The compatibility of agricultural intensification in a global hotspot of smallholder agrobiodiversity (Bolivia).

ABSTRACT: Integrating the conservation of biodiversity by smallholder farmers with agricultural intensification is increasingly recognized as a leading priority of sustainability and food security amid global environmental and socioeconomic change. An international research project investigated the smallholder agrobiodiversity of maize (corn) in a global hotspot (Bolivia) undergoing significant intensification. Peach-based intensification was pronounced (300-400%) and prolonged (2000-2010) in study areas. Intensification and maize agrobiodiversity were found to co-occur within smallholder landscapes. Interactions of these field systems did not trigger land-change tipping points leading to landrace extirpation. By 2010 maize landraces in the study areas still demonstrated high levels of taxonomic and

SUBMITTER: Zimmerer KS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3581942 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature