Overview

Summary

Proposals

T-Lines

Phase 2

Transversal Lines of Action

One of the added values of the CBDC Programme is the involvement of a wide range of different organisations. The programme was initiated under the hypothesis that the farmers' role in biodiversity development and conservation can be best supported by different forms of co-operation among institutional and community actors engaged in research and policy in the South and North. Each one contributes with different experiences and expertise, and enriches the development of working approaches by bringing different views and interest into the discussion.

Although the first years of the CBDC programme were planned and implemented starting from very specific needs and priorities identified at the local or national level, strong co-operation links were expected to develop as the programme progressed. Projects within each region identified common concerns and developed common regional activities. The international programmes, ITP and IPP, implemented support activities according to a general plan and upon specific requests from other partners. However, an analysis of the past years indicates that although cooperation links did develop among partners, they did in a way that did not allow partners to take full advantage of their complementarities. Based on this, partners have agreed that a second phase should incorporate a specific and systematic effort to organise and stimulate cooperation among partners. Therefore, partners have decided to focus the programme research and development strategies in six initially (6) thematic lines -called transversal lines- that run through the work of the different partners, which will allow to look for common goals and common questions, and provide the basis for a network of cooperative activities. The six lines are:

participatory plant breeding and participatory variety selection
seed supply systems and local markets
wild, semi-wild/semi domesticated biodiversity
gender
mainstreaming the CBDC approach
policies.

The first three ones will be basically implemented at the field level. The others will provide a supportive framework, including methodologies and tools to reach a much wider target group.

At a recent CBDC strategic workshop held in June 2003 in Wageningen, the policy and mainstreaming t-lines were discontinued. The former policy t-line remains focussed on policy issues governing biodiversity and now functions within the PCC. The mainstreaming T-line has been replaced by a publicity committee, which will focus on the following:

to be more proactive and aim to influence the thinking and orientation of a wider population on a long term basis;
to present a strategy for policy advocacy on a strategic long term basis
not to just promote the identity and position of CBDC, but to present the body of knowledge that comes out of the local interventions of the various t-lines.

Participation of partners in each transversal line is presented in the table below.

Participation of partners in t-lines

Partner/T-line	Basic			Wider issues
	SSS and Markets	PVS/PPB	NDSDB	Gender
Bohol PH		X
Can Tho VT	X	X		X
Nan TH		X	X	X
CTDT ZW	X	X	X	X
CBAN SL	X	X
INERA BF		X
CET CL	X	X	X	X
ASPTA BR	X	X	X
Peru PE	X	X
IMCA CO	X	X	X
CGN NL	X	X	X
Noragric NG	X	X		X
ETC-Group CA				X

A focal point for each transversal line will be established at one of the partner organizations to coordinate activities related to each of the 6 areas of work . Focal points may develop proposals and make suggestions to partners of the line, but have no decision making power. Therefore, each transversal line will be developed by consensus. Once agreements are reached and common plans designed, the focal points will promote discussions, assist in the identification of common and specific lessons, facilitate the analysis of disagreements, etc. An analytical extended report of activities and outputs of each transversal line will be delivered annually, but regular updating will be provided to the PCC by the focal points.

The following pages provide a description of the rationale and objectives of each of the transversal lines of action. Outputs are provided as examples of what can be expected, although they will be further specified during the first months of implementation of the second phase, as part of the first full cooperative action within the new programme set-up.

Seed Supply Systems and Local Markets

Background

Seed is a major resource in agricultural production as well as the vehicle of genetic information and genetic diversity. Therefore, the issue of seed supply and improvement is of high relevance for agricultural development and for conservation of genetic resources, topics which are the focus of the CBDC programme.

Globally, an estimated 60 to 80 percent of the area planted with food crops is planted with seed that is locally produced, selected, stored and exchanged by farmers. The importance of local systems as a source for seed supply is increasingly recognized.

Genetic diversity has had a solid ally in local markets, which have provided a medium for the flow of materials which restore and renew the genetic base of varieties being farmed, and introduce new varieties and species. Along with seed, technology and know-how as well as cooking information or references to other uses have been exchanged and reproduced thousands of times. Farming for family consumption and local culture are kept strong by interconnective activities experienced through decentralized exchange/market networks.

Under given conditions, the local seed system has also other major comparative advantages over seed supply from the formal sector. Farm saved seed is readily available at planting time, of known quality, genetically adapted to local circumstances, and does not require cash investment.

