How small seed businesses can support climate-resilient value chains: Lessons from Uganda
This briefing note (PDF) by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) focuses on investments by domestic seed companies in quality seeds, including climate-resilient varieties, in developing countries and the climate risk management (CRM) benefits for other actors along the value chain. It is designed for researchers and practitioners working on agricultural value chains, food security and climate resilience in developing countries. According to the authors, domestic seed companies should facilitate more informed decision making about seed choices; increase knowledge on the benefits of climate-resilient seeds; and strengthen systems for production, distribution and quality control of climate-resilient products and services through standards and partnerships. Furthermore, development practitioners can contribute by: strengthening the broader systems that support value chain development such as infrastructure, information and markets; capacity building of small businesses on the integration of climate risks into their decision making (including on the use of climate and weather information); and helping small businesses access climate finance. It is recommended that researchers should explore the role of small businesses as potential climate knowledge brokers.