Domesticating Indigenous Crop Species

Needs Address

• Food security
• Stabilised and/or increased productivity

Adaptation effects

• Allows use of locally appropriate crops that grow well despite shifting seasons
• Reduces impact from disease due to local varieties being disease tolerant
• Improved livelihoods
• Provides incomes and participation in markets

Overview and Features

Domestication of local crops/indigenous variety with natural tolerance 

Cost

Harvesting costs

Energy source

Human labour

Ease of maintenance

• Continuous cropping cycles needed for domestication
• Crops should grow well as they are suited to these specific conditions

Technology performance

Indigenous crops are suited to the local environment therefore their performance as a cash crop is likely to be very good if the market opportunities are sympathetic

Considerations

• Must have appropriate knowledge
• Must have access to resources i.e. indigenous crops and land for harvesting

Co-benefit, suitability for developing countries

• Ensures ecological suitability and therefore sustainability – ecosystem benefits
• Promotes local enterprises for women
• Locally available resource meaning reduced external needs

Information Resources

Paul, A. 2013. Minor and uncultivated fruits of Eastern India. Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Minor Fruits and Medicinal Plants for better lives, 20th Dec, 2013, F/Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Sri Lanka, pp 54-67.