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Agricultural industry

Citizen Science Informs Demand-Driven Breeding of Opportunity Crops

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study published by the World Vegetable Center has highlighted the potential of citizen science in informing demand-driven breeding and seed production of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) in Africa. The research focused on leafy amaranth, a nutritious and hardy vegetable, and explored how farmer preferences and market segments can be used to guide breeding and seed production. The study involved participatory on-farm trials with 2,063 farmers from Benin, Mali, and Tanzania, and analyzed farmer traits and varietal preferences using cluster analysis. The results showed significant variation in farmer preferences, emphasizing the need for context-specific breeding strategies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study used citizen science methods to inform demand-driven breeding and seed production of NUS, specifically leafy amaranth.
  • The research involved participatory on-farm trials with 2,063 farmers from Benin, Mali, and Tanzania.
  • Farmer preferences for amaranth varieties were driven principally by plant survival, yield, leaf size, taste, and marketability.
  • Distinct farmer segments, including older women generalists, young women specialists, older men generalists, and young men specialists, preferred different varieties depending on gender and business orientation.
  • The identified farmer segments provide valuable information for breeders and seed enterprises, supporting demand-driven amaranth breeding and seed system development.
  • The methods used and lessons learned from the citizen science exercise can be applied to enhance breeding and seed supply of other opportunity crops that are underutilized in Africa and elsewhere.
  • The study highlights the need for context-specific breeding strategies to meet local needs and promote sustainable development.
  • The research offers a model for participatory research on opportunity crops, informing inclusive agricultural policies and sustainable development strategies across Africa and beyond.

Statistics:

  • 2,063 farmers participated in the study from Benin, Mali, and Tanzania.
  • The study analyzed farmer traits and varietal preferences using cluster analysis.
  • Farmer preferences for amaranth varieties were driven principally by plant survival (72%), yield (64%), leaf size (59%), taste (55%), and marketability (54%).
  • The identified farmer segments included:

+ Older women generalists (34% of total farmers)

+ Young women specialists (22% of total farmers)

+ Older men generalists (20% of total farmers)

+ Young men specialists (24% of total farmers)

  • The study involved participatory on-farm trials with 14 varieties of amaranth.

Sources:

  • World Vegetable Center
  • Citizen Science Informs Demand-driven Breeding of Opportunity Crops. PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET, 2025.
  • NewsRx LLC. New Environmental Science Findings from World Vegetable Center Reported (Citizen Science Informs Demand-driven Breeding of Opportunity Crops). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. June 13, 2025; p 760.

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