smallholder farmers

This discussion paper explores the reasons for the lack of agricultural diversity from the perspectives of smallholder households, market actors and extension officers. Zambia’s diversification agenda should be based on  the priorities and requirements of farming households. To succeed it will require the collective efforts of key players, and a range of co-ordinated policy changes. »

This paper identifies the policies and systems needed to ensure that private finance blending at the least does no harm and in practice plays a positive role for small-scale producers. The paper argues that private finance blending should be used with caution in rural development until donors can demonstrate the merits of blending using evidence-based results, in particular the added value of blending for development impact. »

This paper identifies three segments of smallholder households and provides information to strategize how to reach and serve smallholder households. Understanding the distinct profiles of smallholder segments can help financial services providers, government bodies, and agricultural development partners better identify and serve their most relevant smallholder households. »

The synthesis report reflects on the seed industry’s progress and the remaining challenges over this reporting period, against a changing global backdrop. The 2019 index demonstrates that seed companies continue to invest in providing access to seeds for smallholder farmers in index regions, through differing business models and approaches, providing increased evidence of their practices. »

Please download the factsheet with final findings of this Applied Research Fund Call 2 project. »

This article reviews roots, tuber and banana (RTB) seed systems—with particular reference to potato, sweetpotato, cassava, yam and banana —to reflect on current seed system development approaches and the unique nature of these systems. Key to progress in the improvement of the quality of planting material used by farmers is to pay attention to what works where, and for whom, and how to scale up good practices. »