The Importance of Agrobiodiversity

The lack of agricultural biodiversity in farming systems threatens nutritional security in India and the African continent—home to nearly 3 billion people, or roughly 40 percent of the world’s population.^[1] Globally, 600 million smallholder farmers—the majority of them in India and Africa—who work on less than two hectares of land and produce about 35 percent of world’s food, are key to maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food and nutrition security for their local and national populations.

When agricultural systems lack diversity, they become more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses, leading to reduced yields and thereby leaving populations with less variety in nutritious foods. Monoculture practices also degrade soil health and ecosystem resilience over time, further compromising food production and long-term food security.^[2] Limited access to diverse and nutrient-rich food due to a lack of agricultural biodiversity contributes to the burden of malnutrition and food insecurity in both India and Africa. In India, approximately 224.3 million people are undernourished, while across the continent of Africa, the number stands at 278 million.^[3] These staggering figures underscore the urgent need to prioritise the promotion of agricultural biodiversity.

Figure 1: Key Components of Agrobiodiversity

Source: Food and Agriculture Organization^[4]

Note: The figure also illustrates how agro-biodiversity is intrinsic to overall biodiversity.

Agricultural biodiversity encompasses the vast array of plants, animals, and microorganisms utilised in agriculture and food production, highlighting the richness and resilience of ecosystems cultivated by generations of farmers (Figure 1).^[5] Agro-biodiversity provides, first, a rich source of nutrients and dietary diversity.^[6],[7] Traditional crops and local varieties often have higher nutritional value than commercial monocultures. Indigenous varieties of millets, sorghum, and pulses in both India and Africa, for example, are often more resilient to adverse environmental conditions, and are rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and calcium. By promoting the cultivation and consumption of these diverse crops, rural communities can reduce malnutrition and achieve better overall health outcomes.

Second, agrobiodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience and sustainability.^[8] Diverse farming systems are more resilient to pests, diseases, and climate variability and promote sustainable agriculture; they also support cultural and traditional knowledge systems.^[9] These traditions often involve the cultivation of a diverse range of crops and the use of indigenous farming practices suited to local conditions. By preserving and promoting these traditional knowledge systems, rural communities can enhance their resilience to external shocks and maintain their cultural identity as well.

How Regenerative Agriculture Helps Small Farmers

Regenerative agriculture, based on the principles of agrobiodiversity, is farming that builds and improves soil fertility while sequestering and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, increasing on-farm diversity, and improving water and energy management (Figure 2).^[10]

Figure 2: Core Principles of Regenerative Agriculture

Source: AgriCaptureCO₂ ^[11]

It is a form of agriculture that focuses on working with nature to ensure a wide set of benefits, as enumerated in Table 1. Farms that practice regenerative agriculture have higher and more stable yields, spend less on inputs, and develop natural capital and ecosystem services while building agricultural resilience.^[12]

Table 1: Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture

Soil Health	Improves soil health by increasing organic matter in the soil, improving soil structure, and encouraging microbial diversity, which in turn leads to improved soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and water retention.
Biodiversity Conservation	Biodiversity is protected by combining a variety of crops, rotational grazing, and habitat remediation. By fostering natural pest management, reducing the need for pesticides, and providing habitats for native species, regenerative agriculture increases the resilience of ecosystems.
Water Conservation	Techniques such as cover crops and less tillage lead to improved water infiltration, less soil erosion, and less pollutant runoff into water bodies. Water conservation is also encouraged by using watershed management and effective irrigation techniques.
Climate Change Mitigation	By storing carbon in the soil and absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, regenerative agriculture helps slow down global warming, improving soil structure and making it less susceptible to droughts, floods, and other climate-related pressures.
Improved Food Security and Stronger Local Economies	Reduces reliance on long-distance food transportation and external inputs by encouraging diverse farming systems and local food networks, thus improving food security. It bolsters the local economy and promotes community resilience and small-scale farming.
Resilient Agro-ecosystems	Agro-ecosystems are more resilient to environmental stresses and shocks when they are managed holistically. This form assists in long-term risk mitigation, adaptation, and productivity maintenance by enhancing ecosystem services and functions.[13]

