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Formal and informal relations to rice seed systems in Kerala, India: agrobiodiversity as a gendered social-ecological artifact

Author

Listed:
  • Michaela Schöley

    (Metzgerei Boneberger GmbH)

  • Martina Padmanabhan

    (University of Passau)

Abstract

Agrobiodiversity is an evident outcome of a long-lasting human–nature relationship, as the continuous use, conservation and management of crops has resulted in biological as well as cultural diversity of seeds and breeds. This paper aims to understand the interlocking of formal and informal seed supply routes by considering the dynamic flow of seeds within networks across the intersections of gender, ethnicity and age in South India as social categories structuring human–nature relations. This changing relationship under formal and informal institutional settings has consequences on performance for men and women in rice seed systems. Undertaking an empirical analysis of the organization of seed management and exchange, we seek to shed light on the gendered organization of agrobiodiversity as a social network. The study builds on Net-Map interviews conducted in 2012, embedded in the larger BioDIVA project in the district of Wayanad in Kerala, India. Based on network analysis, the interactive method employed has enabled identification of important actors in the seed system and the characteristics of their relationships. We look into the gendered structure of information exchange regarding seed varieties and actual seed transactions, while also examining clusters of actors collaborating regarding seed supply. Finally, we identify the institutional gap concerning seed sources left by formal and informal institutions, like the availability of varieties. We show how informal and formal seed systems coexist and overlap due to actors moving between systems and argue that the degree and areas of overlap are shaped by gendered human–nature relations.

Suggested Citation

  • Michaela Schöley & Martina Padmanabhan, 2017. "Formal and informal relations to rice seed systems in Kerala, India: agrobiodiversity as a gendered social-ecological artifact," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 34(4), pages 969-982, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agrhuv:v:34:y:2017:i:4:d:10.1007_s10460-016-9759-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10460-016-9759-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Padmanabhan, Martina, 2011. "Women and men as conservers, users and managers of agrobiodiversity," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 40(6), pages 968-976.
    2. Martina Aruna Padmanabhan, 2008. "Collective action in agrobiodiversity management: gendered rules of reputation, trust and reciprocity in Kerala, India," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 20(1), pages 83-97.
    3. Nagarajan, Latha & Pardey, Philip G. & Smale, Melinda, 2006. "Local seed systems for millet crops in marginal environments of India: industry and policy perspectives," EPTD discussion papers 151, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
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    Cited by:

    1. Katriina Soini & Eija Pouta & Terhi Latvala & Taina Lilja, 2019. "Agrobiodiversity Products in Alternative Food System: Case of Finnish Native Cattle Breeds," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-15, June.
    2. Bacud, Eva Salve T. & Gerullis, Maria K. & Puskur, Ranjitha & Heckelei, Thomas, 2023. "Looking at gender is not enough--how diversity of farmer's marginalization relates to variety preferences," 2023 Annual Meeting, July 23-25, Washington D.C. 335530, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    3. Silvia Scaramuzzi & Sara Gabellini & Giovanni Belletti & Andrea Marescotti, 2021. "Agrobiodiversity-Oriented Food Systems between Public Policies and Private Action: A Socio-Ecological Model for Sustainable Territorial Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-32, November.
    4. Stefanie Sievers-Glotzbach & Anja Christinck, 2021. "Introduction to the symposium: seed as a commons—exploring innovative concepts and practices of governing seed and varieties," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 38(2), pages 499-507, June.
    5. Ishika Gupta & Prakashan Chellattan Veettil & Stijn Speelman, 2020. "Caste, Social Networks and Variety Adoption," Journal of South Asian Development, , vol. 15(2), pages 155-183, August.
    6. Federica Ravera & Victoria Reyes-García & Unai Pascual & Adam G. Drucker & David Tarrasón & Mauricio R. Bellon, 2019. "Gendered agrobiodiversity management and adaptation to climate change: differentiated strategies in two marginal rural areas of India," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 36(3), pages 455-474, September.

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