This introductory paper summarizes the policy context, methodological approach, and key results from the set of papers contained in this special edition derived from a FAO-led project on seed sourcing in local markets and its farm-level impacts. The introduction provides the conceptual framework...

The paper presents an analysis of the role of two forms of social capital – linking and bonding – on two key farm outcomes: on-farm crop diversity and household wellbeing. Where market transactions are limited, social capital is an important household asset for accessing seed and channelling...

In this paper we use a unique dataset from eastern Ethiopia to explore the role of crop genetic resources in attaining household food security. The study area is a center of origin and domestication for sorghum, and about three quarters of the farms are growing land race varieties of sorghum...

El acusado aumento de los precios de los alimentos en el periodo 2006-2008 desató el temor de una inseguridad alimentaria generalizada a nivel mundial. Además de los cambios acaecidos en la oferta y la demanda de algunos productos básicos, la tendencia alcista también ha podido verse...

The drastic increase of food prices in the period 2006-2008 spurred fears of global food insecurity. Apart from actual changes in supply and demand of some commodities, the upward swing might also have been amplified by speculation in organized futures markets. However, limiting or banning...