The Contribution of Alternative Crops to Food Security in Marginal Environments

Abstract

This chapter elucidates the importance of alternative crops in achieving food security in marginal environments. It also presents an overview of marginal environments and alternative crops and highlights the tolerance of the latter to abiotic stresses. The chapter focuses on the experience of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in genetic improvement and selection of alternative crops as well as conservation of genetic resources. Finally, it proposes the way forward for improving the productivity of alternative crops and their adaptation in marginal environments, elaborates on ICBA's strategy in this regard, highlights some of the other international efforts, and emphasizes the need for enhanced scientific collaboration and capacity building of farmers and other stakeholders in marginal environments.