Agrobiodiversity dynamics in traditional socioecological systems: An agent‐based model approach on the role of kinship systems and variety transmission

Abstract Context : Agrobiodiversity depends on multiple interconnected socioecological processes. The loss of crop diversity represents a critical challenge for global food security and for the resilience and adaptation of small‐scale farming communities to climate change. However, the role of kinship and the transmission of variety in the formation of agrobiodiversity have not been systematically addressed. Objectives : Our objective was to examine how kinship and transmission of varieties influence the dynamics of the diversity of cassava ( Manihot esculenta) in traditional socioecological systems. Methods : We employed an agent‐based model to simulate the vertical diffusion of cassava varieties by considering different postmarital residence norms, variety of transmission rules and two marriage norms (Endogamy and Dual Organization). Results : The model successfully captured the expected loss of diversity over time, while also demonstrating that social norms slow down this process. We further showed that the interaction between postmarital residence rules and variety transmission consistently impacts diversity patterns between groups and clans. Conclusions : By showing how the transmission of varieties' dynamics shapes ecological outcomes, this work underscores the central role of human social institutions in sustaining agrobiodiversity. Moreover, our study highlights the importance of exploring, both ethnographically and theoretically, the complementarities between horizontal and vertical transmission. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.