Abstract:
Using the cases of genetic resources management involved by
local farmer, meaning of seeds for farmers is discussed. Farmers
recognize the value of seeds not only based on yield potential and
profitability but also based on risk distribution and domestic use
values. Hiroshima local gene bank activities to re-introduce
obsolete varieties of vegetables back into the communities where
genetic resources had been originally collected showed importance
of collaboration among different stakeholders for effective seeds
management for rural (re-)vitalization including formal research
institutes and farmers. Participatory research in Burkina Faso
showed the difficulty of understanding farmers' criteria for seeds
and variety selection by outsiders including extension workers
and researchers. Institutional building to facilitate collaboration
among national and local level stakeholders is suggested for seed
and food security of farmers especially in disadvantaged areas.
