Loss of genetic resources has resulted in major concerns about future food and nutrition security. The vulnerability of agricultural systems towards pests, diseases and climate change makes the topic urgent, and has led to the development of a range of conservation strategies. Community Biodiversity Management (CBM) distinguishes itself from other conservation strategies by enhancing social interdependence, collaboration, adaptability and autonomy.

Community resilience in the face of change

On-farm management of diversity for empowerment

CBM focuses on the process of enabling communities to secure their access to and control over genetic resources through increased decision-making power. Strengthening the management over a variety of resources, provides options that farmers can utilize in times of scarcity. Improving their access to, and control over these resources, simultaneously contributes to the development of farmers’ autonomy and their capacity to respond to change.
The training is experience-based and task-oriented. It includes fieldwork in the Jeypore district, in one of the world’s most important agricultural heritage systems.

The overall objective of the program is to enhance your capability to apply state-of-the-art strategies for managing Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA).

Course objectives

Upon completion of the course you will:

• be familiar with contemporary approaches towards genetic resources management and conservation strategies;
• know the conceptual framework of CBM, its components and practices;
• understand integrated seed systems;
• know how to manage PGRFA in dynamic landscapes, unpredictable environments, climate hotspots and vulnerabilities;
• know how to empower communities and enhance their resilience;
• understand participatory learning and action research;
• be familiar with key PGRFA policies such as CBD, IT-PGRFA, IPR, WTO-TRIPS and UPOV.

Target audience

The training is designed for public, civil, research, education and/or development professionals working in a range of relevant projects. Applicants should have at least a BSc degree, have three years of professional experience in a relevant field, and be fluent in the English language.