Abstract:

Farmers have since humanity nurtured the plant genetic diversity from which they derive their livelihood and as a basis for social transformation. In the process they have been able to continually develop and improve management practices for the conservation of their genetic resources. The socio-economic transformations, however, come with negative impacts to the biological as well as to the cultural environment. These have irreversible effects on the genetic diversity in terms of genetic erosion and even total loss of populations. The farmers are in most cases overwhelmed by these impacts that they solely may not be able to continue with the critical practices for the conservation of the diversity. Institutional and policy support ought to join hands with farmers if these resources are to be sustainably utilised and enjoyed by the future generations. Support, however can only be mobilised after there is a clear understanding of which practices are important for the conservation of the resources. This study was to identify and understand the best practices for conservation of rare banana landraces in Uganda’s semi-arid area of Lwengo sub-county, with an ultimate objective of promoting and supporting the practices through the relevant policy channels. Using the Four Square Analysis methodology a total of 66 banana cultivars were recorded in the sub-county. Out of these 19 were considered by the farmers to be rare cultivars. A total of 21 management practices were identified. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that out of the 21 practices 9 were very critical for the survival of rare landraces. The correlations indicate that only 8 of the 19 rare cultivars seem to have a direct relationship with the 9 practices, meaning that the 8 rare cultivars rely on particular practices out of the 9 for their survival and continued existence.