ABSTRACT
A community seed bank first gathers information and seed samples of local varieties by organizing a diversity fair or carrying out participatory four-cell analysis to identify the status of local crop diversity. Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development (LI-BIRD), as a facilitating organization, offers support to farming communities for the establishment and management of a community seed bank. LI-BIRD considers empowerment of seed bank members, a key to success and sustainability. Hence, training and capacity-building activities are designed to cover not only technical aspects of seeds and community seed bank management, but also local institution management and governance. An operational guideline was prepared by government staff for piloting new community seed banks in 17 districts. However, this document focuses mainly on increasing the seed replacement rate of improved varieties to increase food security and pays little attention to the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources.