Source: Alam Sher et al., Discov Sustain 5, 462 (2024)^[14]

Figure 3: Smallholder Farmers’ Gains from Regenerative Practices

Source: Compiled and illustrated by the authors

The efficacy of regenerative farming has repeatedly been demonstrated. Zero-budget natural farming practices in Andhra Pradesh, India, have demonstrated a 10–20 percent increase in yields of rice and vegetables while reducing input costs.^[15] In Eastern Rwanda, a meta-analysis of smallholder farms found that diversified cropping systems reduced the impact of droughts by maintaining yields that are 20–40 percent higher than monocultures.^[16] Farmers practicing mixed cropping with millets and legumes experienced fewer crop losses during droughts compared to those growing water-intensive crops like rice.^[17] Trials in Zambia on growing maize in rotation with doubled-up legumes showed improved food security for smallholder households while increasing total farm yield.^[18] Mulching and cover cropping practices improved water retention in semi-arid areas, reducing irrigation needs by 25 percent.^[19] Rainwater harvesting combined with regenerative practices have improved crop yields by 15–30 percent in water-scarce regions like Rajasthan in India. In Ethiopia, biodiversity-rich farming systems have shown increased resilience to drought while also reducing malnutrition rates by improved access to micronutrient- and protein-rich foods.^[20] Techniques like zai pits^[a] have restored degraded lands, enabling the growth of diverse crops such as sorghum and cowpea in some of the dry lands of sub-Saharan Africa.^[21],[22] Diversified farming systems with integrated livestock can lead to improved access to nutritional food for local communities while unlocking sustainable and diverse sources of income for smallholder farmers both in India and Africa.^[23]

While India benefits from diverse agro-climatic zones and food cultures, it faces challenges in promoting localised food systems and ensuring affordable access to quality produce for all. Bridging the gap between demand and availability is crucial to reviving inclusive food practices. Millet-based programmes in states such as Karnataka have improved dietary diversity and addressed micronutrient deficiencies, especially among women and children.^[24] A millet–pulse–groundnut-based formulation has been found to be an effective, culturally appropriate, and scalable intervention to improve the growth and overall health of pre-school tribal children in Telangana.^[25]

According to a 2021 UN-supported report by the Africa Regenerative Agriculture Study Group, adopting regenerative agricultural practices across the continent could add US$ 15 billion annually to its gross value added (GVA) per year by 2030, rising to US$70 billion by 2040.^[26] In the sub-Saharan region, as per estimates, crop yield could increase 13 percent by 2040, with future increases of up to 40 percent. In such a scenario, per capita food consumption could increase by 13 percent and per capita daily calorie intake by 16 percent by 2040.^[27] Water retention could improve up to 150 percent, and carbon sequestration could rise by 1.5 to 5 gigatons annually, depending on adoption levels. The practice has substantial financial backing and market interest, with certain multinational corporations making pledges to advance the practice of regenerative agriculture.^[b],[28]

Crucial Challenges

Among the challenges to scaling agro-food systems are ensuring food security for a growing population, mitigating climate impacts on agriculture, restoring biodiversity through sustainable agricultural practices, and minimising environmental and societal impacts of commercialised agriculture. Regenerative agriculture, with its holistic focus on social, economic, and environmental aspects of farming, is a promising means of addressing some of these challenges.

Policy frameworks often favour monoculture crops and high-input agricultural practices, neglecting the importance of agro-biodiverse and regenerative methods in ensuring food and nutrition security for rural communities.^[29] Limited policy support for regenerative farming limits its adoption. In both India and Africa, subsidies favour monoculture systems. Compounding the challenge is the lack of a uniform definition of ‘regenerative agriculture’, the absence of a common baseline, and the different interpretations of the term by different actors in the agricultural supply chain, leading to confusion and lack of acceptability among national policymakers.

