Strengthening community-based on-farm conservation of fruit genetic resources: experience from the CIC Project in Vietnam.
Le Quoc Doanh, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hue, Signa D.
Author Affiliation: Vietnam Agricultural Science Institute (VASI), Van Dien, Thanh Tri, Hanoi, Vietnam.
: 107-116
Abstract : This paper provides an overview of the various steps in planning and implementing community-based on-farm conservation and development of the genetic resources of mango and other local fruits in two study sites in Nho Quan and Yen Chau Districts of Vietnam. Farmers conserving and developing genetic diversity aim at meeting their needs in their specific situation, which is related to consumption, market and adaptation to environment, farming systems and labour sources. Development of biodiversity should take into account both temporal and special factors at all three levels: variety, species and agroecosystems. Conservation and development of crop genetic resources is an integrated system in which the conservation and development activities should be closely combined to serve community benefits to ensure the sustainability of the project. Community participation is central to the community-based on-farm conservation of fruit biodiversity and utilization. Community participation can be strengthened through a set of practices and activities but only if a real and spontaneous interest in growing local PGR exists. To ensure farmers' active participation, the project objectives must coincide with the community interest and those of farmer members. To have sustainable conservation of fruits, the in situ conservation methods should be complemented with an appropriate improvement of postharvesting and processing techniques and a marketing strategy to encourage consumer demand and the consequent development of the conserved crop.