The maintenance of crop genetic diversity on farm: Supporting the Convention on Biological Diversity's Programme of Work on Agricultural Biodiversity

Abstract

Over the last decade, Bioversity International has worked with national, regional and local partners in eight countries (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Hungary, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, and Vietnam) on the maintenance and use of crop genetic diversity on farm, particularly that found in traditional varieties (or landraces). The work has involved investigating the extent and distribution of diversity in over 27 crops and exploring with farmers and rural communities the management practices used to maintain traditional varieties. The results of this collaboration have (i) provided tools to assess the amount and distribution of crop genetic diversity in production systems (ii) increased our understanding of when, where and how this diversity will be maintained, (iii) identified practices, communities and institutions that support maintenance and evolution of crop genetic diversity in production systems, and (iv) provided possible mechanisms for ensuring that the custodians of these systems and genetic materials will benefit from their actions. This international collaboration has provided significant contributions to the four elements of the Convention on Biological Diversity's Programme of Work on Agricultural Biodiversity: (i) assessment of diversity; (ii) adaptive management; (iii) capacity building; and (iv) mainstreaming.