Development of Underutilized Species - An Analysis of Best Practices based on Case Studies for Devil’s Claw, Quinoa and Physic Nut
Summary
In this paper case studies for 3 crops are analyzed to
formulate ‘best practices’ in developing the potential of promising species.
The cases concern studies commissioned by the Global
Facilitation Unit (GFU) on
Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s claw)
Chenopodium quinoa (Quinoa) and
Jatropha curcas (Physic nut).
The development of promising species is a very challenging
activity. Often entire marketing and production systems have to be designed or
re-aligned to serve the market place. There is fierce competition from
established products and engrained consumer preferences to overcome.
Nevertheless, if the effort pays off the rewards can be significant in terms of
economic, social and environmental benefits
