Seed exchange networks for agrobiodiversity conservation. A review

Pautasso Marco, Aistara Guntra, Barnaud Adeline, Caillon Sophie, Clouvel Pascal, Coomes Oliver T., Delêtre Marc, Demeulenaere Elise, De Santis Paola, Döring Thomas, Eloy Ludivine, Emperaire Laure, Garine Eric, Goldringer Isabelle, Jarvis Devra, Joly Hélène, Leclerc Christian, Louafi Selim, Martin Pierre, Massol François, McGuire Shawn, McKey Doyle B., Padoch Christine, Soler Clélia, Thomas Mathieu, Tramontini Sara. 2013. Seed exchange networks for agrobiodiversity conservation. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 33 (1) : 151-175.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-012-0089-6

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Résumé : The circulation of seed among farmers is central to agrobiodiversity conservation and dynamics. Agrobiodiversity, the diversity of agricultural systems from genes to varieties and crop species, from farming methods to landscape composition, is part of humanity's cultural heritage. Whereas agrobiodiversity conservation has received much attention from researchers and policy makers over the last decades, the methods available to study the role of seed exchange networks in preserving crop biodiversity have only recently begun to be considered. In this overview, we present key concepts, methods, and challenges to better understand seed exchange networks so as to improve the chances that traditional crop varieties (landraces) will be preserved and used sustainably around the world. The available literature suggests that there is insufficient knowledge about the social, cultural, and methodological dimensions of environmental change, including how seed exchange networks will cope with changes in climates, socio-economic factors, and family structures that have supported seed exchange systems to date. Methods available to study the role of seed exchange networks in the preservation and adaptation of crop specific and genetic diversity range from meta-analysis to modelling, from participatory approaches to the development of bio-indicators, from genetic to biogeographical studies, from anthropological and ethnographic research to the use of network theory. We advocate a diversity of approaches, so as to foster the creation of robust and policy-relevant knowledge. Open challenges in the study of the role of seed exchange networks in biodiversity conservation include the development of methods to (i) enhance farmers' participation to decision-making in agro-ecosystems, (ii) integrate ex situ and in situ approaches, (iii) achieve interdisciplinary research collaboration between social and natural scientists, and (iv) use network analysis as a conceptual framework to bridge boundaries among researchers, farmers and policy makers, as well as other stakeholders.

Mots-clés Agrovoc : semence, collecte de semences, agrobiodiversité, conservation des ressources, agroécosystème, participation, agriculteur, variété indigène, variété, plante de culture, modèle de simulation, changement climatique, analyse de réseau, environnement socioculturel, approche participative