustainable agriculture and business development: Allanblackia species as a case study. View slides (2.0 MB).
Oluwatayo, I. B. Socioeconomic Contributions of Neglected and Underutilized Species to Livelihood Security in Rural Southwest Nigeria: Thaumatococcus danielli as a Test Case. View slides (738 KB).
Ombati, J. M. An Assessment of Technical, Economic and Social Gaps and Information Needs for Smallholder Farmers in Practice of Ecological Organic Agriculture in Kenya. View slides (402 KB).
O’Reilly, P. Innovation for Diversification: Crops for the Future, Crops for the Future Research Centre and the Creation of an Underutilized Species Knowledge Network. View slides (691 KB).
Rudebjer, P. Research capacity for neglected and underutilized species: a situation analysis in 10 African countries. View slides (1.7 MB).
Posters on Theme 3
O’Reilly, P. A Cinderella sector funding for underutilized crop research in Southeast Asia. View slides (614 KB).
Thompson, O.A. Principal Component Analysis of Cocoyam Production in Western Nigeria. View slides (133 KB).
