GAW 2023: PELUM Uganda rallies Schools in Lango Region to enhance awareness & utilization of neglected indigenous plant species

As part of the activities to mark the Green Awareness Week (GAW) 2023, Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) and other Civil Society Organisations and partners organize a school exhibition at Lira Town College School Grounds in Lira City aimed at enhancing school communities, boost consumer awareness, improve access and utilization of neglected & underutilized indigenous plant species (NUS) with the main objective to improve od & nutrition security among schools.

According to PELUM this year’s Green Action Week focused particularly on the neglected and underutilized indigenous/traditional and wild plant species because they well adapt to their native environments, are highly nutritious, medicinal in nature, and manage climate change better.

The statement attributed the neglect of those species to lack of awareness of their economic and nutritional value.

“The neglect of NUS and failure to use them fully stems from a lack of awareness of their economic and nutritional value. Researchers, farmers, consumers, and policymakers focus on the major commodity crops. Public awareness campaigns, better information, and training can help schools and consumers realize the benefits NUS can bring and can encourage scientists and policymakers to optimize and promote these benefits” it partly reads.

The theme of this year’s Green Action Week is: “Enhancing Management and sharing of Neglected & Under-utilized Plant Species (NUS) among small communities”

Since 2013, PELUM Uganda has been a part of Green Action Week and is still desirous of being part and parcel of the campaign to boost farmer-to-farmer knowledge, NUS /traditional and wild foods exchange and sharing as a way to create consumer awareness and sustainable utilization of neglected underutilized indigenous/traditional and wild food plant species.

Participants pose for a group photo at the Green Action Week 2023

The Guest of Honour at the exhibition Dr. Lawrence Ocen, Cultural Leader and Lecturer of Lira University while giving his marks applauded PELUM and partners for championing the cause, bridging the gap between farmers and communities to spread awareness

“Let's celebrate the rich diversity of indigenous foods, reminding us of our sustainable heritage” he said

He added that school children and youth at large are key players in the promotion & recovery of traditional foods as well as ensuring that the traditional knowledge on Neglected and underutilized Plant Species (NUS) is preserved & transferred the to the wider community & the next generations.

Robert Guloba, Program Officer-ASNRM a member of PELUM in his remarks at the exhibition in Lira said that "We are here to share knowledge on how we consume foods in a sustainable manner & appreciate the under-utilized & neglected foods”

Since 2013, PELUM Uganda has been a part of Green Action Week and still desirous of being part of the campaign to boost farmer-to-farmer knowledge on NUS traditional foods exchange to create consumer awareness & sustainable utilization of neglected underutilized traditional foods

Exhibitor displays soem of the NUS species 

Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) sometimes referred to as “local food plants” or “Orphan crops “are those to which little attention is paid or which are entirely ignored by agricultural researchers, plant breeders, and policymakers

They are wild or semi-domesticated varieties and non-timber forest species adapted to particular, often quite local, environments. Many of these varieties and species, along with a wealth of traditional knowledge about their cultivation and use, are being lost at an alarming rate.