Another barrier to adoption in both India and Africa is the lack of access to technical knowledge/support and financial resources for smallholders, which would have enabled them to understand and implement regenerative practices effectively.^[30] The homogenising effects of globalisation, leading to limited markets for diverse and regenerative produce, constrain economic incentives for those engaged in regenerative farming, thereby making the problem worse.  It explains why millions of smallholder households in both regions struggle to stay afloat.

Another key barrier is the initial productivity loss farmers experience when transitioning from synthetic inputs. This deters adoption, despite the long-term benefits of regenerative farming.^[31] Efforts must focus on raising awareness about the long-term financial gains and environmental benefits of this method. While small farmers with limited resources are concerned about financial stability, they also recognise the importance of environmental sustainability, especially when it directly affects their yields and long-term productivity.

Integrating regenerative crop systems with small-scale rearing of animals like fowl and caprine is a sustainable solution to enhance short-term incomes. Animal husbandry also provides on-farm-produced bio-inputs and supports environmental sustainability without significantly increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Food waste is another problem both regions face. It occurs both at the back-end (in the farming-to-manufacturing process, due to the absence of adequate storage, inefficient supply chains, and post-harvest losses), but increasingly at the front-end as well, due to consumer over-purchase, improper storage, confusion over food labelling, and disposal of edible food. Responsible consumption, including mindful buying and reduced waste, is essential.^[32] Improving efficiency in the food supply chain is crucial, as current inefficiencies lead to 20-25 percent food losses, keeping prices high and limiting access to nutrition for many.^[33] Greater awareness and affordability can drive large-scale adoption of nutritious food. Additionally, integrating crop systems with the broader food system is essential to ensure a seamless connection across the entire food chain, benefiting both producers and consumers.

Pathways for Effecting Change

Collaborative endeavours across various domains are required to overcome the challenges described in this report. Supporting small-scale farmers by providing them access to diverse seeds and breeds, promoting agro-ecological farming practices, strengthening local seed systems, and integrating biodiversity conservation into agricultural policies are essential steps towards enhancing agro-biodiversity and securing food and nutrition for rural communities. Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) offer a hybrid model, combining cooperative and private sector elements, enabling collaboration through a public-private partnership (PPP) approach.^[34]

Modern agriculture relies on supply chains to markets for food security, efficiency, and sustainability. These link farmers to consumers, via various players such as input suppliers, processors, distributors, and even retailers. In both India and Africa, agriculture has a deep cultural connect, with farmer experience playing a vital role in adopting technologies and practices. In such settings, using markets and supply chains as levers would facilitate the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices by creating local demand for quality food. Engaging with agricultural corporations to invest in carbon-neutral and regenerative supply chains would also incentivise farmers to shift towards soil-restoring practices. It would ensure that smallholders are supported with the costs of soil testing, access to quality seeds, and compliance with certification standards.

The challenges of climate change, depletion of resources like water, land degradation, and the growing demand for sustainably produced food make agricultural supply chains pivotal for nutrition availability. The global regenerative-sourced product market is projected to grow from US$ 8.7 billion in 2022 to US$ 16.8 billion by 2027, driven by rising demand for sustainable and nutritious food and corporate investments in sustainability.^[35] This growth offers farmers opportunities to enhance their income through market linkages, eco-friendly practices, and the potential of accessing carbon credits, improving both their profitability and thereby, their resilience. This can ensure long-term financial stability for smallholder farmers while contributing to environmental benefits like improved soil health and biodiversity.

The key to advancing regenerative agriculture is a holistic approach. No single player or segment can drive it alone; it must be integrated across the entire food chain. Governments need to create supportive frameworks and coordinate policy efforts across various relevant departments, while markets should focus on execution and value creation. A coordinated effort should also drive the formulation of a science-backed uniform standard on regenerative agriculture with clear targets and actionable steps. National or regional statutory standards’ bodies should lead such an effort for industry-wide acceptance and large-scale on-farm adoption.

