Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations  
International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

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    The Inventory

    This online version of the Inventory presents, for each measure, the title and a brief description with information on implementing organization(s), start year, objectives, core elements, key outcomes, and, if applicable, lessons learned. It thus allows users to quickly identify those examples that may be of interest to them. A hyperlink to the original submission is provided, which includes additional information, such as on the history and context of the presented measure, challenges encountered, or target groups reached. In this way, users can get a more comprehensive idea of the measure in question and the specific context for which it was developed.
     
    To facilitate navigation, the Inventory is subdivided into eleven categories. Measures or practices that fall under more than one category are listed under each one that applies. Furthermore, information is provided on the type(s) of measures that are typically involved, such as technical, administrative, legal, and/or others, and on the relevant sub-article of Article 9 that is addressed. Additional search options allow searching by country, region, free text and keyword.
     
     
     
     
     
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    Number of records: 233

    96) Vulnerability mapping of smallholder farmers in Morocco

    The Agricultural Development Agency (ADA) of Morocco, supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), carried out a vulnerability mapping in 2019. The main objective was to study the expected consequences of climate change on small-scale farmers in Morocco. Towards this end, agricultural areas that are most affected by current and future climate change were identified, including based on factors such as drought incidence and rainfall erosion. In addition, needs of farmers to enhance resilience to climate change were assessed. The study covered the main agricultural areas of Morocco; results will provide guidance for planning of projects and interventions as well as for the adaptation of the national agricultural strategy to ensure that farmers can cope with environmental hazards. Actions include, for example, developing farmers’ capacities and encouraging the implementation of agricultural research results, e.g. regarding soil conservation practices, afforestation and reforestation, strengthening seed systems to better cope with drought periods, disaster risk management and support to oasis agriculture. Key outcomes are increased awareness of the impacts of climate change on PGRFA; tools for priority setting to ensure support to the most vulnerable farmers; enhanced protection of PGRFA and support to farmers’ who conserve and maintain them.

    Category: 11.Other measures / practices

    Type of measure/practice: Technical

    97) Policy analysis to identify gaps in the legal framework for seed regarding the implementation of Farmers' Rights in Niger

    In 2016 and 2017, farmers' and civil society organizations of Niger that are members of the agroecology platform RAYA-Karkara, conducted an analysis of the current normative framework, including policies and laws relating to seed, from the perspective of farming communities and their rights to seed. The analysis resulted in the following key observations: (1) farmers’ seeds and seed systems are of crucial importance for food security and sovereignty as well as biodiversity conservation; (2) farming communities exercise their rights over seeds mainly through their seed systems; (3) the realization of Farmers' Rights thus depends on the recognition and legal protection of farmers’ seeds and seed systems. However, the current normative framework has significant shortcomings in this regard, which have been illustrated by a case of biopiracy against Niger, in which a foreign seed company claimed ownership of the onion variety ‘Violet de Galmi’, originating from Niger; this claim was contested by the Government of Niger, alerted by civil society organizations and its own services. The in-depth analysis of the current normative framework has created the basis for a political dialogue between farmers' organizations and the government, in order to identify the necessary measures.

    Category: 11.Other measures / practices

    Type of measure/practice: Others

    98) Access to Seeds Index

    The ‘Access to Seeds Index’, developed by the Access to Seeds Foundation, measures and compares the efforts of the world’s leading seed companies to enhance the productivity of smallholder farmers. From 2015-2018, the foundation conducted a study, which profiles 54 seed-producing cooperatives that were identified in 20 countries of West and Central Africa. It shows that seed-producing cooperatives play a key role in improving access to quality seeds in the region. Cooperatives often collaborate with national and international research institutes to select and test improved varieties and with seed companies to distribute their seeds nationally and regionally through the seed companies’ channels. The study identified strong examples of seed-producing cooperatives in four countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Senegal). The situation in eight other countries (Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Togo) can be characterized as promising. In four countries (Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau and Republic of Congo) no seed-producing cooperatives were identified that are formally recognized. Key outcomes were increased understanding of the role of cooperatives in seed systems, which are increasingly being formally recognized as producers of certified seed.

    Category: 4.Catalogues, registries and other forms of documentation of PGRFA and protection of traditional knowledge

    Type of measure/practice: Others

    99) Conservation and sustainable use of cultivated and wild Tropical fruit diversity: promoting sustainable livelihoods, food security and ecosystem services

    The Indonesian Fruits Research Institute, East Java Assessment Institute for Agriculture Technology, and South Kalimantan Assessment Institute for Agriculture Technology implemented this program between 2009 and 2015 to promote on-farm conservation activities of tropical fruits. Objectives were to (1) increase farmers’ capacities and capabilities in managing genetic resources of tropical fruits through learning exchange visits; (2) implement community nursery activities; (3) establish field genebanks; (4) implement product processing and marketing to increase product value and farmers’ income; (5) disseminate results; and (6) produce publications. Core components included community development based on knowledge of management systems and the code of ethics for sharing knowledge and material. For example, descriptions used by farmers and farmer groups in distinguishing varieties and species were identified and consistency in naming cultivars promoted; project locations were identified based on social, cultural, economic and environmental interests; methods for implementing good conservation practices at the project site were developed and promoted; project partners were trained to describe genetic diversity through participatory assessments. Key outcomes include improved awareness of the importance of conservation; increased community participation in conservation programs; and increased income and welfare of the participating communities.

    Category: 5.In-situ/on farm conservation and management of PGRFA, such as social and cultural measures, community biodiversity management and conservation sites

    Type of measure/practice: Technical

    100) Fair Planet

    Fair Planet is a non-profit organization partnering with several private seed companies with a mission to develop a vital agriculture business economy in rural areas of Africa, increase food security and provide new economic opportunities to smallholder farmers in developing countries, through access to high-quality seed varieties and training for improved farming practices. Together with Haramaya University, Ethiopia, and the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture, and in cooperation with private seed companies, they have developed a unique extension model since 2012. Core components include technology transfer and capacity development of local experts and trainers; local teams continue training the farmers to implement improved production practices. As a result, more than 16,000 smallholder farmers in the project regions have increased food production and received better nutrition due to better seeds and improved farming practices. In some cases, yields have increased dramatically: 4 times greater in tomato, and 8 times greater in hot pepper. The Fair Planet initiative helps develop a vital agriculture business economy in rural areas of Africa and provides interesting and profitable work for young people looking for better opportunities in their own country.

    Category: 9.Training, capacity development and public awareness creation

    Type of measure/practice: Technical