Every year on May 22, the world comes together to observe the International Day for Biological Diversity, spotlighting the critical role of biodiversity in sustaining life on Earth. But while forests, oceans, and wildlife often take center stage, there’s a silent crisis happening right on our plates.

Did you know that over 75% of the world’s food supply comes from just 12 plant species and 5 animal species? Out of the more than 30,000 edible plant species, only a tiny fraction dominate our global food systems. This narrowing of our food choices isn’t just a loss of culinary variety it’s a direct threat to nutrition, health, and climate resilience.

In an exclusive interview on the radio show Science That Touches Us on RadioIITA, Michael Abberton, Head of IITA’s Genetic Resources Center, explained that food biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of plants, animals, and microorganisms used for food and agriculture. Genetic diversity differences between crop varieties are crucial for developing nutrient-rich and climate-resilient crops.

“Food biodiversity isn’t just about different species it’s about the different nutrients, strengths, and survival traits locked within,” says Abberton. For example, the orange-fleshed sweet potato, unlike its white-fleshed cousin, is rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A) vital for vision, immune health, and child development.

In an era marked by rising temperatures, droughts, and new pests, genetic diversity is no longer optional it’s essential. At IITA, thousands of plant samples known as accessions are carefully stored in their Genetic Resources Center. These are the insurance policy for future farming.

“In northern Nigeria, when rains failed, it was an improved drought-tolerant cowpea variety developed through IITA’s conservation efforts that helped farmers save their harvest,” Prof. Abberton shared.

Such success stories prove that preserving traditional and underutilized crop varieties isn’t just about honoring the past; it’s about preparing for the future.

To truly safeguard biodiversity, action must go beyond the lab. Abberton stresses the importance of policies that support local seed systems, indigenous crops, and on-farm conservation.

Initiatives like introducing diverse crops into school feeding programs and investing in community seed banks ensure that biodiversity isn’t just stored in vaults but is alive in communities. “It’s not only about what we conserve it’s also about what we grow, eat, and share.”

Africa’s strength lies in its people especially women farmers and youth innovators, who are increasingly stepping up as guardians of biodiversity. From school gardens to agro-innovation hubs, they are sowing the seeds of a healthier, more resilient food future.

This International Day for Biological Diversity, we are reminded that diversity isn’t just a concept. It’s the difference between hunger and nourishment. Between vulnerability and resilience. Between surviving and thriving.

Let’s champion biodiversity in our food systems in policies, in farms, in classrooms, and in our kitchens.

Because diversity is our food. Our health. Our survival.

Contributed by Dajie Odok