scholarly journals Implications of Seed Policies for On-Farm Agro-Biodiversity in Ethiopia and Uganda

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria Atieno Otieno ◽  
Travis W. Reynolds ◽  
Altinay Karasapan ◽  
Isabel Lopez Noriega
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
East Africa ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Seed Systems ◽  
Crop Genetic Diversity ◽  
Crop Varieties ◽  
New Varieties ◽  
Seed System ◽  
Crop Variety ◽  
On Farm

Across East Africa, national seed policies and commercial seed enterprises have focused on increasing farmers’ access to modern seed varieties. These new varieties are developed and delivered to farmers via the formal seed system, which is comprised of government and private sector seed breeders, processors, and vendors. However, the formal seed system only provides a small share (<20%) of smallholders’ seed in the region. Most farmers source seed from informal seed systems, including own-saved seed, exchanges with neighbors, and local seed markets. At the local level, informal seed systems are preferred by farmers because of proximity and local varietal preferences (e.g., crop variety tastes and suitability for local environmental conditions). At the national and regional levels, the conservation and use of local crop varieties through informal systems has also provided a wealth of crop genetic diversity increasingly recognized as critical for climate change adaptation. To evaluate how policies in East Africa impact seed systems we systematically code 117 provisions in 21 national seed policies in Ethiopia (n=11) and Uganda (n=10), highlighting the implications of current and proposed policies for the availability and accessibility of: (i) improved seed; (ii) quality-controlled seed; and (iii) genetically diverse local seed in both the formal and informal seed systems in each country.

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.

PARTICIPATORY VARIETAL SELECTION IN LOWLAND SORGHUM IN EASTERN ETHIOPIA: IMPACT ON ADOPTION AND GENETIC DIVERSITY

2001 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. MULATU ◽  
K. BELETE
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Sorghum Bicolor ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Participatory Varietal Selection ◽  
Eastern Ethiopia ◽  
New Varieties ◽  
Seed System ◽  
Locally Grown ◽  
On Farm

Farmers' Participatory Varietal Evaluation (PVE) was conducted on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) crops in the Kile-Bisidimo plains of eastern Ethiopia for three consecutive years, 1995–1997. The study aimed at providing farmers with alternatives to their landrace to enable them to overcome crop losses and to identify farmers' varietal selection criteria for inclusion in future breeding work. In 1995 constraints and opportunities in sorghum growing and farmers' varietal matching characteristics were identified through an informal survey. This was followed by a search for varieties and acquisitions of seed. Subsequently, eight varieties were evaluated of which five varieties were released and three were at the pre-release stage.In 1996 and 1997 farmer-managed on-farm trials were conducted and farmers evaluated the performance of the experimental varieties against a locally grown cultivar. Through pairwise and matrix ranking, farmers' selection criteria were listed, preferred varieties identified and initiatives taken to diffuse the varieties through the local seed system. Out of the eight varieties that research workers considered the best, farmers selected only three. The study negated the generally accepted view that farmers in lowland areas of eastern Ethiopia are reluctant to grow short-duration varieties. The selection and introduction of three new varieties into a farming system where farmers were growing only one local variety reconfirmed PVE to be a means for enhancing adoption and increasing genetic diversity. The study also confirmed that increasing farmers' access to their preferred varieties would result in a faster rate of diffusion through farmer-to-farmer seed exchange.

scholarly journals Discrimination of a selected set of turmeric, ginger, fenugreek and coriander varieties using ISSR markers

2020 ◽  
pp. 161-172
Author(s):  
A. Giridhari ◽  
I.P. Vijesh Kumar ◽  
T.E. Sheeja
Keyword(s):  
Dna Fingerprinting ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Inter Simple Sequence Repeat ◽  
Issr Markers ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Dna Fingerprints ◽  
Dna Profile ◽  
Crop Varieties ◽  
New Varieties ◽  
Crop Variety

