Food systems assessments for neglected and underutilised crop species: Research protocol for the Power of Diversity Funding Facility (PDFF)

This research protocol describes an integrated approach to assessing the contribution of neglected and underutilised crop species to diets, livelihoods and food systems under the Power of Diversity Funding Facility (PDFF). It aims to generate evidence on crop consumption, consumer preferences, food access and value-chain opportunities to inform investments and policies. The protocol uses a mixed-methods, cross-sectional design combining consumer focus group discussions and participatory community mapping; household surveys of dietary diversity, individual focal-crop consumption, knowledge and attitudes; food environment assessments; and value-chain research involving stakeholder workshops, producer discussions and key informant interviews. It outlines study-site selection, participant sampling, data collection and analysis, with attention to gender, youth, social inclusion, conflict sensitivity and the policy and institutional environment. The approach builds on methods developed through the Building Opportunities for Lesser-known Diversity in Edible Resources (BOLDER) work package within the BOLD project. It supports comparable assessments across PDFF participating countries while allowing adaptation to local crops and contexts. PDFF is coordinated by the Crop Trust and implemented by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and partners. This publication provides a shared methodological reference for the assessment components and their associated datasets.