Social Institutions And Seed Systems: The Diversity Of Fruits And Nuts In Uzbekistan

This chapter builds on the household model presented in Chapter 5 by exploring the role of social institutions in household access to planting material and use of crop biodiversity. Two types of institutions are analysed: (i) local community groups to which a household may belong and (ii) sources of planting material and agricultural information. Findings from a household survey implemented in two districts of Samarqand, Uzbekistan, provide a description of the diversity of fruits and nut trees, as well as the nature of systems for planting material. Econometric analysis reveals a linkage between participation in community groups and the levels of fruit and nut tree diversity managed by households. No relationship is found between the type of institution used to obtain genetic material and the level of diversity in orchards. Household participation in community groups influences the type of institution used for access to genetic material, however.