However, local seed systems also exhibit weaknesses, due to internal factors or to outside pressures, such as national and international seed policies, political instability and population pressure. Seed may be of sub-optimal quality, informal seed exchange mechanisms are geographically limited and inequity of access may negatively affect the seed security of particular groups of farmers. These weaknesses have not been well analyzed. Most studies have principally aimed at revealing the strengths (e.g. Almekinders et al., 1994), and focus on particular aspects of the local system. There have been few studies and activities which look at the local seed supply system in a more integrated way and also systematically analyze causes behind the weaknesses of local systems. So far, limitations have been used as arguments for replacing local seed by seed produced by the formal sector, either public or private. In an alternative approach which takes the improvement and strengthening of the local system as a starting point, strengths and weaknesses of local systems are analyzed to improve these systems by external support rather than to replace them.

The informal seed supply systems are threatened. Local or informal exchange mechanisms have been disappearing or becoming more and more limited to smaller geographic areas, affected primarily by the effects of globalized markets which have endangered the security of food supply and that of other products which are essential to the regeneration of local agro-ecosystems. The elimination of strategies for subsistence has been especially important, these having been replaced almost completely by dependence upon increasingly vertically integrated markets

Support is needed to overcome these weaknesses. In the first phase of the CBDC program, CBDC partners in many projects have accumulated information on the functioning of the local seed systems. Support activities need to be continued, further developed and mainstreamed. In particular, a more integrated analysis of the weaknesses of local seed supply systems and the elaboration of strategies to overcome these shortcomings will form a major focus of second phase activities.

Objectives General objective

To formulate options and approaches to strengthen local seed systems with a high degree of crop genetic diversity, including technical and socioeconomic aspects, in the framework of their institutional and policy environment.

Specific objectives

To facilitate access and use of diverse but adapted and locally produced seed;
to support proposed or existent local markets which include cultural and traditional elements, as a way of supporting the exchange and development of biodiversity and the wider availability of locally-produced seed;
to influence the institutional and policy environment at national, regional and global levels, in support of the development of local seed systems (in relation with the T-line on Policy);

Outputs

Systematic methodologies and approaches to support and improve local seed production, treatment, storage, quality and socio-economic prospects
Additional document(s) indicating modalities of local seed supply and distribution systems developed
Inventory(/ies) and analysis of external threats to farmers seed management systems
Increased understanding of the role of gender aspects and indigenous knowledge in seed supply systems and the implications for the strengthening of these systems
Better functioning of studied and supported local seed supply systems
Workshop proceedings for policy and advocacy at local, national, regional and international levels in support of local seed supply systems

Approaches

In developing and implementing activities, the following aspects should be considered.

Systematization of information and definition of a framework for analysis of local seed systems. The information accumulated in the various national projects of the CBDC–programme will be complemented and further systematized, and serve as input for a conceptual framework. This framework aims to allow a comprehensive analysis of the performance of local seed systems, biologically and socio-economically, and its relations with the institutional and policy environment. Such analysis will reveal the aspects in which these systems need to be strengthened. It will also indicate external conditions at the national, regional and global level which threaten such improvements.

Improvements of local seed supply systems concerning quality, availability and access to seed. Participatory evaluation and technology development should play a central role and may include trials such as comparing seed quality at harvesting, under different storage treatments, seed selection and seed production practices (rouging, negative and positive mass selections; relation to the T-line on PVS/PPB). The socio-economic improvement of local systems may address activities which promote diffusion and access to seed and its diversity. Seed networking, seed fairs and field days and marketing of local seed are examples of these activities that CBDC successfully implemented in the first phase. These activities need to be further developed, up-scaled and mainstreamed. Additional mechanisms and combinations with other activities for rural development need to be explored.

The relations with the institutional and policy environment. Such relations can be subject of analysis and advocacy. Advocacy may focus on national or international researchers, and on educational and training programs (relation to the T-line on mainstreaming).

Links with other T-lines

This T-line is strongly linked with most other T-lines but in particular with PVS/PPB and Mainstreaming.

Participatory Varietal Selection / Participatory Plant Breeding

Background

The overriding objective of PVS and PPB activities in the framework of the CBDC programme is to widen farmers’ options for utilisation and to contribute to the on-farm maintenance of plant genetic resources. To achieve this objective the CBDC programme will support efforts to develop varieties that are adapted to local circumstances and preferences. At the same time, this does not preclude the use of these varieties by other communities. To allow maximal use of varieties elsewhere, the programme promotes the free access of plant genetic resources by farming communities worldwide. The global nature of the CBDC programme should facilitate wide utilisation elsewhere of the germplasm maintained and developed by participating communities.

Strengthening the role of farming communities in participatory varietal selection and participatory plant breeding is seen as a dynamic process. In many CBDC projects, the role of farmers in decision making has increased during the first phase.

