Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part F (2024)

The global food system faces increasing pressures from climate change, population growth, and the degradation of agricultural biodiversity, making it highly vulnerable to food security risks. This study explores the potential of leveraging disadvantaged crop species—underutilized, indigenous, or traditional crops—as a strategy to enhance food systems resilience. Through a series of field trials and socio-economic assessments, this research evaluates the agronomic viability, nutritional superiority, and economic benefits of crops such as millet and amaranth in comparison to conventional staples like maize and rice. The findings show that these underutilized crops exhibit higher resilience under environmental stress, superior nutritional profiles, and greater profitability for farmers. In addition, their integration into agricultural systems offers a promising solution for diversifying production, improving food security, and empowering local farming communities. The study concludes that disadvantaged crops can play a vital role in building sustainable, climate-resilient food systems and proposes practical recommendations for integrating these crops into mainstream agriculture, including policy support, market access, and farmer education. The research highlights the need for a paradigm shift in agricultural practices towards greater biodiversity and the revitalization of indigenous crops.