Seeds of the future : transitions in traditional crop varieties and farming practices in Sulaimani Governorate in Kurdistan, Iraq

Sammanfattning

Traditional crop varieties (TCV) are important for agrobiodiversity, climate resilience and cultural heritage. In Kurdistan, where farming traditions are deeply rooted TCV are increasingly being replaced by modern crop varieties due to shifts in cultivation practices. This study investigates the current use, sourcing and preservation of TCV among eight Kurdish farmers in the Sulaimani Governorate of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq (KRI). Using a qualitative methodology, the research is based on eight semi-structured interviews and complemented by a SWOT analysis to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to TCV preservation. The study examines how changing farming practices impact seed saving, explores the challenges farmers face in maintaining traditional varieties and highlights how these crops remain embedded in local food cultures. The findings show that while TCV are valued for their taste, adaptability and cultural significance, they are increasingly displaced by hybrid seeds, which are driven by the system of modern agriculture, market demands, poor infrastructure and weak government support. At the same time, the study identifies several strengths: ongoing seed saving practices, farmers experiential knowledge and the importance of taste in preserving cultural identity. Some farmers also engage in in situ conservation and innovation. Together with the regions fertile soils and diverse orchard crops, these practices point to the potential for more sustainable food systems. The study concludes that protecting and investing in TCV alongside sustainable farming practices can strengthen agrobiodiversity, support resilient local food systems and contribute to a regenerative future aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.