PVS and PPB are no longer just strategies under development, they have also proven their feasibility. Several examples within and outside the CBDC programme have emerged, and this allows for higher expectations and a stronger focus on these strategies. Although initially defined narrowly as farmers selecting from materials originated in the formal sector, in a later and broader interpretation PVS is not limited to products from plant breeding programs but can also include varieties (landraces, farmers' selections) that come from farmers themselves (informal sources). Accordingly, farmers involved in PPB may select from materials that are products of formal breeding programs but may also perform actual hybridization and maintenance and selection from segregating progenies produced from external or their own germplasm.

Farmers will be involved in as many project phases as appropriate. In all cases this currently involves the setting of breeding targets, variety testing and evaluation, and strengthening local seed supply systems. In most cases, it currently involves the broadening of the genetic base by accessing or generating germplasm, as well as selecting in segregating populations. Where this involvement is not yet fully realised, efforts are directed at strengthening farmers’ own capabilities and transferring the organziation of tasks to farmers.

A majority of the CBDC partners have undertaken PVS activities in the first phase. Basic experience has been obtained considering the potential and pitfalls of this major feature of the CBDC second phase. In particular, a better understanding of farmer’s options, motives and preferences, as well as of technical and logistic needs for PVS has been reached. Moreover, options for PPB have been recognized and research in PPB will be extended. The current plans of the partners reflect this trend. An important aspect of PVS and PPB related activities is that selection and breeding targets will move during implementation, along with developments in the farming systems involved. Similarly the role of PVS and PPB in a broader strategy of biodiversity conservation will have to be adjusted to the specific situation of the agro-ecosystems in which the work is developed. One of the advantages of participatory approaches is the built-in response to such moving targets.

The FAO has estimated that since the beginning of last century 75% of crop genetic diversity in agriculture has been lost. Genetic erosion, i.e. the loss of inter-species and intra-species genetic diversity is mainly caused by the replacement of traditional crop varieties with commercial, uniform varieties, particularly during the height of the Green Revolution. The loss of diversity in crop genetic resources threatens food security and sustainability of agricultural production at all levels: household, community, national and global levels. There is a need for a concerted effort to reverse genetic erosion and to revitalize the diversity of crop varieties within farmers' fields and across agro-ecosystems. Participatory varietal selection (PVS) and participatory plant breeding (PPB) are strategies that can enhance genetic diversity in farmers' fields with the participation of farmers themselves. Moreover, PVS and PPB contribute to the control of farmers over their genetic resources, and generally empower the positions of farmers and their communities.

Objectives

General objective

To enhance crop genetic diversity in farmers’ fields by selection and breeding efforts in which farmers are the major actor, in particular in rice, maize, beans, quinoa, and root and tuber crops.

Specific objectives

Biological

Improving production, including yield, stability of production, and quality traits as preferred by farmers;
broadening the genetic base and increasing PGR diversity of starting materials for farmer-operated selection and breeding, including by introduction and restoration of crops and varieties;
developing selection and breeding methodologies which have been adapted to farmer’s options (field conditions, socio-economic requirements, required expertise);
selecting and breeding for micro-specific environments, i.e. local adaptation and local needs; this includes selection and breeding for favorable and marginal environments, for low input conditions, and for resistance/tolerance to biotic/abiotic stresses;
decentralising breeding and selection activities, according to the needs and objectives of farmers and to agro-ecological requirements.

Sociological

Strengthening local knowledge systems in PGR conservation and development;
developing appropriate socio-economic support for farmers’ PGR management

Institutional

Contributing to the recognition of farmers’ PGR management as a distinct, parallel management system next to formal research and breeding, and contributing to the establishment of complementary roles for both
developing options for farmers’ interactions with formal systems, including facilitating farmers’ access to germplasm managed by the formal system
influencing formal breeding programmes to achieve availability of appropriate breeding materials.

Expected outputs

Increased availability of germplasm of rice, maize, beans, quinoa and root and tuber crops for farmer's crop improvement (basket of choices)
Increased knowledge of farmers and local staff on selection and breeding options and methods
Novel selections of varieties of rice, quinoa and root and tuber crops based on farmers' varieties and/or germplasm obtained from the formal sector, adapted to local needs and conditions
Novel farmer's varieties based on PPB in maize, beans and rice germplasm originating from the informal and/or formal sector, adapted to local needs and conditions
Increased productivity and/or food security
Control over the development of local germplasm
Increased genetic diversity in rice, maize, beans and root and tuber crops

Approach

PVS/PPB will be undertaken in a step-by-step process. It is expected that the following steps should be common to all projects:

selection of communities
organization of the farmer-partners
establishing the base line in crop diversity through participatory methodologies
making an initial choice for appropriate crop improvement strategies (e.g. PVS or PPB, mass selection or pedigree selection)
conducting PVS/PPB

analysis of impact evaluation including the capacity-building of farmer-partners
establishing support mechanisms to farmers for PVS/PPB
facilitating access to and availability of germplasm including

Timetable

Since progress in PVS and PPB in different projects has varied widely, a single timeframe can not be devised. The timeframe will depend upon the crop and the breeding objectives and strategy selected.

