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On‐Farm Conservation of Rice Biodiversity in Nepal: A Simultaneous Estimation Approach
Author(s) -
Dusen Eric Van,
Gauchan D.,
Smale M.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of agricultural economics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.157
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1477-9552
pISSN - 0021-857X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1477-9552.2007.00113.x
Subject(s) - citizen journalism , agricultural biodiversity , selection (genetic algorithm) , process (computing) , order (exchange) , diversity (politics) , biodiversity , estimation , biodiversity conservation , environmental resource management , agroforestry , business , economics , ecology , sociology , computer science , biology , management , finance , artificial intelligence , world wide web , anthropology , operating system
This paper presents an empirical case study about farmer management of rice genetic resources in two communities of Nepal, drawing on interdisciplinary, participatory research that involved farmers, rice geneticists and social scientists. The decision‐making process of farm households is modelled and estimated in order to provide information for the design of community‐based conservation programmes. A bivariate model with sample selection examines the simultaneous process of whether farmers decide to plant landraces or modern varieties, and whether the landraces they choose to plant constitute the genetic diversity of interest for future crop improvement. Findings show that the two landrace choices are affected by different social and economic factors, but in certain cases the decision processes are interrelated. Policies to promote the conservation of local rice diversity will need to take both processes into account.