Conservation of Genetic Resources of Crops: Farmer Preferences for Banana Diversity in Sri Lanka

This study investigates farmer preferences for banana diversity in Sri Lanka. First, we investigate farmers’ attitudes towards banana cultivation. Secondly, we estimate diversity selection models to identify the important factors that contribute to conservation of banana diversity. The study analyses 450 banana growers in three districts representing different climatic zones. The Poisson model and Shannon Diversity Index are employed to determine the key household, market and journal characteristics that are important for the conservation of banana diversity. The study indicates that maintaining on-farm diversity is receiving increased attention from farmers as a strategy for mitigating production risk and protecting food security in rural areas. Family size, education, experience, method of marketing and attitude of farmers are found to be the major determinants of banana diversity maintenance on farms. The study recommends a subsidy to farmers to cultivate traditional varieties for the purpose of maintaining farm diversity given farmers typically prefer new varieties which deliver high productivity.