This area is characterized by high ethnological diversity (10 different ethnic group) and diversity in crop species and intra-species. This study focused specifically on upland rice. This diversity is a result of many different factors, such as the diversity of ecological sub-zones, high variability among crops in terms of growth and harvest cycles (varieties 65, 75, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days). Cultural diversity in this region is also significant, with many different ethnic groups inhabiting the region. Each group with its own traditional culture and religion and different ideological systems. Traditional polytheistic systems worship different upland rice varieties. These groups also maintain important traditions in the management of their cultural and ecological systems, with different practices for keeping varieties. For example it is traditional to have rice varieties passed through families as a part of the bride's dowry that she brings with her when she enters a new family. In this case the mother of the bride gives the rice to her daughter enabling the maintenance of traditional rice varieties through generations.

Currently, this genetic biodiversity of plants is decreasing due to the shift in production from traditional crops to improved, high-yielding varieties (such as hybrid maize and wet rice). Additionally, there has been a great increase in the cultivation of commercial perennial crops such as coffee and rubber, due to their economic value. This pattern of replacement of traditional crops by mono-cropping systems for the goal of agricultural commodity production is the cause of the decrease in genetic biodiversity in the region. Additionally, these crops can place farmers in situations of high vulnerability in terms of food security because commodity crops are not well adapted to the region and can easily fail in the case of extreme weather events.

This research focuses on in-situ conservation of upland rice to preserve agricultural biodiversity, and to increase the diversity of species of Upland Rice from across the different sites throughout the central highlands of Viet Nam. We work together with farmers, supporting them in other activities such as: training to select crop varieties, techniques for planting and for using organic manure, farmer field trips within and across sites, all with the goal of contributing to the capacity of farmers to share their experience, in this way increasing their knowledge and strengthening mountain rural development.

Involvement of local people throughout the research process is an essential component to the success of the project. Mountain ethnic people are those that participate in the collection, conservation and selection of the crops species of upland rice varieties, and other activities of research on genetic diversity. A Participatory approach to working with mountain ethnic farmers always yields high results.

Daklak ethnic minorities peoples have traditional methods to maintain and increase crop genetic diversity, and use indigenous knowledge to identify and select varieties, as well as manage crops and micro-agroecology. This knowledge is acquired from generations of hands-on experience. Indigenous knowledge is always useful to scientists, researchers, teachers, extension workers, agroecology and rural development workers.

Women of Daklak ethnic minority hold a traditional role as the the main owners and managers of resources. Daklak ethnic minority women make decisions about conservation of crop varieties, including storage and selection; they work in the field together with their families as well as collect firewood from the field and the forest. The central role of women in the maintenance of Daklak ethnic minority culture and society highlights the importance of women's participation in in-situ conservation research of agricultural biodiversity as well as other research. Through supporting their participation the project aims to contribute to enhancing gender equity and improving the stature of women in the rural mountain areas.

Minimize Toxics

Shifting cultivation is the traditional agriculture practice of ethnic minorities in Daklak site, chemical fertilizers and insecticide are not used. Shifting cultivation reduces harm to the environment and the health of farmer and community.

Conserve Resources

Maintaining farmer varieties in-situ on farms conserves genetic resources.

Adjust to Local Environments

Collection of upland rice in Daklak site, and exchange of varieties that are locally adapted for farmer's varieties adjusts crops to local environment

Diversify

In this site we conducted a diversity survey, we collected 64 upland rice varieties in 1996 as well as corn and beans; over forty species were identified, the agricultural system is extremely diverse, intercropping is common practice for hamlet farmers.

Empower People

New techniques for collective training are being developed. These techniques include conservation training, selective training with farmer's participants, and the organization of a Diversity Fair with Daklak ethnic minority. These techniques raise community awareness and landrace enhancement through Participatory Plant Breeding through valuing and sustaining farmer knowledge. On farm seed selection and storage increases farmer control of genetic resources.

Manage Ecological Relationships

Species and sub-species diversity of crops and the use of special local Upland Rice in shifting cultivation helps in pest, disease and weed control and agro-biodiversity in the site, therefore supporting the balance of nature.

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