Journal article

Publication year: 2024

Journal: Food and Energy Security

Volume number: 13

Issue number: 3

ISSN: 2048-3694

Open access status: Gold

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.558

Publisher: Wiley

Abstract: 

The global food system's reliance on a few species threatens food and nutritional security. Species diversification, including indigenous species, is a viable option to address this issue. Diversity enhances food systems' resilience against climatic and economic shocks. It offers resources for improved breeds and allows farmers to mitigate risks. However, successful diversification demands collaboration among farmers, researchers, academics, professionals, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. This review analyzes the role of crop species diversity in food system transformation, focusing on monoculture vulnerabilities, diversification benefits, indigenous species' role in nutrition and food security, and the importance of integrated policies and multi-stakeholder collaborations. We advocate for interdisciplinary research, participatory approaches, and supportive policies to foster diverse, resilient food systems that ensure food security, biodiversity conservation, and enhanced social well-being amidst global challenges. While acknowledging the importance of diversity in animal species for food security, the focus of this review is on crop species diversity and its potential to transform food systems.

Diversifying crop species, including indigenous varieties, enhances food system resilience against climatic and economic shocks while improving nutrition and food security. Successful diversification requires interdisciplinary research, participatory approaches, and supportive policies fostering collaboration among farmers, researchers, consumers, and policymakers to create resilient food systems that ensure food security and biodiversity conservation.image

Harvard Citation style: Zuza, E., Lambert, K., Macmillan, T., Chiyemura, F., Araya, Y., Bowskill, V., et al. (2024) Crop species diversity: A key strategy for sustainable food system transformation and climate resilience, Food and Energy Security, 13(3), Article e558. https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.558

APA Citation style: Zuza, E., Lambert, K., Macmillan, T., Chiyemura, F., Araya, Y., Bowskill, V., Oluseye, A., Kanui, M., Keding, G., Butler, G., Breman, E., King, I., Matumba, L., Heddenhausen, J., Nordin, S., & Bhagwat, S. (2024). Crop species diversity: A key strategy for sustainable food system transformation and climate resilience. Food and Energy Security. 13(3), Article e558. https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.558