informal seed systems

This study applied a means-end chain analysis to understand farmers’ perceptions of formal and informal sources of banana planting material. Farmers associated formal sources mainly with improved cultivars, tissue culture plantlets and low levels of diversity. Informal seed sources were mostly associated with traditional cultivars, suckers and high levels of diversity. »

This study collected seed samples and survey data from 127 farmers in western Kenya on their African indigenous vegetable (AIV) seed production practices, uses of AIV seed, and motivations for growing seed. This study speaks to the importance of using localized information to develop programs for improving informal seed systems and continuing to employ gender-sensitive and transformative activities. »

This report evaluated seed-producing cooperatives across Western and Central Africa to explore whether farmer-led cooperatives can play a role delivering new varieties of seeds into the hands of farmers. Seed-producing cooperatives are increasingly being formally recognized as producers of certified seed.  »

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 study offers insights into smallholder farmer’s practices regarding acquisition and distribution of sweetpotato planting material in Tanzania. Findings reveal that most farmers rely almost exclusively on informal seed systems. »

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. »