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Social seed networks: Identifying central farmers for equitable seed access

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  • Ricciardi, Vincent

Abstract

Community-based agrobiodiversity management projects have been at the forefront of integrating informal seed systems into food security initiatives. These projects co-create open-pollinated crops and reintroduce lost varieties. A prevailing critique regarding these projects regards unequal distribution of seed to communities — quality seed, when introduced, does not reach target populations. The purpose of this study is to identify key farmers who can distribute open-pollinated seed through their existing, diverse social channels and evaluate if this method enables vulnerable populations to access improved varieties. Data was collected and combined from two subsistence-based communities in Northern Ghana. This study combines social seed network analysis and regression to determine centrally connected farmers over their project areas. To understand which types of farmers have the most equitable and efficient seed distribution networks, this study uses harmonic closeness centrality as a dependent variable in a set of ordinary least squares regressions. Results suggest that harmonic closeness centrality can best be estimated per study community, but results were not constant after combining communities. Two warnings emerge from this analysis: i) central farmers can leverage their control on resources to maintain their network position, which may promote unequal seed dissemination, and ii) seemingly analogous networks may be difficult to compare when combined due to a scale mismatch between analysis and intended analysis utility (i.e. seed dissemination). These findings validate the utility of social network analysis in unfolding the socioecological complexity of informal seed systems; yet offer warning on using network parameters for equitable (re)introduction of open-pollinated varieties.

Suggested Citation

  • Ricciardi, Vincent, 2015. "Social seed networks: Identifying central farmers for equitable seed access," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 110-121.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agisys:v:139:y:2015:i:c:p:110-121
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2015.07.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ann Whitehead, 2006. "Persistent poverty in North East Ghana," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 42(2), pages 278-300.
    2. Gupta, Anil K. & Chandak Vikas, 2010. "Cradle of Creativity: Strategies for in-situ Conservation of Agro Biodiversity," IIMA Working Papers WP2010-09-03, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Research and Publication Department.
    3. Tripp, Robert, 2001. "Can biotechnology reach the poor? The adequacy of information and seed delivery," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 26(3), pages 249-264, June.
    4. Lenore Newman & Ann Dale, 2007. "Homophily and Agency: Creating Effective Sustainable Development Networks," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 79-90, February.
    5. Ron Boschma, 2005. "Proximity and Innovation: A Critical Assessment," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(1), pages 61-74.
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