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Changing patterns in genebank acquisitions of crop genetic materials: An analysis of global policy drivers and potential consequences

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  • Mekonnen, Dawit K.
  • Spielman, David J.

Abstract

During the past two decades, a series of global policy changes affecting genetic resource conservation, use, and exchange have entered into force: the 2004 International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), and more recently, the 2014 Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (NP), a follow-on to the 1993 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This paper characterizes the changing policy landscape governing international exchanges of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). Emphasis is placed on understanding how global and national policy changes associated with the CBD and ITPGRFA are significantly associated with the movement of genetic resources to draw lessons about the potential effects of the NP. We examine crop-specific historical trends in genebank acquisitions, changes in germplasm exchange networks over time, and correlates of such exchanges for seven crops that are important to food security in many developing countries. We observe sharp declines in genebank acquisitions in 1993 (when the CBD came into effect) followed by reductions in germplasm exchange network sizes. These trends and patterns change after 2004 (when the ITPGRFA came into effect), but only for some crops. We also find that a country’s membership in the CBD is closely associated with reductions in genetic resource flows, while ITPGRFA membership has an opposite association. Despite important crop and country variations, results suggest the considerable influence of both the CBD and ITPGRFA, further suggesting that the NP may affect global PGRFA flows in a potentially negative and unintended manner.

Suggested Citation

  • Mekonnen, Dawit K. & Spielman, David J., 2021. "Changing patterns in genebank acquisitions of crop genetic materials: An analysis of global policy drivers and potential consequences," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 105(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfpoli:v:105:y:2021:i:c:s030691922100141x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2021.102161
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    CBD; Genetic resources policy; Genebanks; Germplasm; ITPGRFA; Nagoya Protocol;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q16 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - R&D; Agricultural Technology; Biofuels; Agricultural Extension Services
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy
    • Q55 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Technological Innovation
    • Q57 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Ecological Economics

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