Sweetpotato, a model for food-security and long-term conservation of biodiversity
Key Facts
FUNDING SCHEME Main Project
VALUE £599,999
WHERE Peru, Madagascar, Zambia, Kenya
Summary
Sweetpotato, a vital subsistence crop in Africa, has high micronutrient content and adaptive qualities for many farming systems, making it a globally critical component of food security. However, the unique diversity of sweetpotato landraces in low-income countries is poorly conserved and vanishing. This project introduces a robust methodology to conserve and use sweetpotato genetic diversity as a model for the long-term, secure conservation of clonal crops, many of which are essential to smallholder farmers for increased sustainability and livelihoods.
Darwin Initiative Round 32 is now open for applications! A new round of funding to support ambitious projects delivering impact for biodiversity and communities.
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