2.1 State and Development of the World's Genetic Diversity Center
15
production is based on species originated from other regions (Kloppenburg and
Kleinman, 1987). Regions like Australia, North America, the Mediterranean, and
Europe depend on crop species from other regions for over 90% of their food
production; but also Africa shows over 87% dependency. The interdependence of
crop species between regions and countries is demonstrated by crops such as
cassava, maize, groundnut and beans. These crops originated in Latin America,
but have become staple food crops in many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
(Plucknett, 1987). On the other hand, African-originated millets and sorghums
make a considerable contribution to other areas such as South Asia and Latin
America (Kloppenburg and Kleinman, 1987).
Fig. 2.1. Percentages of food production of major crops based on species originating from other
regions
West Central Asia
South East Asia
South Asia
Latin America
East Asia
Africa
Europe
Mediterranean
North·America
Australia /'
o
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
dependency (".)
Source:
adapted from data according to Kloppenburg and Kleinman, 1987
2.2
Extent and Determinants of Genetic Extinction
90
100
The diversity of plants is said to be declining. This statement forms the basis for
various efforts on national and international level to conserve the existing
diversity. But in order for efficient activities to maintain an optimum of diversity,
it is necessary to analyze the decline of biodiversity. Is it a decline on all different
levels of biodiversity? Is it mainly a reduction in intra- or inter-genetic diversity?
In the following section, the character and extent of biodiversity reduction for
plants and especially for agriculturally relevant plants will be analyzed and the
determinants of the decrease in biodiversity will be discussed.
15
production is based on species originated from other regions (Kloppenburg and
Kleinman, 1987). Regions like Australia, North America, the Mediterranean, and
Europe depend on crop species from other regions for over 90% of their food
production; but also Africa shows over 87% dependency. The interdependence of
crop species between regions and countries is demonstrated by crops such as
cassava, maize, groundnut and beans. These crops originated in Latin America,
but have become staple food crops in many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
(Plucknett, 1987). On the other hand, African-originated millets and sorghums
make a considerable contribution to other areas such as South Asia and Latin
America (Kloppenburg and Kleinman, 1987).
Fig. 2.1. Percentages of food production of major crops based on species originating from other
regions
West Central Asia
South East Asia
South Asia
Latin America
East Asia
Africa
Europe
Mediterranean
North·America
Australia /'
o
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
dependency (".)
Source:
adapted from data according to Kloppenburg and Kleinman, 1987
2.2
Extent and Determinants of Genetic Extinction
90
100
The diversity of plants is said to be declining. This statement forms the basis for
various efforts on national and international level to conserve the existing
diversity. But in order for efficient activities to maintain an optimum of diversity,
it is necessary to analyze the decline of biodiversity. Is it a decline on all different
levels of biodiversity? Is it mainly a reduction in intra- or inter-genetic diversity?
In the following section, the character and extent of biodiversity reduction for
plants and especially for agriculturally relevant plants will be analyzed and the
determinants of the decrease in biodiversity will be discussed.