DNA fingerprints are unique to individuals and can be used to identify individuals as in the case of conventional fingerprints. Plant DNA fingerprinting make use of various molecular markers for identifying newly released crop varieties and are all the more important in plant variety registration under the PPV&FR Act of 2001. The trade-related intellectual property rights (TRIPS) and the convention on biological diversity (CBD) insist on the establishment of identity and ownership of genotypes for enforcement of their provisions for securing protection to plant varieties as well as for regulating access to germplasm resources. DNA fingerprints, along with morphological markers, can be efficiently utilized for plant varietal identification, detection of duplicates and adulterants. Here in this particular study, the spice samples received at the DNA fingerprinting facility (DNAFF) of ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR) from various centres of All India Coordinated Project on Spices (AICRPS) were DNA fingerprinted using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. The DNA profile of a candidate variety vis-a-vis check variety is an essential prerequisite during submission of proposal for release of crop variety to central sub-committee on crop standards notification and release of varieties. The new varieties of turmeric, ginger, coriander and fenugreek were compared with the closely resembling check varieties for establishing distinctness for varietal registration. A total of 118 ISSR primers were screened in the above-given crops, to identify the distinct markers identifying the candidate from the check varieties. Using this technique, the DNAFF at ICAR-IISR could facilitate registration of turmeric varieties, Roma, Rasmi and Suroma; ginger varieties Suruchi, Suravi and Suprabha; coriander varieties, Suguna, Susthira and Suruchi, while varieties of turmeric, Uttara Rupanjana and Uttara Ranjini; fenugreek variety Ajmer fenugreek (AFg-5); coriander varieties Ajmer coriander (ACr-2) and Chhattisgarh Shri Chandra Hasini dhaniya-2 (ICS-4) are in the process of getting registration. ISSR markers were found to be appropriate for establishing distinctness of the new varieties of spices for securing varietal registration.

Strengthening farmers' capacities for plant genetic resources conservation in Mali

2003 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiina Huvio ◽  
Amadou Sidibé
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Resources ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Plant Genetic Resources ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
On Farm Conservation ◽  
New Varieties ◽  
Resources Conservation ◽  
The Individual ◽  
On Farm

AbstractFarmers in local communities have a considerable amount of information on their genetic resources both at the individual and community level. The farmers' knowledge is interweaved into their daily practices as a reserve accumulated over the generations. The Farmer Field Fora approach (FFF) has been conceptualized in order to activate farmers to identify the existing resources both in the crops they cultivate and in their knowledge, to recognize its value and to start using it more consciously. The FFF approach links the use of existing diversity to the possibility of having new varieties and to improving productivity. In weekly meetings farmers observe changes in the field between varieties, debate on them and draw conclusions. In every session a theme on plant development is debated among farmers with the aid of a facilitator. Close contact with researchers allows involvement with the breeding practices and enables the aims and conduct used in research to be understood. This empowers farmers to participate in a more active way in research, to apply more precise ways of observing and managing their genetic resources, and to link their work to conservation activities at the national and local level. The results of the FFF trial, which was carried out in 10 villages in the region of San in Mali in 2001, show an increased interest among farmers to observe varieties. The appreciation criteria used is multiple including yield, earliness, strong tillers, high number of tillers, and resistance for diseases and Striga. It seems obvious that even though the goal of the approach is on-farm conservation of plant genetic resources, it must be closely linked to farmers' interest. The variation of the results between villages demonstrates variability of climatic condition in this region and a high genotype—environment interaction. Further modifications of the approach are required in order to improve equitable participation of different stakeholders and improve the institutionalization of on-farm conservation.

