WASAG - The Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture

Indigenous drought-resilient and nutritious crops 

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One way in which AWSAMe addresses water scarcity is through the promotion and adoption of indigenous, drought resilient and nutritious crops in water stressed areas. The initiative advocates for an integrated approach which seeks to:

  • promote indigenous, drought resilient and nutritious crops, including through the adoption of agronomic practices that increase the triple benefits of drought-resilience, nutrition and above- and below-ground biodiversity;
  • develop their value chains from field to fork, to maximize the socioeconomic benefits resulting from their production, transformation, commercialization, and consumption;
  • empower farmers with a focus on women and youth to take up the opportunities for income generation offered by indigenous, drought resilient and nutritious crops; and
  • influence and support policies that promote a greater adoption of indigenous, drought resilient and nutritious crops as a sustainable response to the challenges posed by climate change and as an opportunity to build resilience and improve livelihoods.

Key activities



  • Consultative workshop
  • A workshop was held in Ben Guerir, Morocco on 20–21 February 2024 aiming to consult representatives from four prospective pilot countries (Cabo Verde, Malawi, Morocco and South Sudan) in using FAO and CIRAD’s compendium to identify promising crops that could be suitable for growing in drought‑prone areas of those countries, with the potential of being promoted in the respective countries.

    Two categories of crops emerged as a priority: millets (cereals) and Vigna (legumes). The workshop also agreed on a methodology that would promote the wider adoption of the identified crops, subject to acceptance by the stakeholders at country level.


  • Pilot study at country level in Malawi  
  • Following field missions to Malawi in May 2024 and Cabo Verde in July 2024 – during which further consultations were held with stakeholders consisting of researchers, agriculture extension officers and community representatives – Malawi selected two crops (sorghum and Vigna unguiculata [cowpea]) for a research based pilot study to provide the scientific evidence required to promote these two indigenous crops.

    On station and on farm trials involving farmers were designed and carried out during the 2024/2025 rainy season in Chikwawa, Lilongwe and Salima, with the aim of selecting superior varieties of sorghum and cowpeas for further analysis. The seeds of the selected varieties will be released for wider adoption among farmers and communities, with the promotion of comprehensive value chain processes including nutritional and economic benefits. The field trials have focused on women and youth, with the prospects of job creation and income generation as the full potential of these promising crops unfolds with their wider adoption.


  • Collaboration with other initiatives
  • The methodology adopted in February 2024 is being developed iteratively, to ensure integration with other initiatives including the compendium on opportunity crops from the Vision for Adopted Crops and Soils (VACS), the Regional Office for Africa (RAF)'s compendium of forgotten crops focusing on nutrition. Furthermore, AWSAMe seeks to enhance the crops component of the VACS Soil mapping for resilient agrifood systems in Central America and sub Saharan Africa (SoilFER) project, specifically in Mozambique and Tunisia.

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