Institutions of Agrobiodiversity Management in Kerala—Gendered Collective Action

Abstract

Agrobiodiversity is a complex resource requiring the interaction of various actors with nature for its maintenance. We observe collective efforts to halt genetic erosion in Kerala, India, looking at four case studies on institutional innovations in agrobiodiversity management and analyzing their performance from the perspective of gender equity. Negotiation over gendered rules is at the center of the analysis. The institutional dimensions of the properties of transactions, actor characteristics, property rights, and governance structures involved organize the enquiry. The study presents and documents forms of collective action in wild food collection, medicinal plant cultivation, conservation of landrace varieties, and coordination for organic certification. Support for innovative institutions in agrobiodiversity management can help to improve gender equity to different degrees through documentation, cooperation, conservation, and coordination. The four case studies show the dynamics of different institutions on equity outcomes.

Keywords:

• agrobiodiversity management
• collective action
• gender
• India
• innovation
• institutional change

Notes

Note. Asterisk indicates community and tribe names.

For detailed analysis of the situation of the tribal population in Wayanad, see Narayanan et al. (2004).