Links with other T-lines

This T-lines contains the most central activities of the CBDC programme and relates with most other T-lines but in particular with Seed supply systems, Gender and Mainstreaming.

Non-Domesticated And Semi-Domesticated Biodiversity (NDSDB)

Background

The formal agronomy and breeding sector has largely focused on a reduced number of crops, neglecting the value and potential of a significant group of plants growing in rural communities all over the world. These plants may be either collected by farmers in the wild, or may be in the process of domestication, tolerated or cultivated at small scale in farmers’ fields. Farmers gather and harvest them in forests, agroforestry systems, home gardens, road edges, fences and fields. The plants are well adapted to soil, climate and pest conditions. The characteristic of being non-domesticated or semi-domesticated (NDSDB) distinguishes this group from most widely cultivated crops and trees. The NDSDB category includes indigenous vegetables, medicinal plants, wild relatives of crops, so-called "weeds", shrubs, trees and non-timber forest products.

Recently, attention paid to NDSDB has increased in recognition of the actual and potential importance of this group of plants for improving human well-being. For many rural communities these plants contribute considerably to food security providing crucial dietary components, particularly during critical seasons. Moreover, nuts, fruits, berries, tubers, and leaves contribute to the diversification of the diet, adding a variety of tastes and smells. Through their various uses, these plants also increase family income, improve community health and strengthen cultural identities. Their importance for local communities is reflected by complex indigenous knowledge systems in which women play a strategic role.

In other words, these plants and products have an enormous potential for contributing to environmental and biodiversity conservation, increased diversification and production of world agriculture, food security and health, and may also play an important role in developing countries' economies.

Today, a great number of the species involved is threatened by habitat destruction, mono- cropping and other agricultural practices, introduction of exotic species, erosion of local cultures (including food habits, medical systems, traditional farming systems, and indigenous knowledge) and market pressures.

The work of the first phase convinced CBDC partners that an effective and sustainable strategy for the conservation of biodiversity must encompass complementary activities at the three levels of biodiversity: genetic diversity, diversity of species and diversity of ecosystems. Based on what has already been achieved, this T-line will focus on the development and implementation of ecosystemic approaches to local development and conservation.

The work done has also indicated that a combination of "strategies" needs to be used.

Internal and external processes should be distinguished. Within internal processes, at least five different types have been identified as important or necessary:

Reactivating or strengthening of different uses (nutrition, medicine, environmental services, crafts, ornamental, ritual, tools, etc.)
Marketing and income generation
Protecting, re-populating and "domesticating" non-cultivated species and non-cultivated areas
Cultural (re)-valorisation at the local level, through actions like the promotion of local pride and customs, the re-establishment of trans-generational links of knowledge sharing, the circulation of information on the value of local resources and knowledge, etc.
General (re)-valorisation of biodiversity. The conservation of biodiversity will not be feasible if society at large does not value it. Public education and sensitisation are basic activities here.

Regarding external processes, the creation and wide use of both local and scientific knowledge on biodiversity use and conservation are critical. Equally important are the processes of dissemination if long-term sustained impact is to be obtained. Therefore, the processes of documentation and exchange within and between local communities, scientists and society at large should be permanently promoted. Policy aspects will be taken into account.

Objectives

General objective

To promote the conservation, improvement and sustainable use of non-domesticated and semi-domesticated biodiversity at the local level.

Specific objectives

To improve understanding of small farmer's integrated management of biodiversity
to improve understanding of the interactions between wild and domesticated plants within farming systems and the role played by each component
to increase current scientific knowledge about agronomic, morphological, nutritional, genetic and ecological features of NSDB
to support on-farm and in situ conservation of NDSDB at the community level
to support active and sustainable use of NDSDB at the community level
to strengthen and document indigenous knowledge systems related to NSDB
to evaluate NDSDB’s socio-economic contribution to rural communities including marketing opportunities
to increase the exchange and dissemination of information about NDSDB-derived products between communities, community based organisations, research centres and potential consumers.

