formal seed systems

This article aims to contribute to better functioning of maize seed sectors serving smallholders, by analysing across different systems. Smallholder farmers are increasingly purchasing seed from the formal maize seed system in different parts of the world. »

This toolkit elaborates the challenge for seed sector development on how to address both the informal and formal seed systems so that farmers have access to a sustainable supply of quality seed of improved crop varieties.  »

This report evaluates the efforts of 22 leading seed companies in Eastern and Southern Africa, aimed at improving access to seeds for smallholder farmers. The seed sector in the region has high potential for growth. »

This journal is a special edition centred around the question: How do small-scale farmers from Africa and Asia come upon good quality seeds, and what problems do they face in the process. Policymakers, development workers, farmers and private companies are consulted to answer this question. »

This article summarizes how current institutions and policies related to seed production and distribution in Ethiopia and Uganda influence the shaping of seed systems. It also considers whether policies provide space for informal seed systems to continue to operate and evolve and for farmers to utilize local and traditional varieties together with improved ones. »

This publication shows ten emerging lessons from studies appraising the the structure and economic performance of formal seed sectors in 13 countries. A competitive seed sector is key to ensuring timely availability of high quality seeds of improved, appropriate varieties at affordable prices to smallholder farmers in Africa. »