Underutilized and neglected crop species and their role in enhancing household food security amid climate change, Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia

Neglected and underutilized crop species (NUCS) are those that have been largely overlooked in mainstream agriculture, despite their potential to contribute to food security, nutritional diversity, and resilience to climate change. These crops are often undervalued, resulting in limited research and underproduction, despite their significant potential for enhancing agricultural sustainability. The study addresses the need for crop and food diversification due to food insecurity, monotonous diets, and climate change. It focuses on NUCS, which are at risk of genetic loss or negative perceptions by growers and consumers. The research aimed to document these crops, assess farmers' opinion, identify challenges in their production and consumption, and analyse their contribution to household food security. Through a multi-stage sampling method, 246 households were interviewed, along with focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The study documented 32 NUCS, which are used as supplements to staple crops and help mitigate food crises caused by climate change. However, producing and consuming these crops is often associated with poverty. The analysis revealed that 50 % of respondents have poor food consumption, 30 % are at the borderline, and only 20 % are at an acceptable level. Factors such as age, sex, farming experience, household size, and farm size significantly impact the production and consumption of these crops. The study concludes that proper documentation and seed multiplication by research and extension institutions are crucial for preserving these crops as climate change threatens staple crop production.