News
Innovation Contest 2025
We are delighted to announce the winners of this year's UnderPlaNet Innovation Contest 2025, which sought innovative concepts for promoting underutilized plant species (UPS) in agroecosystems.
The aim of the competition was to develop practical solutions that can be transferred to society.
The specific objectives of the call for applications included:
- Promoting innovative solutions that integrate UPS into sustainable agricultural systems
- Strengthening cooperation between universities, farmers and local stakeholders for knowledge and technology transfer
- Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of poverty reduction, hunger, quality education, gender equality and climate protection
The winning teams will receive € 1,250 each in funding to implement their project and we are pleased to announce the three impressive winning teams who prevailed with their innovative and sustainable projects.
1. Winning Project: Domestication of Gnetum sp.: A Path to Sustainable Food Systems for Livelihood Enhancement (Cameroon)
Team Members:
- Ngone Abwe Mercy (Principal Investigator, University of Buea)
- Takwi Solange (University of Buea)
- Ndam Lawrence Monah (University of Buea)
- Levai Dopgima (Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, IRAD)
- Ngane Benjamin (Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, IRAD)
- Anyeh Mary (Farmer/Community Leader)
- Evelyn Monjoa (Farmer/Community Leader
Project Goals: The project aims to improve sustainable agriculture by integrating the underutilized Gnetum species (G. africanum and G. bucholzianum) into Cameroon's agroecosystems. As the spread of these nutritious plants is limited by a lack of high-quality plant material, the project will establish reliable propagation systems and integrate Gnetum into diversified cultivation systems. By working with farmers and stakeholders, the project aims to promote biodiversity and improve soil health.
2. Winning Project: From Field to Market: Valorization of Underutilized Tropical Fruits through Dehydration (Cuba)
Team Members:
- Raul Carlos Lopez (University of Granma, Bayamo)
- Elio Macias Núñez (University of Granma, Bayamo)
- other project partners of University of Granma, Bayamo
Project Goals: The project proposes the establishment of a small demonstration plant for the solar drying of underutilized tropical fruits (e.g. guava, papaya and passion fruit). The aim is to train rural producers in dehydration and storage techniques in order to increase the value of these fruits and convert them into durable products. This strengthens regional development and food security.
3. Winning Project: Effects of nutrient management on drought resilience of enset (Ensete ventricosum) agroforestry systems in Southern Ethiopia (Ethiopia)
Team Members:
- Aman Desta (Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University)
- Deneke Darcho (Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University)
- Berahanu Terefe (Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University)
- Dong-Gill Kim (Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University)
- Melese Chunura (local farmer)
- Yasin Sirase (local farmer)
Project Goals: The project investigates the effects of various nutrient management strategies (synthetic fertilizer, bio-char compost) on the yields and drought resilience of the enset plant (Ensete ventricosum). The research is carried out in close collaboration with experienced local farmers to combine traditional knowledge with scientific methods. The results should help local farmers, researchers and political decision-makers to develop effective, climate-resilient cultivation methods.
We would like to thank all participants for their great submissions and valuable input. We are very excited about the first results and look forward to following the further development of these projects.
