Finding new uses for under-utilised crops

Climate change is causing the sea to spread inland, altering the salinity of our soils.

Lead researchers: Dr Sofie Sjogersten, Dr Guillermina Mendiondo, Dr. Jantje Ngangi

Climate change is causing the sea to spread inland, altering the salinity of our soils. This then changes the kinds of plants we can grow successfully.

A collaborative project will investigate Giant Swamp Taro (GST) and its potential to form the foundations of a food production model. GST is the largest root crop plant, and is a source of carbohydrate found throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Bringing together UK and Indonesian expertise, the research will provide an in-depth understanding of the growth habits and environmental tolerance of GST, delivering viable options for sustainable food production and in turn forming a model for delivering food products from under-utilised crops. This is particularly important for small-scale farmers, who are significantly affected by climate change.