Understanding the Potential to Increase Adoption of Orphan Crops: The Case of Lathyrus spp. Cultivation in Greece

Abstract

Little progress has been made in translating the increased awareness of neglected and underutilized crops into a viable tool for advancing not just sustainable development in rural areas but also sustainable agricultural and secured food systems. This is caused, in part, by a lack of understanding the importance of several underutilized crops that are currently in cultivation. Among underutilized crops, grasspea (Lathyrus sativus) is an orphan legume crop with great agronomic potential due to its suitability for a variety of sustainable food and feed production systems throughout the world’s semi-arid and arid regions and its high protein content. The current study presents a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis to unravel the following: What are the strengths and weaknesses of Lathyrus spp. cultivation, what factors are opportunities or initiatives that encourage the adoption of the crop by growers, and what factors are disincentives or threats that prevent its adoption? What strategies could help expand cultivation? We use data from a questionnaire survey of farmers in Central Greece (Thessaly) to examine their attitudes and perceptions with regards to the above questions. The outcome of this study strongly suggests that farmers are willing to adopt the new Lathyrus spp. cultivation if they are assisted via contractualization, training, and new financial tools.

Implications of a Climate-Smart Approach to Food and Income Security for Urban Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

“…The food insecurity predicament brought about by climate change that is parallel to the exponential rise in urban population could be lessened by incorporating underutilised crops within sustainable farming systems. Goufa et al [95] allude to the fact that underutilised crops are a significant CSA practice because of their increased resilience to biotic-abiotic environments, protein richness, adaptability, and improved seed preservation.…”

Unveiling awareness and knowledge of orphan plants: catalysts for sustainable transformation in Al-Zarqa Basin, Jordan

“…They exhibit greater resilience to climate stressors like drought and pests, making them invaluable for climate change adaptation, particularly in marginal environments. Moreover, their higher water use efficiency makes them vital for sustainable water management in water-scarce regions [16]. Additionally, orphan crops contribute to soil conservation by improving soil health, preventing erosion, and enhancing biodiversity.…”

“…Additionally, orphan crops contribute to soil conservation by improving soil health, preventing erosion, and enhancing biodiversity. Integrating these crops into agricultural systems diversifies farming practices, enhances ecosystem services, and promotes sustainable land use, ultimately contributing to long-term environmental sustainability [15][16][17].…”