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A Sourcebook: Economics of conserving plant genetic resources in genebanks

A Sourcebook: Economics of conserving plant genetic resources in genebanks

Melinda Smale, Michigan State University, USA

Melinda Smale joined the Food Security Group at Michigan State University (MSU) in 2011 as Professor of International Development, working intensively with research partners in Kenya, Zambia and Mali. From 2002, at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and Bioversity International, she led a global research programme about the economics of crop genetic resources. The team studied biotech crops, genebanks, on-farm crop diversity, local seed markets, and underutilized crops in numerous countries, including Mali, Uganda, India, Nepal, Bolivia, Colombia and the Philippines. While living in Malawi and later in Mexico (1989-2000), she analyzed the adoption and impacts of improved wheat and maize seed for the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). During the 1980s, Melinda worked in Pakistan, Somalia, Mauritania and Niger on shorter-term assignments. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles, has received awards for outstanding articles and has served on the editorial committees of several journals. She enjoys working with young professionals.

The Genebanks

The 11 CGIAR genebanks currently conserve 730,000 of cereals and grain legumes, forage crops, tree species, root and tuber crops, bananas and crop wild relatives.

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