Articles
Review and classification of high potential neglected and underutilized species (NUS) of Cambodia and Thailand
Article number
1460_6
Pages
47 – 60
Language
English
Abstract
Across Southeast Asia, climate change, population growth, and dependence on lowland rice-based systems have heightened vulnerabilities in food security and livelihood outcomes.
Neglected and underutilized species (NUS) offer a pathway toward more sustainable and resilient food systems.
This study conducted a literature review of peer-reviewed articles, policy documents, and technical resources to identify and classify high potential NUS in Cambodia and Thailand.
From an initial list of 198 species, 50 were selected based on occurrence, cultural acceptance, scientific knowledge, policy support, and potential for market integration.
A second round of evaluation identified 10 high potential NUS for Cambodia and Thailand: Senegalia pennata, Azadirachta indica, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, Leucaena leucocephala, Moringa oleifera, Posphocarpus tetragonolobus, Sauropus androgynus, Sesbania grandiflora, and Tamarindus indica. These species demonstrate significant nutritional benefits, adaptability to marginal lands, nitrogen fixation and soil restoration properties, and opportunities for local and international markets.
Despite their value, barriers to adoption persist, including erosion of traditional knowledge, poor consumer awareness, and limited market development.
Promoting the integration of NUS into Cambodian and Thai agroecosystems requires participatory approaches, policy support, and community-driven knowledge sharing to overcome cultural and economic barriers.
Findings suggest that scaling up the adoption of NUS could diversify farming systems, strengthen resilience to climate shocks, and improve food and nutrition security in the region.
Future research should investigate household-level decision making and participatory methods for advancing NUS adoption, with emphasis on the identified high potential species.
Neglected and underutilized species (NUS) offer a pathway toward more sustainable and resilient food systems.
This study conducted a literature review of peer-reviewed articles, policy documents, and technical resources to identify and classify high potential NUS in Cambodia and Thailand.
From an initial list of 198 species, 50 were selected based on occurrence, cultural acceptance, scientific knowledge, policy support, and potential for market integration.
A second round of evaluation identified 10 high potential NUS for Cambodia and Thailand: Senegalia pennata, Azadirachta indica, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, Leucaena leucocephala, Moringa oleifera, Posphocarpus tetragonolobus, Sauropus androgynus, Sesbania grandiflora, and Tamarindus indica. These species demonstrate significant nutritional benefits, adaptability to marginal lands, nitrogen fixation and soil restoration properties, and opportunities for local and international markets.
Despite their value, barriers to adoption persist, including erosion of traditional knowledge, poor consumer awareness, and limited market development.
Promoting the integration of NUS into Cambodian and Thai agroecosystems requires participatory approaches, policy support, and community-driven knowledge sharing to overcome cultural and economic barriers.
Findings suggest that scaling up the adoption of NUS could diversify farming systems, strengthen resilience to climate shocks, and improve food and nutrition security in the region.
Future research should investigate household-level decision making and participatory methods for advancing NUS adoption, with emphasis on the identified high potential species.
Authors
G.P. Carter, T. Gill
Keywords
Southeast Asia, agroecosystem, wild food plants, indigenous knowledge, food security, sustainable food systems
Online Articles (42)