Summary for Position Paper 2

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The International Centre for Underutilised Crops (ICUC) promotes the use of underutilised plant species (UPS). In so doing, it is concerned with developing agricultural landscapes and markets that work for smallholder farmers and local agricultural micro-entrepreneurs in the tropics and subtropics. An important element of bringing benefits to these clients is to stop – and indeed reverse – the biodiversity losses in farming systems that are part of a global trend toward less diverse agricultural landscapes. This document defines what is meant by biodiversity and explains why it is important to the poor. It describes the impacts that species promotion can have on biodiversity, and discusses the different interventions that can be made to support diverse agricultural landscapes, with particular reference to UPS.

In considering the importance of biodiversity, some of the complex linkages in agricultural and other ecosystems between diversity, productivity and stability are described. Whilst higher levels of biodiversity can improve the mean and decrease the variance of farmer incomes, and support health and nutrition through subsistence use, the level of the effect depends on how different production activities complement each other. ICUC’s position with regard to the importance of biodiversity, therefore, is to see increases in diversity not as an ‘end in itself’, but rather in terms of the value diversity brings to maintaining and improving the livelihoods and landscapes of the poor, now and in the future.

In addressing the consequences of species promotion for biodiversity, the tradeoffs that may be necessary, including between short-term productivity and longer-term sustainability, are assessed. In part, understanding tradeoffs involves considering how the promotion of any given species or variety impacts on the diversity of other plants (and animals) found in the farm landscape. Although few quantitative data are available, any significant expansion in cultivation of a particular UPS may have important consequences for the genetic variation within the underutilised species itself, and for associated species diversity in agricultural systems. There are also particular risks to diversity associated with the modern biotechnologies used to promote crops, approaches that are beginning to be applied to some UPS. These risks relate to the centralised control of most biotechnology applications, inadequate integration of biotechnology with other promotion activities, and the passage of germplasm through very narrow genetic bottlenecks.

Different practical interventions to support biodiversity in agricultural systems and markets are considered within the context of ICUC’s ‘guiding principles’ for UPS promotion, which include a pro-poor focus, fair sharing of benefits, and the need for participatory and adaptive responses. Since UPS are often found is species-rich landscapes, measures that are appropriate for managing variation for many species simultaneously are important. Intervention should where possible take a ‘spear and shield’ approach, in which, while certain UPS are the focus of concerted action, the use of a wider range of species is also promoted, for reserve and buffering functions. Promoting a diverse range of species means providing the poor with the whole range of strategic skills they need to respond to changing community- and market-preferences for different products.

Key interventions include improving access to planting material and associated knowledge for a wider range of species and varieties, and the development of ‘intelligent markets’ for varied products. Improving access to planting material involves the enhancement of community seed networks, the promotion of germplasm fairs and the application of ‘village-level domestication’ strategies for UPS. The challenge is to ensure sustainable access to germplasm, and this means that the development of decentralised, small-scale, commercial seed suppliers is also crucial. The development of ‘intelligent markets’ means understanding the roles that different types of product value chains and local, national and international markets can play in supporting biodiversity, and promoting best practice. Important measures include: enhancing the development of producer co-operatives, increasing the use of the media for educating consumers about a more diverse range of products; and greater training of key actors in value chain management. At the international level, niche markets such as those promoted by Denomination of Origin certification can be useful, as are efforts to remove barriers to market entry.

In order to place UPS promotion in the proper context of increasing useful biodiversity, ICUC will consider the following when determining the institute’s involvement in any activity:

• Scenarios of promotion for agricultural and natural biodiversity should be described in advance, in order to assess potential livelihood and conservation risks. For new crops, formal environmental impact assessments that give proper consideration to biodiversity may be required.

• Specific incentives that support diversification should be included when promotion of a UPS carries significant risks for biodiversity.

• Particular methodologies that are known to support biodiversity, e.g., through improving germplasm access and supporting ‘intelligent markets’ for products, should be used during promotion.

• Studies that seek to quantify the consequences of promotion activities for biodiversity, and the linked impacts on livelihoods, will be encouraged.

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