scholarly journals Advances in the Registration of Farmers’ Varieties: Four Cases from the Global South

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2282
Author(s):  
Bram De Jonge ◽  
Isabel López Noriega ◽  
Gloria Otieno ◽  
Ximena Cadima ◽  
Franz Terrazas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Global South ◽  
Seed Systems ◽  
Stages Of Development ◽  
Nutritional Values ◽  
Crop Varieties ◽  
Legal Contexts ◽  
Good Quality Seed ◽  
Local Farmers

Over the last few decades, there has been a growing appreciation of crop varieties developed by local farmers, commonly referred to as farmers’ varieties. These varieties often have attractive characteristics for both producers and consumers, such as adaptability to harsh environmental conditions and high nutritional values. Yet they are usually not sold in formal markets, and tend to be limited to farmers’ seed systems. This is partially due to national seed laws that, in an effort to guarantee good quality seed of uniform and stable varieties, create obstacles for farmers’ varieties to reach the market. This article describes the experiences of four countries—Bolivia, Laos, Nepal and Zimbabwe—that are developing alternative variety registration systems for farmers’ varieties. Most of these cases have never been documented before. The cases present the main drivers behind and approaches to the registration of farmers’ varieties in different legal contexts and at different stages of development. We conclude that farmers’ variety registration systems can generate benefits including faster and cheaper variety releases, improved farmer incomes, and a larger diversity of well-adapted varieties in the market—but some important issues are still to be resolved.

scholarly journals “Breaking through the 40% adoption ceiling: Mind the seed system gaps.” A perspective on seed systems research for development in One CGIAR

2021 ◽  
pp. 003072702198934
Author(s):  
Margaret A McEwan ◽  
Conny JM Almekinders ◽  
Jorge JL Andrade-Piedra ◽  
Erik Delaquis ◽  
Karen A Garrett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Systems ◽  
Knowledge Gaps ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Crop Varieties ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Different Types ◽  
New Varieties ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Seed System ◽  
Good Quality Seed

Seed systems research is central to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Improved varieties with promise for ending hunger, improving nutrition, and increasing livelihood security may be released, but how do they reach and benefit different types of farmers? Without widespread adoption the genetic gains achieved with improved crop varieties can never be actualized. Progress has been made toward demand responsive breeding, however the draft CGIAR 2030 Research and Innovation Strategy fails to recognize the complexity of seed systems and thus presents a narrow vision for the future of seed systems research. This points to the lack of evidence-based dialogue between seed systems researchers and breeders. This perspective paper presents findings from an interdisciplinary group of more than 50 CGIAR scientists who used a suite of seed systems tools to identify four knowledge gaps and associated insights from work on the seed systems for vegetatively propagated crops (VPCs), focusing on bananas (especially cooking bananas and plantains), cassava, potato, sweetpotato, and yam. We discuss the implications for thinking about and intervening in seed systems using a combined biophysical and socioeconomic perspective and how this can contribute to increased varietal adoption and benefits to farmers. The tools merit wider use, not only for the seed systems of VPCs, but for the seed of crops facing similar adoption challenges. We argue for deeper collaboration between seed systems researchers, breeders and national seed system stakeholders to address these and other knowledge gaps and generate the evidence and innovations needed to break through the 40% adoption ceiling for modern varieties, and ensure good quality seed once the new varieties have been adopted. Without this, the achievements of breeders may remain stuck in the seed delivery pipeline.

scholarly journals IT'S NOT JUST THE TECHNOLOGY, IT'S THE SURROUNDING SYSTEM: HOW RESEARCHERS IN ECUADOR FOUND WAYS TO MAKE THEMSELVES USEFUL TO FARMERS THROUGH QUINOA AND LUPIN SEED SYSTEMS

2016 ◽  
Vol 55 (S1) ◽  
pp. 107-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
NELSON MAZÓN ◽  
EDUARDO PERALTA ◽  
ÁNGEL MURILLO ◽  
MARCO RIVERA ◽  
ALFONSO GUZMÁN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food System ◽  
Technical Problem ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Seed Systems ◽  
Research Institution ◽  
Crop Varieties ◽  
Lupin Seed ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
New Varieties ◽  
Systematic Understanding

