Reconciling genetic resources and local knowledge conservation and livelihoods enhancement in research and development: Experiences of Bioversity International in Sub-Saharan Africa

摘要

Conservation of biodiversity, preservation of local knowledge and improved livelihoods are important goals that many projects strive to achieve. Reconciling these three however poses a number of challenges. Using plant genetic resources to improve livelihoods by improving markets and consumption not only poses the danger of over-exploiting preferred genetic resources but is likely to promote a few preferred genotypes at the expense of others. For the past ten years, Bioversity International has been working with local communities and partner institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa to promote research and use of underutilized African leafy vegetables and aiso the bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria). Experiences from these activities have shown that it is possible to improve livelihood and conserve local knowledge and genetic resources. Using the two case studies, this paper aims to provide some key elements that are essential to attaining this success.