Efficient Conservation Of Crop Genetic Diversity: Theoretical Approaches And Empirical Studies

The conservation of crop genetic resources is one of the important components in the effort to increase agricultural production in low-income countries in a sustainable manner and to guarantee long-term food security, especially for the low-income population groups in these countries. Without sufficient financial resources secured for the long term at national and international levels, the will to conserve crop genetic resources as expressed by all governments will only be paying lip service to the issue, thus threatening all conservation efforts. The articles in this publication contribute to the ongoing discussion about the costs of worldwide efforts to conserve crop genetic resources on the basis of theoretical and applied studies. Based on case studies in Columbia, India, Kenya and two genebanks of the CGIAR as well as some theoretical analysis, the publication aims to assist decision-makers at differents levels with information on the costs involved in the conservation of genetic resources. Thus, hightening the awareness of increasing the cost effectiveness of different conservation methods to sustain conservation efforts. These studies indicate in particular the need for sustainable financing of the conservation of crop genetic resources, an improvement of the cost effectiveness of the conservation activities and the establishment of a constant quality and cost monitoring process.