African Centre of Excellence in Neglected and Underutilised Biodiversity (ACENUB)

African Centre of Excellence in Neglected and Underutilised Biodiversity (ACENUB) at Mzuzu University in Malawi. ACENUB was established in 2022 to strengthen the agri-food system in Africa through research, training, and development related to Neglected and Underutilised Species (NUS).

Interview with Dr Mavuto Tembo UMUZ HOLD, Senior Lecturer at Mzuzu University in Malawi, with a focus on land management and related fields. He is also associated with the African Centre of Excellence in Neglected and Underutilised Biodiversity (ACENUB) at Mzuzu University. Additionally, he has served as a Project Manager for the TEN-Climate Change and Hunger Project at Mzuzu University.

https://youtube.com/shorts/snRjjtirHMI?si=0fLGMvTf8hupeQ6Z

The focus of ACENUB

• Research and training: The center provides high-level postgraduate training to address regional food and nutrition challenges. Its research focuses on unlocking the potential of NUS to increase agricultural productivity.
• Biodiversity for food security: ACENUB believes that targeted research on biodiversity is foundational to development. This can help prevent over-reliance on a few staple crops, a major contributor to food and nutrition insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Skills development: The center aims to strengthen connections between universities, agricultural institutions, and the agro-based industry to improve skills related to the agri-food system across Africa.
• Funding and partnerships: ACENUB is part of a World Bank-funded project in collaboration with the Government of Malawi and works with various regional and international partners. 

What are neglected and underutilised species (NUS)?

Neglected and Underutilised Species (NUS) are domesticated or wild plant species used by local communities but not extensively researched, improved, or commercialized. 

These species are important because they are often: 

• Climate-resilient: Many NUS are well-adapted to thrive in harsh environments and tolerate drought, heat, and other stresses.
• Nutrient-dense: They can offer significant nutritional value, including protein, micronutrients, and fiber, helping to combat malnutrition.
• Supports biodiversity: Utilizing NUS helps increase the diversity of crops and build more resilient farming systems.
• Supports smallholder farmers: NUS can be grown on marginal land and help diversify income for small-scale farmers.