Reaping a Rich Harvest: Success Stories

There are case studies from both India and Africa which demonstrate that regenerative agriculture is indeed helping local farming and rural communities, giving them access to enhanced food and nutrition security, while also improving their incomes and promoting biodiversity.

In Tanzania, for example, according to the World Food Programme, around 20 percent of all families cannot afford food with “sufficient calories”, and more than 50 percent “cannot afford a nutritious diet”.^[36]  However, agrobiodiversity-focused activities targeting both the production and consumption of locally available nutritious food have improved the nutritional status and income of 22,500 smallholder coffee producers in its southern highlands, a region leading in malnutrition prevalence.

In Madhya Pradesh, India, the adoption of regenerative farming practices—among them, crop diversification, use of bio-based pesticides and fertilisers, and efficient water management—has improved farm incomes and local availability of nutritious and affordable food for 50,000 smallholder families.

Table 2 highlights some of the good practices across India and Africa which can promote sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices as well as protect local biodiversity.

Table 2: Good Practices Across India and Africa

Initiative	Strategy/Tool	Good Practice (India)	Good Practice (Africa)
Community Seed Banks	These preserve agro-biodiversity, enabling local communities to safeguard their traditional seed varieties, improve resilience to climate change, and ensure food security.	Millet seed banks in Karnataka have supported local farming communities by providing drought-resistant varieties.[37]	Seed banks in Ethiopia have conserved indigenous seeds, ensuring farmers’ access to climate-resilient crops.[38]
Integrated Value Chains	These combine production, processing, marketing, and distribution, while also promoting sustainable and bio-diverse agricultural systems.	Millet-based value chains under the government’s “Millets Mission,[39] which aims to increase the acreage of millets, their productivity and introduced more millet-based products.	Programmes promoting the growing of African indigenous vegetables,[40] which have been neglected in favour of commercial crops and are regarded as ‘poor people’s’ plants.
Progressive Policies and Incentives	Aligning of government policies, financial incentives, and institutional support, to create an environment conducive to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation	- National Agro-forestry Policy - National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture - National Biodiversity Action Plan - The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (Prime Minister’s Irrigation for Farmers Programme) - Farmers’ Cooperatives and Federations for Agro-Biodiversity	- Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme - African Union’s Policy on Agriculture and Food Security - Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative - Support for Indigenous Knowledge and Practices - Support for Farmer-Led Seed Banks and Indigenous Crop Preservation
Use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) Support	A valuable tool in supporting good practices in agro-biodiversity	Platforms like mKisan[41] and eNAM[42] offer farmers access to research-based advice, market trends, and crop diversification techniques	Mobile-based services such as iCow[43] and mFarm[44] provide information on organic farming, seed varieties, and agro-ecological practices, promoting the use of diverse, climate-resilient crops
Geographical Indication (GI) Tagging	Promotes and protects agro-biodiversity by recognising the unique qualities of region-specific products	- Traditional Spices and Herbs-Kashmir Saffron[45] - Promoting Agroecological System-Basmati Rice[46]	- Traditional Crops and Conservation- Teff, a gluten-free ancient grain in Ethiopia[47] - Nutritional and Medicinal Plants-Kenyan Tea[48]
Low-Carbon Rice Cultivation	An essential part of promoting agro-biodiversity while addressing climate change concerns	- System of Rice Intensification[49] - Alternate Wetting and Drying[50]	- Integrated rice-livestock systems in countries like Ghana[51] - Rice-legume cropping systems[52]

Source: Author’s own, compiled from multiple sources

Recommendations

Regenerative agriculture is a viable solution to food security challenges in rural Africa and India; it also boosts resilience to climate change and improves rural livelihoods. Scaling regenerative practices requires coordinated efforts in policy, research, and market development, alongside farmer education and empowerment. The following paragraphs outline some of these crucial elements. 

