Greenhouse farming in Kitengela, Kenya - Credits: CGIAR Climate
The role of the horticulture sector is of increasing relevance in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The sector is expected to contribute in different ways to the achievement of several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG2 (Zero hunger).
The horticulture sector can help advancing nutrition outcomes, as a result of an increased production and consumption of fruits and vegetables. It also brings many other benefits, such as enhanced income and employment opportunities for smallholder farmers and other value chain participants, empowerment of youth and women, and more sustainable agriculture.
The Valuable Vegetable initiative facilitates application of innovative ideas and good horticultural practices in other contexts and countries, which enhances the potential to scale successful interventions. Impact is promoted through the collaboration between Diamond stakeholders and through a focus on system level solutions. The latter implies that challenges such as food safety or ‘getting the basics right’ are tackled as system issues; that inclusiveness of value chains is integrated; and that collaboration with consumers is part of the change agenda.
The initiative combines country level learning on innovative solutions by country based Diamond practitioners, with global level exchanges about these solutions. The initiative will foster practical action by sector actors at different levels of scale. The innovative solutions are embedded in the local context and encompass opportunities for local business solutions.
