Calls for a global food system transformation and finding more sustainable ways of producing healthier, safe and nutritious food for all have spurred production approaches such as sustainable intensification and biofortification with limited consideration of the copious amounts of orphan crops, traditional varieties and wild edible species readily available in many countries, mostly in and around smallholder farmers’ fields. This paper explores the potential role of locally available; affordable and climate-resilient orphan crops, traditional varieties and wild edible species to support local food system transformation. Evidence from Brazil, Kenya, Guatemala, India, Mali, Sri Lanka and Turkey is used to showcase a three-pronged approach that aims to: (i) increase evidence of the nutritional value and biocultural importance of these foods, (ii) better link research to policy to ensure these foods are considered in national food and nutrition security strategies and actions, and (iii) improve consumer awareness of the desirability of these alternative foods so that they may more easily be incorporated in diets, food systems and markets. In the seven countries, this approach has brought about positive changes around increasing community dietary diversity and increasing market opportunities for smallholder growers, as well as increased attention to biodiversity conservation.

Food value chains consist of food producers, processors, third-party certifiers, distributors, and retailers working together to maximize the social and financial return on investment for all participants in the supply chain, including consumers. This paper presents a case study of Corbin Hill Road Farm Share, a newly created hybrid food value chain that engages nonprofit strategic partners to provide locally grown and affordable produce to low-income residents of New York City's South Bronx while also enabling Farm Share members to become equity owners of the farm over time. The case study shows that the involvement of community-based nonprofits is key to creating a food production and distribution system that engages a wide range of stakeholders, fosters shared governance and transparency, empowers consumers, and benefits regional farmers.

Chaya is a highly nutritious perennial leafy vegetable native to Mesoamerica. This drought-resistant crop has low production and consumption levels in Guatemala, but has the potential to help agriculture and food systems be more nutritious and resilient. This study analyzed the value chain of chaya in Guatemala, and identified bottlenecks and opportunities for its use-enhancement. This research, the first of its kind applied to this crop in Guatemala, combined Rapid Market Appraisal tools. Small-scale chaya production, consumption, and marketing were observed in three focal sites (Guatemala City, Petén, and Dry Corridor). It was observed that producers are not motivated to produce chaya commercially and vendors are unwilling to sell it because of low demand and profitability. One Guatemalan company identified produces nutraceutical chaya products with few sales points in the country and occasionally abroad. Low demand is a primary bottleneck in the value chain due to lack of consumer awareness, changing eating habits, limited recipes, and availability in home-gardens. There is also a reluctance to grow, consume, or sell a crop perceived as a "food of the poor." Low prices and profitability were other constraints registered. The findings can inform future interventions for enhancing the use of this crop to fight malnutrition. Chaya es un vegetal de hoja perenne muy nutritivo originario de Mesoamérica. Este cultivo resistente a la sequía, tiene bajos niveles de producción y consumo en Guatemala, pero tiene el potencial de ayudar a que sistemas agrícolas alimentarios sean más nutritivos y resistentes. Este estudio analizó la cadena de valor de la chaya en Guatemala e identificó cuellos de botella y oportunidades para mejorar su uso. Esta investigación, la primera de su tipo aplicada a este cultivo en Guatemala, combinó herramientas de evaluación rápida de mercado. Se estudio la producción, consumo y comercialización de chaya a pequeña escala en tres sitios focales (Ciudad de Guatemala, Petén y Corredor Seco). Se observó que los productores no están motivados para producir chaya comercialmente y los vendedores no están dispuestos a venderla debido a su baja demanda y rentabilidad. Una empresa guatemalteca identificada produce productos nutracéuticos de chaya con pocos puntos de venta en el país y ocasionalmente en el extranjero. La baja demanda es un cuello de botella importante en la cadena de valor, que se debe a la falta de conocimiento del consumidor, cambios en hábitos alimenticios, pocas recetas y limitada disponibilidad en huertos familiares. También existe una renuencia a cultivar, consumir o vender un cultivo que se percibe como "alimento de pobres." Otras restricciones identificadas fueron bajos precios y rentabilidad. Los hallazgos de este estudio pueden informar futuras intervenciones para mejorar el uso de este cultivo para combatir la desnutrición.

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