Our Species

BIZ focuses on a limited range of species which are suited to small-scale rural production and for which there is demonstrable market demand. BIZ focuses on underutilised indigenous plants. Indigenous plants are locally evolved and adapted, culturally familiar, widely abundant and available, drought-resilient, contribute to better use and management of biodiversity and require minimal agro-inputs. Underutilised plants have been used for centuries for their food, oil or medicinal properties, but have been reduced in importance over time due to supply and use constraints. These include unrecognised nutritional value, poor consumer awareness and reputational problems (“poor people’s food”). Many neglected crops have the potential to contribute to food security, nutrition, dietary and culinary diversification, health and income generation. They also provide environmental services.