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• Problems faced by community seed banks (CSBs) include lack of clarity about concepts, objectives, and sustainability; lack of awareness of policy support for CSBs; inadequate seed and fund management; weak leadership, management, and coordination; inadequate facilities and infrastructure; and poor links and coordination with the National Agricultural Genetic Resources Centre (the national genebank).• Farmers have become aware of international policies and are ready to share their genetic materials with the national genebank. However, they have mixed feelings about sharing material with people outside the country.• No national policy documents have explicitly mentioned the need and strategies for linking in-situ/on-farm resources with ex-situ resources or linking CSBs with the national genebank.• A CSB cannot survive without the support of strong, well-governed local institutions that are aware of day-today activities and committed to avoiding unnecessary mishandling of seeds and conflict among members and with non-members.

• Implementation of the ITPGRFA could be carried out efficiently if overall responsibility for monitoring and coordinating the exchange of PGRs through the multilateral system (MLS) is given to the national genebank.• A “one window” system for exchanging PGRs through the MLS would be most appropriate for Nepal.• Farmers must be made aware of the benefits they may receive through use of the MLS.• CSBs must be established and strengthened in strategic locations.• CSBs and the national genebank must work together and have a common understanding on their roles.• Farmers’ consent must be …