Community-based seed systems (CBSS) or community seed bank

Abstract

The CSB comprises a group of well trained and committed farmers who process seeds from a range of individuals or groups who share seeds among themselves. These groups 'learn-by-doing' the best management options to ensure seed purity and quality of seeds they produced on-farm. The CSB, as a modality for technology delivery, provides management practices on seed health, crop diversification; introduction of improved and tolerant varieties, opportunities for market integration, and in situ conservation of traditional varieties for active use. Presence of local champions, the strong support from the local executives and NGOs for technical assistance, farmer-volunteers, capacity building, and community empowerment are some of the success factors that were identified.