Integrating genetic resource conservation and sustainable development into strategies to increase the robustness of seed systems

Food security is again at the top of the global agenda. A second green revolution adapting the strategies of the previous revolution to current circumstances and contexts has been proposed. This article introduces a framework for analyzing seed supply strategies by considering principles of agrobiodiversity conservation, formal and informal seed systems, market and service orientation, and the strengthening of local institutions. This framework is used to analyze strategies for supporting small-scale farmers' seed supply. We develop pathways for enhancing seed security while strengthening seed system robustness. By presenting a coherent and non-conflicting framework, we reconcile the seemingly contradictory forces of increasing food production and conserving agro-biodiversity.