Seventeen community seed banks in Ethiopia, Malawi and Nepal show how locally managed crop diversity can strengthen farmer-managed seed systems under increasing climate pressures. Drawing on comparative qualitative case studies involving 499 participants, the research examines how seed banks contribute to variety development and management, seed production and dissemination, and how these functions affect seed security. The initiatives conserve diverse crops and varieties while, in several cases, connecting farmers with breeders, national genebanks, extension services and other organizations.

The findings indicate that community seed banks improve local access to quality seeds and varieties valued for characteristics such as early maturity, drought tolerance, pest and disease resistance, taste and storability. Participatory variety selection has also supported the enhancement or development of locally adapted varieties. Seed loan schemes, revolving funds, seed fairs and farmer-to-farmer exchanges extend dissemination, while training strengthens capacities in seed management and climate-adapted farming practices. Some seed banks also supplied seeds during crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Nepal’s 2015 earthquake and conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.

The research nevertheless identifies limitations. Seed quantities and varietal availability can be insufficient, genetic erosion occurred in some cases, and relatively few farmers are reached directly. Commercial seed production can support financial sustainability and wider distribution, but may create trade-offs with crop diversity conservation. Overall, the evidence shows significant local contributions to climate-resilient seed systems, while highlighting challenges of scale and long-term institutional capacity.