Social institutions and seed systems: the diversity of fruits and nuts in Uzbekistan.

Abstract

This chapter builds on the household model presented in Chapter 5 [Missing markets, migration and crop biodiversity in the milpa system of Mexico: a household-farm model, by van Dusen, M. E., pp. 63-77] by exploring the role of social institutions in household access to planting material and use of crop biodiversity. Two types of institutions are analysed: (i) local community groups to which a household may belong and (ii) sources of planting material and agricultural information. Findings from a household survey implemented in two districts of Samarqand, Uzbekistan, provide a description of the diversity of fruits and nut trees, as well as the nature of systems for planting material. Econometric analysis reveals a linkage between participation in community groups and the levels of fruit and nut tree diversity managed by households. No relationship is found between the type of institution used to obtain genetic material and the level of diversity in orchards. Household participation in community groups influences the type of institution used for access to genetic material, however.

Home gardens of Central Asia: Reservoirs of diversity of fruit and nut tree species

“…Currey [ 53 ] investigated diversity in home gardens in Kyrgyzstan and found a similar species composition, with an average of 6.4 species per home garden. Van Dusen [ 56 ] indicated an average of 4.9 fruit and nut tree species per home garden in Uzbekistan, similar to our average of 4.8 species per home garden in Uzbekistan in our study. Van Dusen [ 56 ] also found that the number of fruit trees varied largely (2–25 trees per garden in central parts of the valley he investigated, and 4–100 in more peripheral parts) depending on access to water.…”

“…Van Dusen [ 56 ] indicated an average of 4.9 fruit and nut tree species per home garden in Uzbekistan, similar to our average of 4.8 species per home garden in Uzbekistan in our study. Van Dusen [ 56 ] also found that the number of fruit trees varied largely (2–25 trees per garden in central parts of the valley he investigated, and 4–100 in more peripheral parts) depending on access to water. Apple, persimmon, and walnut were preferred by households because they produce later in the year than most other trees and can be preserved during the cold period, when little to no fresh produce is available.…”

“…Van Dusen [ 56 ] observed that the way crop genetic resources are maintained in home gardens differs considerably from perennial tree crops. Although few tree individuals are kept in each home garden, their overall intraspecific diversity may be larger than for annual crops.…”

<strong>Horticulture Research In Central Asia: A review of Papers from Scopus Database Published for The Period of 2000-2020</strong>

“…Our investigation shows the importance of interaction in the development of horticulture in Central Asia. Van Dusen et al, 2006) Valuing Crop Biodiversity 3 3.6. Keywords Analysis, co-occurrence network.…”

The role of agricultural cooperatives in sustaining the wheat diversity and productivity: the case of southern Italy

“…Examples of informal institutions are the social networks and village or town associations in which farmers often exchange seed or seed-related information. Many of these act indirectly on crop variety choices, since they exist for reasons other than the circulation of crop genetic material or products (Van Dusen et al 2006;Bela et al 2006).…”