Promotion of the use, conservation and multiplication of traditional seed varities among farmers in northern Botswana. (BOT/98/G52/99/14)
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Country:
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BOTSWANA
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Grantee:
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Permaculture Trust of Botswana - PTB (Non-government Organization)
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Focal Area:
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Biodiversity
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Op. Program:
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OP1 - Arid and Semi-Arid Ecosystems
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Project Type:
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Full
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Operational Phase:
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Phase 2
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Dates:
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1/1999 - 12/2000
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Grant Amount:
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21 782,00 USD
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Project Status:
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Satisfactorily Completed
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Project Types:
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Demonstration
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Project Details & Results
At present the genetic base on which crop farming takes place in Botswana is increasingly being eroded by mono cropping, the use of single 'modern' vareities, etc., making it more prone to the ravages of droughts and generally making it unsustainable (both environmentally and economically) to be engaged in crop farming. However crop farming is often the only economic activity left for the poorest section of the population.
Since its inception Permaculture Trust of Botswana has recognised the erosion of the genetic base on which crop farming takes place and has put efforts in gaining experience to set up a community based seed bank, and many farmers still using traditional open pollinated land races have been identified.
This project seeks to facilitate the exchange of traditional seed varieties among mostly susbsistence farmers in order to increase their use and ensure their conservation. The seed varieties dissapeared as a result of government seed distribution programmes.
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