SUMMARYAgriculture research often focuses on a technical problem. However, the most effective researchers usually intuit that this entry point is not sufficient to make themselves useful to farmers and nudge systems. Yet non-technical work frequently goes undocumented leaving many of the drivers of success unstudied. This paper attempts to understand the factors that contributed to the wide utilization of native crop varieties and species that were being promoted by the Ecuadorian National Agriculture Research Institution. The results show that what really made a difference in farmers' lives and the overall food system was increasing farmers' knowledge and capacity to produce quality seeds, promoting the consumption of these crops to national consumers, and linking farmers to outside groups. As a result, over a period of five years three case studies on three different farmer groups showed adoption rates of new varieties of between 20–50% and that they were able to produce approximately 7.5% of the annual demand for quinoa and lupin seed in Ecuador, from a starting point of virtually nothing. The research shows that the added value of a research institution might not be known at the beginning of the intervention, but rather will emerge over time through dialogue and negotiation based on systematic understanding of the context. Therefore, an appropriate stance for external organizations is to begin with an awareness of the existing assets of a specific farmer group and provide options that can be leveraged by local communities.

scholarly journals Estimation of genetic erosion on Ethiopian tetraploid wheat landraces using different approaches

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 66-71
Author(s):  
Alemayehu Zemede Lemma ◽  
Firew Mekbib ◽  
Kebebew Assefa Abebe ◽  
Zewdie Bishaw
Keyword(s):  
Durum Wheat ◽  
Tetraploid Wheat ◽  
Genetic Erosion ◽  
Wheat Varieties ◽  
Central Ethiopia ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Crop Varieties ◽  
Field Assessment ◽  
Loss Of Diversity ◽  
Local Farmers

The demand and use of improved crop varieties by farmers has increased in the central highlands of Ethiopia, where continuous loss of local traditional varieties has been occurring in the last two to three decades. The objectives of the study were to assess the extent of genetic erosion and perception of farmers and associated causes for the reduction of traditional farmers' varieties. Direct field assessment covering 56 wheat farms and a survey in which 149 farmers participated were carried out in three districts of central Ethiopia. Based on data collected during direct farm assessment, the loss of genotypes was found to be 88% in Ada followed by 80% and 60% in Lume and Gimbichu districts, respectively. The farmer survey indicated an even greater loss of diversity of100% in Ada followed by Lume (93%) and Gimbichu (67%). Diseases and pests as well as shorter growing seasons associated with climate change were identified as main causes for farmers to switch to modern varieties. The expansion of high yielding improved bread and durum wheat varieties also contributed to gradually replace local durum wheat varieties by local farmers of these districts. Overall, genetic erosion of tetraploid wheat varied among the three districts of central Ethiopia. Reductions in the number of farmers and area coverage in the study districts could be used as good indicators for the existence of genetic erosion.

scholarly journals Commercial Release of Genetically Modified Crops in Africa: Interface Between Biosafety Regulatory Systems and Varietal Release Systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olalekan Akinbo ◽  
Silas Obukosia ◽  
Jeremy Ouedraogo ◽  
Woldeyesus Sinebo ◽  
Moussa Savadogo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetically Modified ◽  
Safety Data ◽  
Environmental Safety ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Gm Crops ◽  
Seed Systems ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Variety Release ◽  
Crop Varieties

African countries face key challenges in the deployment of GM crops due to incongruities in the processes for effective and efficient commercial release while simultaneously ensuring food and environmental safety. Against the backdrop of the preceding scenario, and for the effective and efficient commercial release of GM crops for cultivation by farmers, while simultaneously ensuring food and environmental safety, there is a need for the close collaboration of and the interplay between the biosafety competent authorities and the variety release authorities. The commercial release of genetically modified (GM) crops for cultivation requires the approval of biosafety regulatory packages. The evaluation and approval of lead events fall under the jurisdiction of competent national authorities for biosafety (which may be ministries, autonomous authorities, or agencies). The evaluation of lead events fundamentally comprises a review of environmental, food, and feed safety data as provided for in the Biosafety Acts, implementing regulations, and, in some cases, the involvement of other relevant legal instruments. Although the lead GM event may be commercially released for farmers to cultivate, it is often introgressed into locally adapted and farmer preferred non-GM cultivars that are already released and grown by the farmers. The introduction of new biotechnology products to farmers is a process that includes comprehensive testing in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field over some time. The process provides answers to questions about the safety of the products before being introduced into the environment and marketplace. This is the first step in regulatory approvals. The output of the research and development phase of the product development cycle is the identification of a safe and best performing event for advancement to regulatory testing, likely commercialization, and general release. The process of the commercial release of new crop varieties in countries with established formal seed systems is guided by well-defined procedures and approval systems and regulated by the Seed Acts and implemented regulations. In countries with seed laws, no crop varieties are approved for commercial cultivation prior to the fulfillment of the national performance trials and the distinctness, uniformity, and stability tests, as well as prior to the approval by the National Variety Release Committee. This review outlines key challenges faced by African countries in the deployment of GM crops and cites lessons learned as well as best practices from countries that have successfully commercialized genetically engineered crops.

