Global dietary diversity has been declining for decades, with three big crops dominating what people eat: wheat, rice, and maize. These three crops account for more than 40% of calories consumed by humans and, along with sugar cane, represent about half of global primary crop production.
This focus on producing fewer crop varieties that can be easily mass-produced and shipped has left the global food system increasingly vulnerable to shocks and stresses brought about by climate change and disease.
With little economic incentive to grow them, many farmers have abandoned growing traditional and indigenous crops — also known as orphan crops, lost crops, and minor crops — in favor of cash crops such as wheat and maize.
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About the author
Naomi Mihara
Naomi Mihara is an Associate Editor for Devex, working on creative and audiovisual projects. She has a background in journalism and international development, having previously served as an assistant correspondent for Japanese newspaper The Yomiuri Shimbun and as a communications officer for the International Organization for Migration in Southeast Asia. She holds a master’s degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University.
