Management of crop diversity: key practices for DRR implementers
2014
Engels, J. | Diulgheroff, S. | Sanz Alvarez, J.
Crop diversity, also referred to as plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA), embraces the diversity within and among crops, their wild relatives and wild edible plant species. This diversity has evolved over thousands of years in a dynamic interaction between nature and humans, as part of their agricultural activities. It provides the biological foundation for food production and food security and contributes to economic development (Second Global Plan of Action, FAO, 2011). The conservation and management of agricultural crop diversity is a key issue in the struggle to achieve food security both locally and globally. However, despite the importance of PGRFA, these resources are seriously threatened by a number of factors, including land-use intensification, demographic pressure, structural changes in the agricultural sector, invasive species, climate change, replacement of traditional crops and varieties. Also, natural and human-made disasters can have a significant impact on crop diversity, particularly on local and traditional crops that depend on farmers and communities for their management.
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