• Investing in agro-ecological farming methods with the farmer as the key stakeholder, fostering collaboration between states, NGOs, and local communities to implement such initiatives and integrate them into existing schemes;
• Promoting integrated crop-livestock systems to enable smallholders to access diversified diets and income, and enhanced soil fertility;
• Raising awareness about the importance of agrobiodiversity and regenerative agricultural practices for nutrition and food security, integrating nutrition education into agri-extension services and outreach programmes;
• Coordinating policy efforts across agricultural, environmental, and nutrition sectors to incentivise sustainable and regenerative farming practices, conserve biodiversity, and promote healthy diets.
  

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Shoba Suri is Senior Fellow, Health Initiative, ORF.

Kritika Banerjee is Senior Communications Manager, Solidaridad Asia. 

This report builds on the insights shared during ORF and Solidaridad Asia’s panel discussion, “Regenerative Agriculture and Agro-biodiversity for Food Security in Africa and India: Empowering Smallholders through Markets Approaches”, held on 11 November 2024 in New Delhi.

Endnotes

^[a] A traditional farming method that originated in West Africa, where small, shallow pits are dug into the ground and filled with manure or other organic nature before planting a crop.

^[b] Nestlé, Unilever and PepsiCo are among the FMCG giants to sign up to a new framework agreement for the transition to regenerative agriculture.

^[1]Irene Hoffmann, “Declining Biodiversity Threatens Food Security,” World Food J, May 22, 2021, https://www.welthungerhilfe.org/news/latest-articles/2021/the-loss-of-biodiversity-threatens-world-food-security#:~:text=Close%20to%2020%25%20of%20the,of%20freshwater%20species%20are%20threatened.

^[2] Kritika Banerjee et al., “Agrobiodiversity as an Approach Towards Food and Nutrition Security for Rural Communities in Africa and India,” T20 Brazil Policy Brief, https://t20brasil.org/media/documentos/arquivos/TF01_ST02_Agrobiodiversity_as66d75dcac0264.pdf

^[3]FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO, The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2022, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2022, https://doi.org/10.4060/cc0639en

^[4]“What is Agrobiodiversity?,” https://www.fao.org/4/y5609e/y5609e01.htm.

^[5]Karl S. Zimmerer et al., “Urbanization and Agrobiodiversity: Leveraging a Key Nexus for Sustainable Development,” One Earth 4, no. 11 (2021): 1557-1568.

^[6]Diana V Luna-González et al., “Higher Agrobiodiversity is Associated with Improved Dietary Diversity, But Not Child Anthropometric Status, of Mayan Achí People of Guatemala,” Public Health Nutrition 21, no. 11 (2018): 2128-2141.

^[7]Dileep Kumar Pandey et al., “Biodiversity in Agricultural and Food Systems of Jhum Landscape in the West Garo Hills, North-eastern India,” Food Security 14, no. 3 (2022): 791-804.

^[8]Simon Wambui Mburu et al., “Agrobiodiversity Conservation Enhances Food Security in Subsistence-Based Farming Systems of Eastern Kenya,” Agriculture & Food Security 5, 2016: 1-10.

^[9]Ma Nan et al., “The Significance of Traditional Culture for Agricultural Biodiversity—Experiences from GIAHS,” Journal of Resources and Ecology 12, no. 4 (2021): 453-461.

^[10] Regenagri, “Regenagri — A Regenerative Agriculture Initiative,” September 5, 2024, https://regenagri.org/.

^[11] Agri Capture CO2, “The Six Principles of Regenerative Farming: Why Are They Important?,” June 20, 2023, https://agricaptureco2.eu/the-six-principles-of-regenerative-farming-why-are-they-important/

^[12]Regenagri, “Regenagri — A Regenerative Agriculture Initiative”

^[13] Alam Sher et al., “Importance of Regenerative Agriculture: Climate, Soil Health, Biodiversity and its Socioecological Impact,” Discov Sustain 5, no. 462 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-024-00662-z

^[14] Sher et al. “Importance of Regenerative Agriculture: Climate, Soil Health, Biodiversity and its Socioecological Impact”

^[15]“Zero Budget Natural Farming in Andhra Pradesh Outperforms Conventional Agriculture |FAO,” https://www.fao.org/family-farming/detail/en/c/1640851/.