scholarly journals Phenology of Promestosoma boggianii (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae) in a Neotropical floodplain

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorhaine Santos Silva ◽  
Tamaris Gimenez Pinheiro ◽  
Marinêz Isaac Marques ◽  
Leandro Dênis Battirola
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
High Water ◽  
Extreme Conditions ◽  
Pitfall Traps ◽  
Stages Of Development ◽  
Seasonal Flood ◽  
Neotropical Floodplain ◽  
Hydrological Cycles

Studies that address biodiversity and its supporting mechanisms in different ecosystems are fundamental to understanding the relationships between species and the prevailing environmental conditions within each habitat type. This study presents information on the phenology of Promestosomaboggianii (Silvestri, 1898) and its association with seasonal flood and dry events in a floodplain of Mato Grosso’s northern Pantanal region, Brazil. Sampling was carried out in three areas located between the Bento Gomes and Cuiabá rivers, on the Porto Cercado Road, Poconé-MT. Each sample area was composed of two treatments: (I) floodable habitats and (NI) non-floodable habitats. Three quadrats (10 x 10 m) were established within each treatment, with sampling carried out using pitfall traps and mini-Winkler extractors during the dry season, rising water, high water and receding water phases for the duration of two hydrological cycles within the Pantanal (2010/2011 and 2011/2012). A total of 295 P.boggianii individuals were sampled at different stages of development (except stages I and II), distributed between the rising water (209 ind., 70.8%), dry (76 ind., 25.8%) and receding water (10 ind., 3.4%) seasons. No specimens were sampled during the high water season. The higher abundances recorded between the dry and rising water seasons, primarily at early stages of development, indicate that P.boggianii is characterized as a univoltine species in these habitats. The data demonstrate that individuals of P.boggianii were more abundant in floodable habitats. In addition, the results show that the life cycle of this diplopod is sinchronized to the seasonal nature of this floodable environment, as a strategy to survive the extreme conditions of terrestrial and aquatic phases Brazil’s northern Pantanal region.

scholarly journals The green revolution as a process of global circulation: plants, people and practices

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 ◽  
pp. 7-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Harwood ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Green Revolution ◽  
Global South ◽  
Development Aid ◽  
Colonial Period ◽  
Global Circulation ◽  
The North ◽  
Crop Varieties ◽  
Global North ◽  
High Yielding Varieties ◽  
The Needy

The “Green Revolution” (GR) is often portrayed as a humanitarian development programme in which crop varieties, cultivation practices and expertise were transferred essentially from global North to South. In this paper, however, I argue that this picture is seriously misleading for two reasons. First, it overlooks the significance of circulation between these regions. Several of the innovations central to the GR’s high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, for example, originated in the global South before being taken up by northern breeders, while important practices and experts were transferred between countries within the global South. Moreover some of the approaches to increasing smallholder productivity which emerged from the 1970s can be traced to encounters between northern experts and southern farmers dating from the colonial period. In view of these patterns of circulation, the GR is more accurately depicted as a collective undertaking than as a “heroic” achievement of the North. Second, the tendency to represent the GR –and development aid more generally– as a “gift” from the benevolent North to the needy South ignores the very substantial economic gains which have accrued to northern agriculture and industry by virtue of GR research nominally intended to benefit the South.

scholarly journals Informal Seed Traders: The Backbone of Seed Business and African Smallholder Seed Supply

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (17) ◽  
pp. 7074 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Sperling ◽  
Patrick Gallagher ◽  
Shawn McGuire ◽  
Julie March ◽  
Noel Templer
Keyword(s):  
High Stress ◽  
Seed Systems ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Seed Supply ◽  
Seed Security ◽  
The Social ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Core Practices ◽  
Good Quality Seed ◽  
Relief Efforts