Expected outputs

Increased valorisation and frequency of sustainable practices for the use of NDSDB among participating communities and target populations
strengthening of the related knowledge systems within participating and target communities from different countries and regions
producing scientific, educational and informative publications, including research results and workshop proceedings
increasing the presence of NDSDB products in identified local and national markets
increasing the participation and influence of CBDC in national and international networks relating to NDSDB
elaborating proposals for conservation and sustainable use of NDSDB based on joint experiences from different countries and regions will be forwarded for wider implementation

Approach

The following are the basic elements required for approaching this complex issue adequately:

a systemic approach to analyse the interactions between wild and domesticated plants within farm subsystems, including management aspects; this is a matter of moving from a "plant genetic resources" to a "biodiversity" approach
an interdisciplinary approach for analysing the agronomic, genetic, ecological and socio-cultural dimensions of biodiversity use and conservation
a bottom-up and participatory approach from the design to the evaluation of the activities with rural communities
a gender approach for understanding the different roles of women and men in relation with NDSDB

Timeframe

Initial Phase

Initial experience exchange between NDSDB T-line participants
elaboration of a common conceptual and methodological framework
community workshops for incorporating their proposals related to NSDB into CBDC workplans
elaboration of hypothesis and methodologies for obtaining comparable results between NSDB T-line participants

Research and Extension Phase

Establishing the baseline
participatory prioritisation of species for in-depth work
market studies for priority species
participatory trials for priority species
support for improvement of NDSDB products as a mechanism for adding value
promotion for marketing NDSDB products in local fairs and by farmers' associations, making use of strategic alliances

Dissemination Phase

Publication of the results of the trials and agronomic, genetic, ecological, economical and/or anthropological research in mainstream reviews and other relevant media
publication of handbooks and educational materials for disseminating and promoting the value of NDSDB among communities and potential consumers
elaboration of a proposal for conservation and sustainable use of these species
organisation and participation of NDSDB T-line partners in national and regional workshops about this issue
contacting and influencing national and international research and extension centres
contacting and influencing national and international networks relating to NSDB

Links with other T-lines

The NDSDB T-line links will be mainly with the following T-lines:

PPB/PVS
Gender
Seed supply systems

Gender

Background

In all regions, knowledge about biodiversity, its uses, conservation and development are influenced by gender-defined roles and relations. For virtually all food crops, for instance, gender determines who has and uses the most comprehensive knowledge - about germination, weeding requirements, vulnerability to pests and diseases, pest control, harvesting, and crop uses and processing for fodder and food. Similarly, gender is significant in determining who knows about, and who plays what roles in relation to non-cultivated crops. To a large extent, gender also determines who has cash for seed purchase in changing agricultural systems. Although the importance of gender roles in agriculture is tacitly understood by many CBDC partners, Phase I of the CBDC did not specifically consider gender in the design and implementation of research, or in programme administration and implementation. In Phase II, the Gender T-line will address this weakness.

Objectives

General objectives

To ensure that gender considerations are integrated into the entire CBDC programme, in particular into project design, implementation, evaluation, and documentation; into training programmes; staffing decisions; and internal program operations.

To ensure that the role of women is recognized, enhanced, and not undermined by CBDC initiatives.

Expected outputs

All CBDC participants will have a solid understanding of gender analysis, and of its relevance to all CBDC activities;
gender analysis and gender considerations will be reflected in the research design and implementation of all CBDC projects;
CBDC research data will be disaggregated by gender, where appropriate;
where appropriate, CBDC "outputs" will include outputs specific to gender, including analyses, methodologies etc.;
all CBDC training programs will consider gender - both in participant selection and in the content of training programs;
gender will be considered in all CBDC staffing decisions;
all internal CBDC operations will reflect a commitment to gender parity.

Approach

All partners will be involved in the Gender T-line, at least to the point where all have demonstrated how they have included gender considerations into their programs and activities, although not all of them will give priority to an active participation in the development of tools and analytical aspects.

Work on gender will begin with a questionnaire to all CBDC partners, to assess the extent to which gender is already considered in different aspects of their work. All other T-lines will also be asked to identify how gender considerations have been integrated into their proposals and work plans. All partners and T-lines will also be asked to identify priorities for CBDC’s work on gender. On the basis of this information, Gender T-line participants will propose a program of work in each region, and possibly internationally, which may (for instance) involve an initial identification of appropriate resource people, and training sessions - on gender analysis, and research design. It may also include opportunities for partners to share experiences, results etc. Once complete, the global work plan will be circulated and agreed among all CBDC partners, and then implemented.

During the life of Phase II, participants in the Gender T-line will bring a gender perspective to all CBDC activities in their regions. They will help to identify weaknesses, propose remedies, and ensure that planned outputs are achieved.