^[16]Hashakimana Léonidas et al., “Monocropping Vs Mixed Cropping Systems Under a Changing Climate: Smallholder Farmers’ Perceptions and Farm Profitability in Eastern Rwanda,” Environmental and Sustainability Indicators 24, November 5, 2024: 100527, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2024.100527.

^[17] Heba H Elsalahy et al., “Crop Resilience to Drought with and Without Response Diversity,” Frontiers in Plant Science 11, June 3, 2020, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.00721.

^[18] Blessing Mhlanga et al., “Intensifying Cropping Systems Through Doubled-Up Legumes in Eastern Zambia,” Scientific Reports 11, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-87594-0.

^[19] Addis Hailu Demo et al., “Enhancing Crop Yield and Conserving Soil Moisture Through Mulching Practices in Dryland Agriculture,” Frontiers in Agronomy 6, 2024: 1361697.

^[20]S. Woolfrey et al., AgrInvest-Food Systems Project-Political Economy Analysis of the Ethiopian Food System (Italy: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2021), https://openknowledge.fao.org/items/6d91286c-9c6b-4806-a7cb-852afda2e554.

^[21]Serah W Kimaru-Muchai et al., “Zai Pits for Heightened Sorghum Production in Drier Parts of Upper Eastern Kenya,” Heliyon 7, no. 9 (2021).

^[22]“How The Zaï Technique Is Helping Farmers Adapt to Climate Change in the Sahel,” World Economic Forum, August 10, 2023, https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/08/zai-technique-sahel-farmers-adapt-climate-change/

^[24]Seetha Anitha et al., “Acceptance and Impact of Millet-Based Mid-Day Meal on the Nutritional Status of Adolescent School Going Children in a Peri Urban Region of Karnataka State in India,” Nutrients 11, no. 9 (2019): 2077, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11092077.

^[25]Datta Mazumdar Saikat et al., “Effectiveness of Millet–Pulse–Groundnut Based Formulations in Improving the Growth of Pre-School Tribal Children in Telangana State, India,” Nutrients 16, no. 6 (2024): 819, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16060819.

^[26]Africa Regenrative Agriculture Study Group, “Regenerative Agriculture: An Opportunity for Businesses and Society to Restore Degraded Land in Africa,” https://www.iucn.org/sites/default/files/2022-06/regnererative_agriculture_in_africa_report_2021_compressed.pdf.

^[27]Africa Regenrative Agriculture Study Group, “Regenerative Agriculture: An Opportunity for Businesses and Society to Restore Degraded Land in Africa”

^[28]Sarah Zimmerman, “Nestlé, Danone and Other Major Food Companies Commit to Framework for Regenerative Agriculture,” Food Dive, October 2, 2023, https://www.fooddive.com/news/regenerative-agriculture-definition-sai-nestle-danone-unilever/695303/.

^[29] FAO and PAR, Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture: Contributing to Food Security and Sustainability in a Changing World, Italy, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Platform for Agrobiodiversity Research, 2011.

^[30]Varala Rama Krishna et al., “Technology Adoption Barriers and Economic Solutions,” in Economic Impact of Agri-Tech Innovations on Extension Services, ed. Shankar Dayal Bharti et al. (Golden Leaf, 2024), https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386604140_Technology_Adoption_Barriers_and_Economic_Solutions

^[31]Shawna Lemke et al., “Drivers and Barriers to Adoption of Regenerative Agriculture: Cases Studies on Lessons Learned from Organic,” International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability 22, no. 1 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2024.2324216.

^[32]Zhechen Zhang et al., “Municipal Solid Waste Management Challenges in Developing Regions: A Comprehensive Review and Future Perspectives for Asia and Africa,” Science of the Total Environment (2024): 172794, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724029413

^[33]Rojas-Reyes et al., “Disruptions in the Food Supply Chain: A Literature Review,” Heliyon, 2024, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S240584402410761X

^[34] APAARI, “Good Practices Note on Institutional Innovations-1: Strengthening the Farmer Producer Organization Ecosystem for Farmer Prosperity,” 2023, https://www.apaari.org/good-practice-note-on-institutional-innovations-1-strengthening-the-farmer-producer-organization-ecosystem-for-farmer-prosperity/.