Seed systems and diversity

2021 ◽  
pp. 271-288
Author(s):  
Niels Louwaars ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Farming System ◽  
Farm Management ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Seed Systems ◽  
Crop Genetic Diversity ◽  
Modern Breeding ◽  
On Farm ◽  
The Impact

Farmers use various seed systems to obtain seeds for their next crop. The diversity of seeds determines, together with other aspects of the farming system, the biodiversity in farmed areas. Conservation strategies for crop genetic resources distinguish ex situ, on-farm and in situ components. The on-farm management of such resources is highly influenced by the seed systems that farmers use. Next to primary and secondary centres of diversity, this chapter introduces a tertiary source of diversity, based on the creation of new diversity through modern breeding. The impact of different seed systems on the management of crop genetic diversity is also analysed.

scholarly journals An Analysis of Social Seed Network and Its Contribution to On-Farm Conservation of Crop Genetic Diversity in Nepal

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diwakar Poudel ◽  
Bhuwon Sthapit ◽  
Pratap Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Dynamic Network ◽  
Central Position ◽  
Network Member ◽  
Seed Systems ◽  
On Farm Conservation ◽  
Informal System ◽  
Crop Genetic Diversity ◽  
Farming Community ◽  
On Farm

Social seed systems are important for the maintenance of crop genetic diversity on farm. This is governed by local and informal system in the community through a farmers’ network. This paper analyses these local seed systems through application of social network analysis tools and mappings and examines the network member and its stability over space and time in a small rice farming community in Nepal. NetDraw software is used for data analysis and network mapping. We found that the dynamic network structure had key role in provisioning of traditional varieties and maintaining of crop genetic diversity on farm. We identify and ascertain the key network members, constituted either as nodal or bridging (connector) farmers, occupying central position in the network who promote seed flow of local crop diversity, thus strengthening crop genetic resource diversity on farm.

scholarly journals Stress Tolerant Rice And On-Farm Seed Production Ensure Food Security And Livelihood To Small And Marginal Farmers Of Sundarbans (Indian Site)

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Chattopadhyay ◽  
S Gayan ◽  
I Mondal ◽  
SK Mishra ◽  
Ak Mukherjee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Rice Cultivation ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Seed Systems ◽  
Rice Varieties ◽  
The Poor ◽  
New Varieties ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Improve Food Security

Natural calamities have adverse effects on the life of marginal and small farmer practicing rice cultivation in Sundarban areas. Through discussion and questionnaires opinion of farmers were obtained that was applied to mitigate the problem of rice cultivation. Rice varieties tolerant to stagnant flooding, submergence and salinity had great promise to improve food security and livelihoods of the poor farmers of Sundarban area. The study revealed that small and marginal farmers accepted the new varieties very readily if seeds were produced locally. Informal seed systems had better promise for small and marginal farmers live in fragile ecosystem of Sundarban. SAARC J. Agri., 17(2): 127-139 (2019)

scholarly journals Improving efficiency of seed system by appropriating farmer's rights in India through adoption and implementation of policy of quality declared seed schemes in parallel 

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Singh RP ◽  
Agrawal RC
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Population Pressure ◽  
Indian Agriculture ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Food And Agriculture Organization ◽  
Adoption And Implementation ◽  
Production And Distribution ◽  
Seed System ◽  
Increasing Demand

Indian agriculture is dominated by the marginal and small farmers with very small average land holding size which is further fragmented and scattered into tiny pieces. Contemporary challenges being faced by Indian agriculture are increasing population pressure, diminishing natural resources (land, water and agro-biodiversity), increasing demand of diversified diets, increased frequencies of extreme climate change and increasing cost of production are keep on haunting. To increase production and productivity and to mitigate the adverse effect due to climate change, the regular and timely supply of quality seed of all crops and varieties at affordable prices at local level is prerequisite. The formal seed sector, although contributes in significant manner to make available the quality seed but is not in position to cater the demand of farmers at local level and therefore necessitates the quality seed production and distribution locally by involving farmers. In the present commentary issues have been discussed with regard to the adoption and implementation of quality declared seed policy of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in parallel. The QDS policy can easily accommodate and integrate the registered farmers varieties as per PPV&FR Act (2001) into seed chain effectively and efficiently.

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