Climate Change and Neglected Underutilized Crops
Description
This book offers a groundbreaking exploration of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) as vital tools for building resilient and sustainable agricultural systems in the face of climate change. By highlighting innovative strategies, practical case studies, and cutting-edge technologies, it equips researchers, policymakers, and practitioners with actionable insights to enhance food security, diversify livelihoods, and conserve biodiversity.
Through a unique blend of scientific research and indigenous knowledge, the chapters reveal how NUS can optimize resource use, improve nutrition, and support ecosystem services across diverse environments. The comprehensive approach not only addresses critical challenges but also unlocks new opportunities for empowering smallholder farmers and rural communities worldwide.
This volume is an essential resource for those committed to transforming agriculture into a more climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable sector.
More details
Person
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed has served for over two decades at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, where he is widely recognized as a senior agronomist, climate change expert, and crop modeler. His research centers on climate variability, IoT-based agricultural applications, and the impacts of climate change on crop ecology, physiology, cropping systems, and rainfed farming.
He is an expert in process-based crop and agro-ecosystem modeling and remote sensing, employing tools such as APSIM, AquaCrop, DSSAT, DNDC, CropSyst, STICS, and EPIC to develop and evaluate climate-resilient agricultural strategies. Since 2020, Dr. Ahmed has been consistently listed among the world's top 2% of scientists, reflecting the global impact and citation strength of his research.
Dr. Ahmed has established extensive international collaborations with research institutions in Australia, Sweden, South Korea, South Africa, the West Indies, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He has actively contributed to major global initiatives, including REACCH and AgMIP, and continues to play a key role in shaping global strategies for climate change adaptation and resilience in agriculture.
Content
Part III: Food Legume
.- Horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum): Drought Resilience and Livelihood Security.- Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.): Orphan Neglected Crop - A Vital Resource for Food Security.- Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus): Multi-Purpose Crop for Food, Feed and Soil Health.-
African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa): Role in Sustainable Farming Systems.- Moth Bean (Vigna aconitifolia): Adaptation to Arid Environments and Resource Conservation.- Adzuki Bean (Vigna angularis): Climate Adaptation and Nutritional Security.- Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea): Climate-Smart Legume for Food and Nutrition Security.- Ricebean (vigna umbellate): Biodiversity conservation and water management.-
Part IV: Oil Seed Crops: Sustainable Production, Energy, and Environmental Benefits.-
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius): Drought, Salinity tolerance and bioenergy potential.- Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.): Water Use Efficiency and Climate Adaptation.- Spurge (Euphorbia lagascae): Environmental Protection and Biofuel Prospects.- Wild Hazel (Simmondsia chinensis): Sustainable Oil Production and Soil Conservation.- Camelina Sativa: low input crop for biofuel and climate resilience.- Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Elephant Foot Yam): an underutilized tropical tuber crop.-
Part V: Cross-cutting Themes and Strategies.-
Climate-Smart Practices for NUS: Integrating Agroecology and Precision Agriculture.- Policy frameworks and institutional support for scaling up NUS in climate resilience.- Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge and Participatory Approaches for NUS Adaptation .- Food-Water-Energy Nexus: Optimizing Resource Use with Neglected and Underutilized Crops.- NUS and Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting Ecosystem Services under Climate Change.- Digital and technological innovations in monitoring and managing NUS systems.- Economic and social dimensions of NUS: Empowering smallholder farmers and rural communities.