Ecogeographic genetic erosion, seed systems and conservation of plant genetic resources in Kabale highlands, Uganda
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Date
2017-01-24
Authors
Mbabwine, Y.
Sabiiti, E.N.
Kiambi, D.
Mulumba, J.W.
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Abstract
lying causes of genetic erosion, identified farmers’ seed sources and exchange systems and documented conservation practices in the Kabale highlands of south-western Uganda. Data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires from a random sample of 120 farmers from six parishes. The analysis revealed substantial loss of traditional varieties of sweet potatoes (Ipomea batatas), potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and peas (Pisum sativum). More than 18, 7, 9, and 3 varieties, respectively were reported to have been lost completely. The most frequently mentioned underlying cause of genetic erosion (cited by 93.7% of the farmers) was introduction of new varieties. Other causes were lack of market (68.8%), diseases (45.6%), shortage of land (41.9%), pests (33.4%), shortage of labour (23.5%), change in weather (19.6%) and loss of soil fertility (15.8%). Farmers relied mainly on their own seed for traditiona varieties (81.5% of farmers), while nearly half of farmers obtained seed of new or modern varieties by cash purchase from the market. The exchange of seeds of modern varieties between the farmers was common practice. This has resulted in rapid and wide spread of modern varieties and has contributed to the abandonment of the traditional cultivars. Farmers maintained field stocks of vegetatively propagated crop species. For seed-propagated crops farmers mainly stored dried seeds in gunny sacks in their houses. Very few farmers employed traditional seed storage methods. The loss of
landraces is a threat to national food security. Without adequate reservoirs of diverse genetic resources, future genetic improvement programmes will be jeopardized. There is therefore an urgent need to collect, document, conserve and utilize the traditional varieties and formulate policies that will protect them from further genetic erosion. Farmers and policy-makers should be sensitized on the value of maintaining crop genetic diversity.
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Genetic erosion, plant genetic resources, Uganda
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