^[35] Markets & Markets, “Regenerative Agriculture Market worth $16.8 Billion by 2027,” https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/regenerative-agriculture.asp

^[36]WFP, Tanzania Country Brief February 2024, World Food Programme, 2024, https://www.wfp.org/countries/tanzania#:~:text=An%20estimated%2020%20percent%20of,of%20the%20sector's%20labour%20force.

^[37]Agriculture Working Group, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, Embracing Millets: The Key to Enhancing Food Security and Nutrition (New Delhi: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, 2023) https://agriwelfare.gov.in/Documents/MOA_PIN01_Millets_Booklet_Final_24_Nov_2023.pdf

^[38]Claire Provost, “Ethiopia Seed Bank’s Novel Approach to Preserving Diversity Under Threat,” The Guardian, October 19, 2022, https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/feb/19/ethiopia-seed-bank-preserving-diversity-under-threat-g8-new-alliance#:~:text=Founded%20in%201976%2C%20Ethiopia's%20national,of%20drought%20and%20other%20threats.

^[39]Niti Aayog & WFP, “Millets Mainstreaming: A Conceptual Framework,” 2021, https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-08/Millets-Mainstreaming-Framework.pdf.

^[40] FAO, “Toolbox for Sustainable Use of PGRFA,” https://www.fao.org/plant-treaty/tools/toolbox-for-sustainable-use/overview/en/

^[41]Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, “M - Kisan Portal,” https://mkisan.gov.in/

^[42]Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, “National Agricultural Market,” https://www.enam.gov.in/web/

^[43] iCow Kenya, “iCow-iCow Kenya Home,” https://icow.co.ke/

^[44] “mFarm,” https://www.mfarm.ng/

^[45]“India International Kashmir Saffron Trading Centre (IIKSTC),” https://gikashmirsaffron.com/content/6/GI-Tag-Kashmir-Saffron.

^[46]Pradyot R. Jena et al., “Impact Evaluation of Traditional Basmati Rice Cultivation in Uttarakhand State of Northern India: What Implications Does It Hold for Geographical Indications?,” World Development 40, no. 9 (2012): 1895-1907, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0305750X12000654

^[47]Teff Creations Company, “Teff: An Ancient Ethiopian Grain and Global Nutrition All-star,” The Teff Creations Company, March 21, 2024, https://teffie.me/blogs/teff-news/teff-an-ancient-ethiopian-grain-and-global-nutrition-all-star.

^[48]“Adoption of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for Kenyan Tea,” International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences 7, no. 1 (2022): 001-005, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357836432_Adoption_of_Protected_geographical_Indication_PGI_for_Kenyan_Tea

^[49]CEEW The Council, “System of Rice Intensification in India,” https://www.ceew.in/publications/sustainable-agriculture-india/system-of-rice-intensification

^[50]Raghubar Sahu et al., “Alternate Wetting and Drying Technology for Rice Production,” Indian Farming 73, no. 3 (2023): 11-13, https://epubs.icar.org.in/index.php/IndFarm/article/view/133179

^[51] P. M. Shanmugam et al., “Crop–Livestock-Integrated Farming System: A Strategy to Achieve Synergy Between Agricultural Production, Nutritional Security, and Environmental Sustainability,” Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 8, 2024, https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1338299.

^[52]Caitlin Breen et al., “Legume Seed System Performance in sub-Saharan Africa: Barriers, Opportunities, and Scaling Options. A Review,” Agronomy for Sustainable Development 44, no. 2 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-024-00956-6.

• Healthcare
• Africa
• India
• agricultural biodiversity
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Climate Change Mitigation
• Local Food System
• nutrition insecurity
• Nutritious Food in Rural Africa and India
• potential of regenerative agriculture
• Regenerative Agriculture
• Sustainable Farming Practices

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