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The Access to Seeds Index evaluates the performance of the seed industry in taking the lead in reaching smallholder farmers in South and Southeast Asia. The index shows that the seed industry is present in all countries, but reaches only 20% of the smallholder farmers. It is highly research-driven, releasing new varieties for a broad variety of crops. »

This webinar series on farmers’ access to data is a follow-up of a face-to-face course. The first webinar is called ‘Data-driven agriculture overview’, the second ‘Key data for farmers’, and the third ‘Accelerating market adoptation and use of data by smallholders’. »

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. »

This dossier discusses micro-gardening and urban farming initiatives, which help to address increased pressure on Africa’s food security as urban populations continue to rise. When correctly planned and managed, urban agriculture can provide fresh produce and increased dietary diversity, a source of income, and an opportunity to recycle waste products. »

This highlight discusses the engagement of formal financial service providers in the agriculture sector. Less than 2% of the demand for global financing by smallholder farmers is met by financial institutions. This is due to a number of risks that are specific to agriculture. »

This assessment critically looks at the Global Nutrition Reports. It suggests that the underlying purpose of these Reports is not so much to tackle the problem of nutrition as to generate and mainstream a certain discourse to facilitate global governance in nutrition with a view towards capital accumulation. »