Custodians of bean varieties (Phaseolus lunatus, P. coccineus, P. vulgaris) and conservation practices in Antioquia, Colombia

Abstract

This work results from an investigation aimed at knowing the varieties of beans (Phaseolus lunatus, P. coccineus, P. vulgaris) that farmers belonging to the network Red de Semillas Libres de Antioquia, Colombia, keep on their farms. We analyzed the practices, limitations, and benefits associated with this work and participation in seed exchanges. We chose these species because they show the greatest diversity guarded by the network and are key in production systems and regional food culture. We carried out semi-structured interviews and visits to farms of seven producers in Belmira, Entrerríos, Santa Rosa de Osos, Carmen de Viboral, Caramanta, and Cocorná. We identified that the custodians conserve and use 24 varieties of beans, some of them considered ancestral. We observed that the safeguarding on farms could preserve genetic variability and associated knowledge and that participation in seed networks fosters agrobiodiversity and the transfer and conservation of knowledge. In this way, it contributes to food sovereignty and the improvement of farmers' economy and their food. However, it is required technical support in production and marketing.