Timetable

Short Term

Partners send reactions to Gender T-line document via electronic exchange platform
agreement by all partners on revised broad program objectives and directions
development of questionnaire to inventory CBDC work on gender in first phase, and to identify priorities by region and for the CBDC as a whole.
review by all T-Lines of their proposals and work plans, to ensure that gender considerations are included
on the basis of questionnaire results, Gender T-line participants propose programs and work plans for each region and for the CBDC as a whole. (Work plans may include identification of resource people, training programs, research methodology workshops, possible development of resource material, plans for documentation, assessment etc.)
throughout initial period: Gender T-Line participants will review and comment on program proposals of all partners, and all T-lines, from the perspective of gender analysis.

Medium Term

Work plan will be implemented.
gender T-line participants will assess all CBDC plans, implemented programs and materials from the perspective of gender, and propose new activities and resources as needs arises.

Longer Term

Outcomes will be assessed, and progress measured against objectives.

Links with other T-lines

The Gender T-line will work in cooperation with all other T-Lines, to ensure that a gender perspective is integrated into all CBDC activities, and to identify partners’ ongoing priorities for CBDC’s focus on gender.

Mainstreaming The CBDC Approach

Background

The concepts associated with on-farm conservation of biodiversity, seed supply systems, participatory plant breeding and informal innovation systems are usually unknown to urban societies, and thus are usually absent from public opinion, policy making and general education. Issues concerning community biodiversity are clearly not part of the core training of scientists, agronomists, extensionists, sociologists, natural-resource managers and others in the wide range of professions related to the rural world. In many areas, as an effect of modernisation of agriculture even farmers became unaware of the importance of biodiversity, the threats that it is facing, and the alternatives for recent developments that exist.

Lack of public awareness and human resources then become important constraints to develop and implement decentralised approaches around the conservation, development and use of biodiversity, even in areas where on-farm biodiversity is still a basic component of production systems. The CBDC Programme and other similar initiatives will not have wider impact unless other actors involved in biodiversity and rural development activities do utilise their products, adopt their approaches and contribute to their further development.

Three lines of action will be developed, all aimed at making community biodiversity a well-known issue among farmers, university staff and students, professionals, and the general public:

Development of a set of information materials (i.e., videos, slides, popular documents, technical and scientific papers, manuals, reference books, etc.) aimed at presenting to different audiences the importance of development and conservation of biodiversity at the community level.
Development of a set of short courses directed at farmers and farmers' organisations. These courses will use the materials developed above, and should allow farmers and farmers’ organisations to make informed decisions and plans on biodiversity issues.
An undergraduate university course - of one or two semesters and consisting of smaller building blocks for easy adaptation- will be developed as a way to bring the CBDC approach into regular University education related to natural resources and/or the rural world. CBDC partners are in a privileged position to design and support such an initiative, as they can rely on first-hand experience and a wide range of expertise. The specific design will take advantage of complementary experiences and expertise among CBDC partners, as well as among members of the participating institutions and third parties with related objectives and activities .

Objectives

General objective

To increase the impact of CBDC activities and results by disseminating concepts and findings of CBDC and related work to the general public, farmers and university staff, students and professionals.

Specific objectives

To raise awareness among the general public of the value of biodiversity and of the fundamental contribution that farming communities make to its conservation and development
to include development and conservation of biodiversity and related issues into the core concerns and activities of community and farmers' organisations
to incorporate into core university education the study and understanding of the complex systems related to the development and conservation of biodiversity at the community and local level
to analyze needs for future research activities regarding this area.

Expected outputs

A set of educational materials related to the development and conservation of biodiversity available for the use by different publics (general, farmers, universities) available to CBDC partners and third parties
courses for farmers and community leaders developed with their own inputs, available to CBDC partners and third parties
a university course developed with project inputs, available for implementation at interested universities
a group of local and national farmers' leaders who appreciate the value of biodiversity and understand and support the role of local communities in the conservation and development of biodiversity
a group of future university graduates who understand and are able to support the role of local communities in the conservation and development of biodiversity
a number of universities which have incorporated the issues of community biodiversity into their research and educational activities

Approach

All activities within this T-line will address technical, socio-economic as well as policy issues around decentralised approaches towards biodiversity development and conservation. Most of the work will be based on the outputs of the CBDC as a whole, and will therefore demand close co-operation and consultation between all partners. Each partner will determine what and how to contribute, and all produced materials will be available for use by any partners and by wider publics.

Educational materials will be developed based on outputs of CBDC partners and publications of related organisations, as a contribution to or responding to requests from different partners. All possible media will be used.

