Building momentum for traditional African vegetables in Madagascar

With its extremely high richness in rare species, Madagascar is among the world’s most precious concentrations of biodiversity. The island is home to more than 10,000 plant species, some of which are indigenous and used as traditional food plants, including African vegetable species.

Yet Madagascar is also a biodiversity “hotspot” – a place where exceptional concentrations of endemic species are undergoing rapid loss of habitat. The island has lost more than 70% of its original vegetation and urgently needs to safeguard its remaining plant diversity.

Although neglected, traditional African vegetables, commonly known as “Bredes” in Malagasy, ensure food and nutrition security and provide unique opportunities for income generation and poverty alleviation.

The Darwin Project is set to increase the production and commercialization of traditional African vegetables through the protection and enhancement of genetic resources in Madagascar, which will result in increased access to vegetables for 15,000 Malagasy people, climate-resilient farming systems, and improved protection of vegetable biodiversity. The project is helping Madagascar deliver on Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No poverty), 2 (Zero hunger), and 13 (Climate action).

Click here to read the story, brought to you via the World Vegetable Centre (TAAI members).