Recovering biodiversity knowledge

Agro-biodiversity is extremely important not only to individual farmers and farming communities, but also to scientists and plant breeding institutions. It enables farmers to grow crops under varying environments, allows breeders and farmers to select better crops and varieties, and makes it possible for households and consumers in different cultural settings to access commodities that satisfy their specific needs. In Cambodia, after the civil war, several pilot projects for preservation of genetic diversity and vegetable diversity have been launched. In selecting seeds, the farmers have been encouraged to think not only of production potential but also of marketing potential. In addition they have gained a better understanding of markets and marketing strategies. These new insights have resulted in farmers agreeing to work and plan together in new ways.