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Seed supply in local markets: supporting sustainable use of crop genetic resources

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 September 2012

Leslie Lipper
Affiliation:
Agricultural Sector in Economic Development Service, Agricultural and Development Economics Division, Food and Agriculture Organization, Italy. Email: [email protected]
Romina Cavatassi
Affiliation:
Agricultural Sector in Economic Development Service, Agricultural and Development Economics Division, Food and Agriculture Organization, Italy. Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Paul Winters
Affiliation:
Department of Economics, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, DC 20016-8029, USA. Tel: 202-885-3792. Fax: 202-885-3790. Email: [email protected]

Abstract

This introductory paper summarizes the policy context, methodological approach, and key results from the set of papers contained in this special edition derived from a FAO-led project on seed sourcing in local markets and its farm-level impacts. The introduction provides the conceptual framework used in the papers for considering the relationship between sourcing seed from market and rural household decision-making as well as the effects this has on two key farm outcomes: on-farm diversity and household welfare. Approaches for data collection and study site selection are described, with a focus on how methodological issues were addressed in the different studies. Lastly, the paper summarizes the results of the individual papers and draws broad conclusions and policy implications for promoting the sustainable utilization of crop genetic resources through increasing market access and in a manner that supports agricultural production.

Type
Introduction to the Special Issue
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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