Today’s agriculture is like a huge inverted pyramid. Globally, it rests on a precariously narrow base. Less than 3% of the 250 000 plant varieties available to agriculture are in use today. The top-down system of agricultural research, where farmers are seen merely as recipients of research rather than as participants in it, has contributed to this dependence on a relatively few plant varieties. This trend and the increasing industrialization of agriculture are key factors in what can only be called “genetic erosion.” A new approach to agricultural research and development is needed to conserve agricultural diversity, improve crops, and produce food of quality for all.

This In_Focus Web site assembles a variety of resources on participatory plant breeding (PPB). Including slide presentations, short stories, case studies, research reports, books, etc., the site presents an overview of PPB, results of IDRC-supported research, and the important lessons that have been learned.