Farmers’ seed networks and agrobiodiversity conservation for sustainable food security: a case from the mid-hills of Nepal
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2018-07
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Abstract
This paper evaluates the nature and functioning of seed networks for rice, maize and finger millet, and explores the effect of such networks on agrobiodiversity conservation and food security. Using snowball sampling, ninety-five farmers from the Dhikurpokhari Village Development Committee in Kaski district, a representative site for western mid-hills of Nepal, were interviewed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and field observations. Social network analysis tools and maps, with the help of NetDraw software, were used to examine the status of the network and identify the key nodal and connector farmers. It was revealed that there is a loose network of seed exchange in the community, varying according to crop. While nodal farmers play a more pivotal role than other farmers in seed exchange, only marginal differences were found in the characteristics of nodal and non-nodal farmers, apart from their age and education. More than 90% of farmers had saved seeds of maize and finger millet on their own, mainly local varieties, while only 70% of farmers had saved rice seed. Farmers’ practices of saving seed at home, limited varietal options in locality, a declining interest in agriculture, rural-to-urban migration and thence scarcity of labour have all contributed to a reduction in the exchange of seed. This in turn has affected the on-farm conservation of agrobiodiversity and food security at the local level.
Description
This paper was funded by the International Development Research Centre as well as Global Affairs Canada.
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Journal Article
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Keywords
SEED NETWOK, CONNECTORS, NODAL FARMERS, AGROBIODIVERSITY, CONSERVATION AND FOOD SECURITY, NEPAL