SUStaining and improving local crop patrimony in Burkina Faso and Niger for better LIVES and ecosystems

SUSTLIVES contributes to promoting the transition toward sustainable and climate-resilient agro-food systems in Burkina Faso and Niger through the enhancement of local agro-biodiversity to ensure food security and improve the livelihoods of rural communities. More specifically, SUSTLIVES aims to strengthen the research and innovation capacities of agricultural knowledge and innovation system (AKIS) actors in the value chains of neglected and underutilized crops (NUS) in Burkina Faso and Niger.

The rationale behind SUSTLIVES is that strengthening the research and innovation capacities of AKIS actors and improving the exchange of knowledge and information on NUS are central elements to promote the transition towards sustainable and climate-resilient agro-food systems in Burkina Faso and Niger. SUSTLIVES postulates that the low development of the NUS value chains is mainly due to the weak capacities of research, development, and innovation. Overall, the project is seen as a learning process, a living lab that allows for a continuous exchange and cross-fertilisation of knowledge among actors. The enhancement of local agrobiodiversity and NUS conservation and use is encouraged, not only to increase agri-food systems resilience but also to strengthen food and nutrition security, and rural livelihoods, by putting in place innovative and inclusive value chains (especially for youth and women).