Abstract
Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) contributes significantly to the food, nutrition and livelihood security of Brazilians smallholder farmers. However, the lack of research on the management, and ethnologic aspects of lima beans in Brazil could lead to the loss of landraces, limiting the contributions of local genetic resources. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the profile of lima beans farmers in northeastern Brazil, regarding socio-economic, cultural and agro-ecological aspects. Sixty two farmers from 20 municipalities were interviewed. We observed that lima beans were grown mainly using traditional cropping systems in this region. The number of landraces managed by smallholders varied from one to seven. This variation is influenced by ecogeographic, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. Most farmers reported that they obtained their landraces from family members and by exchanging seeds with other farmers, while new varieties were purchased from local markets. According to older farmers, some have stopped cultivating this crop in recent years, coupled with the lack of interest in the younger population. Faced with this risk, strategies to strengthen the conservation of the local lima bean germplasm should be developed. Among these, we highlight actions with public bodies to reinforce the importance of this crop and traditional knowledge for local development, the conservation of cultural traditions, and food security.
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This research was funded by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brazil (CAPES) – Finance Code 001.
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Lustosa-Silva, J.D., de Oliveira, E.G., da Costa Soares, L.A. et al. Traditional varieties of lima beans (Phaseolus Lunatus L.) in northeastern Brazilian farms: conservation and sustainability. Genet Resour Crop Evol 70, 2021–2032 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-023-01553-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-023-01553-4