Community and farmers' organisations will be approached to discuss their specific interests on contents and educational strategies. Courses will be developed in close collaboration. The courses will initially be given by CBDC staff, but rural teachers, members of farmers' organisations, community leaders and local representatives will be encouraged and supported to take over the courses (training the trainers).

Courses for farmer’s organisations, as well as the university courses will be designed jointly by participating local partners, in co-operation with other involved institutions. A common core, consisting of various building blocks, will be identified and agreed by all partners, including aspects such as teaching materials, background literature and suggestions for further work. In addition, each participating project will develop items tailored to national needs and interests.

The University course will be implemented through institutional agreements with a number of universities, which have already been co-operating with CBDC partners, or have indicated interest in biodiversity-related issues Members of the CBDC Programme will actively participate as lecturers during the first two years; the courses will include a week’s programme of international lectures and presentations from CBDC partner organisations. After the first two years, Universities and organisations involved should integrate these courses in their regular activities, and develop these further.

Links with other T-lines

The contents of the courses and other eductional materials will be based to a great extent on the actual experiences of the partners. Links with universities could support some of the activities of the other T-lines.

Timeframe

Activities

Trimesters of implementation

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

1.1 Identification of contents

Development

Use by different publics

COURSES (ORGANIZATIONS AND UNIVERSITIES)

2.1 Development of different tables of contents –general and national

Identification of common/basic contents
Identification of national contents

2.2 Development of methodologies –general and national

Do we need common methodologies?
Identification of common methodologies

Identification of national methodologies

2.3 Development of common course programs –general and national

Common lines: contents and sequences
National course programs
Mutual support needs

2.4 Development of materials –general and national

Common educational materials
Common literature
Common activities
Common support materials
Literature retrieval support
Design support
Training support

2.5 Bringing the different teams together

Presenting to each other – learning from each other
Adjusting methodologies
Allocating tasks
Common work plan

2.6 Implementation of courses for organisations

Trainig of trainers
Joint implementation
Organizations take over

2.7. Implementation of courses at universities

2.8. Support to universities

Policies

Local-to-Global Capacity-Building, Formulation and Advocacy

Background

This transversal line begins its work guided by the following four hypotheses:

policy development in the first phase did not adequately engage and strengthen the capacities of CBDC partners to address policy issues. In the second phase, policy development should be decentralized and emphasize capacity-building at the national and regional level.
although there is no necessity for all CBDC partners to share identical positions on all policy issues, policy development within the CBDC should lead to the clarification of policy perspectives and, where possible, the elaboration and advocacy of common positions.
there are policy elements in every part of the CBDC programme. These issues must be clarified and addressed by partners during the second phase.
during the first phase, partners only occasionally came together to discuss specific policy issues. In the second phase, where there is agreement, partners should be prepared to work together, regionally or globally, in order to affect the policies they consider to be desirable.

Five areas of interest will be addresses within this line:

Policy Monitoring

Since its inception the CBDC was structured to include policy considerations as an integral part of its program. In Phase I, the International Policy Program was established with two basic purposes: (1) to assess the relevance and consequences of international and national policy making for CBDC objectives and activities on the one hand, and (2) to facilitate the involvement of CBDC partners in policy deliberations on the other hand. These objectives remain constant, but the CBDC structure to achieve them has been modified for Phase II: they will now be addressed by all partners involved in this transversal line.

New Technologies

CBDC partners are faced with a barrage of new technologies requiring analysis, discussion and response in view of their effects on on-farm conservation and development of crop diversity. At the beginning of Phase I, the potential of many of these new agricultural biotechnologies was largely theoretical, since no research products were available in the marketplace. On the eve of CBDC’s second phase, however, more than 28 million hectares have been sown to transgenic crops worldwide, at a seed cost in excess of US$1.35 billion. By the end of Phase II, the transgenic seed market is projected to exceed $4 billion, with more land sown to GMO’s in the South than in the North. Other developments, including the potential use of apomixes, genetic use restriction technology (sometimes dubbed the Terminator), and new food processing technologies, could have a profound influence on the viability of farming systems, the livelihood of farmers and the well-being of agricultural biodiversity. During Phase II, CBDC partners will monitor and study these and other developments, and will raise the awareness of farmers, civic organizations and national governments concerning the threats and opportunities inherent in these new developments.

Intellectual Property

During CBDC’s Phase I, there were dramatic changes in the world of intellectual property, both in the nature of patents on living organisms, and in the globalization of intellectual property regimes. During Phase II, both the TRIPS agreement and the Agricultural Agreement of the WTO will be reviewed. Phase II will end close to the point where Least-Developed WTO members may be obliged to introduce intellectual property legislation covering plant varieties. Participants in this Transversal line will monitor national and international developments relevant to intellectual property in agriculture, and will advise farmers and their governments of the consequences and alternatives available to them.

Regulatory Concerns

During Phase I, CBDC partners monitored and took part in negotiations relevant to such issues as biodiversity, seed saving, germplasm exchange, indigenous knowledge and Farmers Rights - in the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, the Conference of the Parties to the Biodiversity Convention and meetings of the CGIAR. They also monitored national regulatory mechanisms relevant to CBDC concerns such as marketing, and debates about the public vs. private ownership of genetic resources. During Phase II, this Transversal Line will continue to follow such debates, and will facilitate the participation of CBDC partners in them - nationally, regionally and in the multilateral arena.

International Trade Agreements

Growing trade liberalization and international trade agreements are likely to have a substantial impact on the utilization of biodiversity in signatory countries. Farming and indigenous communities living in high-diversity areas are simultaneously vulnerable, and uniquely placed to challenge the potential consequences of these agreements, which were not directly addressed in the first phase of CBDC. This transversal line will contribute to the development of biodiversity policies that protect and enlarge the biodiversity heritage of countries of MERCOSUR, NAFTA, SADC and APEC, for example, as well as bilateral agreements. Partners will thoroughly study these agreements, and propose mechanisms to address their weaknesses. Possible outputs are: incorporation of biodiversity protection regulations into the international agreements; creation of local or national or regional certification seals for the protection and restoration of biodiversity; multinational research agreements for the introduction and up-scaling of participatory plant breeding.

Objectives

General objective

To strengthen the capacity of national partners to formulate, monitor, and promote appropriate policies with respect to their work.

Specific objectives

To develop a seed supply strategy for the project area and recommendations related to the national seed supply programme, on aspects related to structural, legislative and regulatory systems that influence the seed supply system.
to monitor and advise upon factors influencing the capacity of farm communities to conserve and enhance agricultural germplasm
to monitor and advise upon new technologies that could influence the capacity of communities to access, utilize and develop diversity
to monitor and advise upon international trade agreements influencing biodiversity market access
to advise upon the possible role of local markets in promoting the sustainable use, development and conservation of biodiversity
to promote constructive policy dialogue, from local-to-global levels, with other institutional actors engaged in similar and related work.
to analyze and advise upon local-to-global institutional policies that influence appropriate gender participation in the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity

Expected outputs

Active participation in the formulation of national and international seed supply strategies and policies
report and recommendations related to the appropriate institutional environment and regulatory framework for the encouragement of PVS/PPB locally and globally
report and recommendations on the realization of Farmers’ Rights from local to global levels
report and recommendations on the opportunities to improve market access for diversity at the local and national levels;
report and recommendations related to the role of regional and global trade agreements with respect to biodiversity in the marketplace
report and recommendations related to gender and diversity;
report and recommendations related to farming ecosystem conservation within the frameworks offered by the Biodiversity Convention and by FAO CGRFA
policy seminars for potential local-to-global institutional partners
national and regional policy documentation and policy-development seminars;
training workshops for capacity-building in policy monitoring

Approach

Activities within this transversal line will include among others:

Development of specific studies
a permanent dialogue on policy issues within and among CBDC partners, as well as between the CBDC and other actors involved
discussions with local and national authorities on specific topics
participation in/organization of national and/or regional seminars for local leaders and policy-makers
delivery and dissemination of reports with specific recommendations
participation in key international fora and negotiations

The thrust of the work in this line will relate to policy issues associated with other specific transversal lines. However, certain roles and issues tend to be cross-cutting. Some of these recurring policy areas are cited above and will be a matter of more general concern among the partners during Phase II.

RCUs will assist in the development of regional capacity-building activities, including workshops, as seems efficient and appropriate. RAFI and CGN will assist in the monitoring of policy issues at the global level, support global advocacy initiatives identified by partners, and assist with capacity-building activities as requested. In particular, the focal point will help to promote policy clarification and cooperation among all CBDC partners.

Timetable

While the first year of Phase II will require particular attention to issue clarification, priority-setting, and national and regional initiatives for capacity-building, it is expected that CBDC-wide policy advocacy with respect to some T-lines could also begin quickly. As national capacities increase, the T-line will focus more on policy reports, recommendations, and direct advocacy.

Links

Although it has been suggested that RAFI be the focal point for this transversal line, it is assumed that CGN will play an active role and that much of the organizational and programme leadership will, in fact, come from the RCUs.

Some partners have identified policy as a high priority. All partners, however, will deal with policy issues directly related to their priority transversal lines and will share in the formulation of CBDC-wide policies.