FEED THE FUTURE INNOVATION LAB FOR LEGUME SYSTEMS RESEARCH

January 2020

The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research fosters dynamic, profitable and environmentally sustainable approaches that contribute to resilience, productivity and better nutrition and economic opportunities. The lab is managed by Michigan State University.

From the Management Office Cowpea Research in West Africa Cowpea is the focal crop of the Legumes Systems Innovation Lab in West Africa. Research activities will be led in the Feed the Future target African countries of Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Senegal. In addition the lab will work in the Feed the Future aligned African countries of Benin, and Burkina Faso.   Legume Systems Innovation Lab projects are driving innovations in legume insect pest management, new and enhanced variety breeding, alternative cropping systems, technology adoption in trade systems, nutritional approaches, and policy/social input effects on the system.

Research Grant Funding Update on Status of Awards The Legume Systems Innovation Lab Management Entity is in the contracting phase with six projects approved by USAID. In addition, one project is currently under Technical Management Advisory Committee review. The projects will be officially announced once they have been approved by USAID and contracting is completed through MSU.

From the Field Get Ready for World Pulses Day!

February 10 is World Pulses Day! "World Pulses Day is a designated United Nations global event to recognize the importance of pulses (chickpeas, dry beans, lentils, dry peas and lupins among others) as a global food. It has been proclaimed on February 10 of each year since 2019 by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 20, 2018. This celebration is a recognition of the decisive role that pulses can play in achieving the comprehensive, far-reaching and people-centred set of universal and transformative goals and targets of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a plan of action that seeks to strengthen universal peace." Above reprinted from the World Pulse Day 2020 website . The 68th United Nations General Assembly declared 2016 the International Year of Pulses. To build on the interest the event generated, February 10 was designated as the annual World Pulses Day. Each year the celebration has continued to grow! Here at the Legume Systems Innovation Lab we are pulling out our favorite legume recipes in anticipation of this year's event. So grab your favorite legume and join the celebration!

How Will You Celebrate World Pulses Day? Follow our World Pulses Day events on Twitter February 10. Join the party and share your celebration! Be sure to tag #WorldPulsesDay and #LegumeLab

Featured Legume of the Month PINTO BEANS

Cooking With Pinto Beans... Pinto beans lose their natural mottling when cooked and turn a light brown color. They are a versatile bean but are most often used in refried beans. Homemade refried beans are nutritious, and easy to make. The recipe here is from Chef John who posts his recipes on the blog "Food Wishes" . Refried beans are great in burrito's, on nachos or just on their own. So give this recipe a try - perfect for your World Pulses Day celebration!

Each year U.S. farmers plant over 1.5 million acres of edible dry beans. The most popular variety produced is the Pinto bean. Pinto beans are light in color and appear mottled with tones of brown or red. They are closely related to red kidney beans. (U.S. Dry Bean Council)  Get Recipe Here

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This newsletter is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for for International Development (USAID) under the Feed the Future initiative. The contents are the responsibility of Michigan State University and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.