Preserving crop genetic diversity through traditional seed systems: insights from farmer-saved fonio (Digitaria exilis (Kippist) Stapf) landraces in Northern Ghana.

Fonio (Digitaria exilis (Kippist) Stapf) is an underutilized cereal whose genetic diversity is largely conserved through traditional seed systems managed by smallholder farmers in West Africa. Preserving this diversity is critical for climate adaptation, food security, and future crop improvement, yet empirical evidence on farmer-managed fonio landraces remains limited. This study characterizes farmer-saved fonio landraces and associated seed management practices in Northern Ghana, with emphasis on their role in on-farm conservation of crop genetic resources. Using a stratified random sampling approach, 110 fonio farmers were surveyed across Chereponi, Saboba, Gushegu, Tatale, and Zabzugu districts using structured questionnaires to document identified landraces, seed sources, duration of seed possession, trait preferences, and production practices. The results revealed that fonio cultivation is dominated by farmer-maintained landraces, with Yadema, Kpeintike, Ugabuja, Ipuja and Lipuima being the most cultivated. Most farmers (93%) relied on recycled seed, with some landraces maintained for more than 20 years, indicating strong on-farm conservation. Farmers prioritize traits such as high yield, early maturity, drought tolerance, and ease of dehusking, reflecting both agroecological constraints and post-harvest labour considerations. Fonio production was largely subsistence-oriented, characterized by small farm sizes, with a mean farm size of 1.12 acres (0.453 ha), and low use of external inputs. This study demonstrates that significant fonio genetic resources are conserved through traditional farming practices in Northern Ghana, where there are no formally released commercial cultivars. These findings highlight the need to integrate farmers’ knowledge into participatory breeding and to strengthen community-based seed systems to enhance productivity while safeguarding fonio genetic diversity.

Project(s)

“Accelerated Diversification for Climate Resilience Agriculture” Project

Priority 5: Enhanced Partnerships

Priority 2: Trait Diversity and Function

Priority 4: Accelerated Taxonomy

Funder

Funder name	Awards
Calleva Foundation, United Kingdom	“Accelerated Diversification for Climate Resilience Agriculture” Project
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, United Kingdom	“Accelerated Diversification for Climate Resilience Agriculture” Project
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Ghana