To work well and be sustainable, seed systems have to offer a range of crops and varieties of good quality seed and these products have to reach farmers, no matter how remote or poor they may be. Formal seed sector interventions alone are not delivering the crop portfolio or achieving the social and geographic breadth needed, and the paper argues for focus on informal seed channels and particularly on traders who move ‘potential seed’ (informal or local seed) even to high stress areas. This paper provides the first in-depth analysis on potential seed trader types and actions, drawing on data collected on 287 traders working in 10 African countries. The research delves into four themes: the types and hierarchies of traders; the technical ways traders manage seed using 11 core practices; the price differential of +50% of potential (local) seed over grain, and the pivotal roles which traders play in remote and crisis contexts. Traders are the backbone of smallholder seed security and need to be engaged, not ignored, in development and relief efforts. An action framework for leveraging seed trader skills is presented, with the paper addressing possible legal and donor constraints for engaging such market actors more fully.

scholarly journals Similar Yield Benefits of Hybrid, Conventional, and Organic Tomato and Sweet Pepper Varieties Under Well-Watered and Drought-Stressed Conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anoush Miriam Ficiciyan ◽  
Jacqueline Loos ◽  
Teja Tscharntke
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Sweet Pepper ◽  
Stress Conditions ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Crop Varieties ◽  
Sustainable Cultivation ◽  
Ecological Importance ◽  
Growing Conditions

Global agrobiodiversity is threatened by the replacement of traditional, locally adapted crop varieties with high-yielding and hybrid varieties during the past 60 years, resulting in associated losses of crop, variety, and allele diversity. Locally adapted, traditional varieties are known to perform equal or even better under environmental stress conditions and to be more resilient in unstable cultivation environments. Therefore, European organic vegetable breeding organizations conserve local, traditional varieties and breed new varieties in low-input organic environments, aiming to increase the range of varieties for sustainable cultivation under sub-optimal growing conditions. However, performance of organic vegetable varieties, in comparison to conventional high-yielding and hybrid varieties, under different environmental conditions has not been intensively researched. To contribute to this scientific field, we compared the agronomic and quality performance between hybrid, conventional, and organic tomato and sweet pepper varieties, two economically important species on the EU market under a) well-watered and b) drought stress conditions, using five different varieties (i.e., 30 varieties) as replicates in each of the six groups. Performance of both species was negatively affected by drought, regardless of the breeding background. Equally, for tomato and sweet pepper, hybrids produced higher amounts of individual fruits, however total yield in kg was comparable for hybrid, conventional and organic plants. Considering the agro-ecological importance of enlarging and securing variety diversity in light of changing environmental conditions, we show that the assumed benefits of the hybrids can also be delivered by the organic and conventional varieties. These varieties should be considered as an important source of genetic resources, supporting farmers to adapt to their local climate and environmental conditions in the future.

Insects and Related Terrestrial Invertebrates of Ellef Ringnes Island

ARCTIC ◽  
1965 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 73 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.F. McAlpine
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Continental Shelf ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Source Area ◽  
Stages Of Development ◽  
Terrestrial Invertebrates ◽  
Arthropod Species ◽  
Dicrostonyx Groenlandicus ◽  
Arthropod Fauna ◽  
Entire Island

Reports results of collecting and observing arthropod fauna over a 25-day period in July-Aug. 1960 at the Polar Continental Shelf Project base at Isachsen, where the summers are unusually cold. Some 75 species are believed present in an environment closely approaching the limits of biotic tolerance, and detailed descriptions are given of most of these (Latin names), with their characteristic habitats and global distributions. They include spiders, mites, springtails and insects, particularly midges. The view is elaborated that only those species able to withstand frequent interruptions of development in various stages and a life cycle extending over several years are able to survive. Specimens at all stages of development were found simultaneously. Other adaptations to extremely severe environmental conditions were mentioned. The role occupied by the lemming Dicrostonyx groenlandicus is described, as the habits of a third of the arthropod species are linked with it. The very low flying habits of some species are noted. The age of the entire island biota is placed within the last 200 years, and the source area considered to be the islands to the east, principally Axel Heiberg, the means of dispersal being wind, ice rafts, mammals and birds.

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