Conservation of indigenous vegetables in the Philippines: A scoping study

Oraye, C.D.; de Chavez, H.D.; Aguilar, C.H.M.; Makiling, F.C.; Ladia, V.A.J.; Enicola, E.E.; Maghirang, R.G.; Anunciado, M.S.; Monville-Oro, E.; Gonsalves, J.; Hunter, D.; Borelli, T.; Mendonce, S. (2023) Conservation of indigenous vegetables in the Philippines: A scoping study. Rome (Italy): Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture, 92 p.

Seasonality and inconsistent vegetable supplies due to the impacts of climate change (i.e., varying rainfall patterns and drought), are major factors contributing to the availability and affordability of vegetables. There is a need to increase access to a diverse range of high-quality, resilient, and nutritious species and cultivars that are aligned to consumer and farmers’ preferences. In addition, crop diversification can address the challenges brought on by seasonality, improve dietary diversity for better nutrition, and strengthen environmental resilience. There is growing interest in the Philippines on the promotion of indigenous vegetables (IVs) for food security and nutrition. IVs play a crucial role in food security, income generation, and food culture. Their adaptability, plasticity, and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses provide farmers with the needed coping strategies to confront climate change.

This study examines past and ongoing research and development initiatives, including agencies involved in research on IVs in the Philippines. Based on their assessed availability in national collections, their nutritional quality, cultural importance, adaptability and vulnerability, this review recommends focusing further efforts on nine priority IV species for collection and characterization, regeneration, evaluation, seed distribution and exchange. These species are: moringa (Moringa oleifera), birch flower (Broussonetia luzonica), gnetum (Gnetum gnemon), slender carpetweed (Glinus oppositifolius), bagbagkong (Telosma procumbens), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata), rice bean (Vigna umbellata), jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) and amaranths (Amaranthus spp.).