Navigating toward resilient and inclusive seed systems

Westengen, Ola Tveitereid; Dalle, Sarah Paule; Mulesa, Teshome Hunduma

doi:10.1073/pnas.2218777120

Cited by 24 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 134 publications

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“…Regardless of the source of the seed, farmers choose to grow varieties that have traits they desire and which they can access. In this respect, seed system innovations are needed to ensure that new legume traits and varieties reach smallholder farmers (Westengen et al 2023 ).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Legume seed system performance in sub-Saharan Africa: barriers, opportunities, and scaling options. A review

Breen,

Ndlovu,

McKeown

et al. 2024

Agron. Sustain. Dev.

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As a fundamental pillar of food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), ensuring seed security is critical to empowering farmers in cultivating food and livestock feed, thereby fostering income generation from agricultural outputs. Among the crops cultivated by smallholders, legumes have the potential to deliver multifaceted benefits. Legumes are nutrient-dense and enhance soil health through their nitrogen-fixing qualities. However, in many instances, the development, release, and supply of improved legume varieties are insufficient to meet the needs of smallholder farmers in SSA. Here, we systematically reviewed the literature to (i) identify and categorize existing legume seed systems, (ii) map legume varieties available to smallholders, (iii) identify barriers hindering the adoption of various legume varieties, and (iv) identify potential strategies and opportunities for strengthening legume seed systems in SSA. Our results demonstrate the coexistence of formal and informal seed systems within legume seed supply chains in SSA, each employing unique seed distribution channels. Smallholders, however, are shown to predominantly depend on the informal seed system to source most legume seeds except for commercially available varieties. We also identified a diverse range of legume varieties available to smallholders in the region, with farmers having varying trait preferences based on crop type and gender. Notably, high yield and abiotic stress tolerance were the most preferred traits. The adoption of these varieties, however, is influenced by various factors, including lack of timely access to seeds in adequate quantities from the formal seed system, high seed costs, and limited information on new varieties. The reviewed literature highlighted that utilizing improved legume varieties had a positive effect on smallholders, leading to improved welfare, food security, dietary diversity, and income. We conclude that the effective scaling of legume systems in SSA is contingent upon the presence of supportive policy frameworks and well-established technical support structures. Graphical Abstract Packets of legume seeds within a legume germplasm and breeding program at the University of Zambia (Photo by Caitlin Breen, 2022).

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Legume seed system performance in sub-Saharan Africa: barriers, opportunities, and scaling options. A review

Breen,

Ndlovu,

McKeown

et al. 2024

Agron. Sustain. Dev.

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“…This can be achieved through the establishment of seed production and distribution networks specifically for underutilized legumes. Collaboration between seed companies, agricultural institutions, and farmers' organizations can help ensure the availability of diverse and high-quality seeds to farmers [95]. Also, developing infrastructure to support the cultivation, processing, and marketing of underutilized legumes by investing in processing facilities, storage infrastructure, and transportation networks is essential [9].…”

Section: Solutions and Strategies For Overcoming Challengesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Governments can play a crucial role by implementing policies that incentivize farmers to cultivate these legumes, support research and development, and establish market linkages [97]. Policies can also address regulatory barriers, promote seed systems, and provide financial support to farmers engaged in underutilized legume production [95]. With the integration of research, awareness, and policy support, the full potential of underutilized legumes can be unlocked.…”

Section: Importance Of Research Awareness and Policy Supportmentioning

confidence: 99%

Forgotten Gems: Exploring the Untapped Benefits of Underutilized Legumes in Agriculture, Nutrition, and Environmental Sustainability

Odeku,

Ogunniyi,

Ogbole

et al. 2024

Plants

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In an era dominated by conventional agricultural practices, underutilized legumes termed “Forgotten Gems” represent a reservoir of untapped benefits with the unique opportunity to diversify agricultural landscapes and enhance global food systems. Underutilized crops are resistant to abiotic environmental conditions such as drought and adapt better to harsh soil and climatic conditions. Underutilized legumes are high in protein and secondary metabolites, highlighting their role in providing critical nutrients and correcting nutritional inadequacies. Their ability to increase dietary variety and food security emerges as a critical component of their importance. Compared to mainstream crops, underutilized legumes have been shown to reduce the environmental impact of climate change. Their capacity for nitrogen fixation and positive impact on soil health make them sustainable contributors to biodiversity conservation and environmental balance. This paper identifies challenges and proposes strategic solutions, showcasing the transformative impact of underutilized legumes on agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability. These “Forgotten Gems” should be recognized, integrated into mainstream agricultural practices, and celebrated for their potential to revolutionize global food production while promoting environmental sustainability.

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“…O.T. Westengen et al (2023) argue that to be effective, seed production systems must perform three principal functions: variety development and management, seed production, and seed distribution. N.P.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seed production system in Ukraine: Trends, challenges, and threats

Zakharchuk,

Matsybora,

Melnyk

et al. 2024

Scientific Horizons

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The development of an effective seed production system in Ukraine is conditioned both by its key role in ensuring seed, food, and national security of the country and by the emergence of new challenges and threats that affect the functioning of the system and need to be countered to eliminate or mitigate their negative impact. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current trends in the functioning of the Ukrainian seed production system and to identify new challenges and threats to national interests. The methodological framework of this study included the dialectical method of scientific cognition, which was used to establish the relationship between the object of study, which is the seed production system of Ukraine, and events and phenomena occurring in nature and society that have a substantial impact on the object of the study. The methods of analysis and synthesis, systematic generalisation, and comparative analysis were also used. The study analysed the conditions of functioning of the breeding and seed production system in Ukraine and identified current trends that characterise its internal state. The study identified challenges and threats to the national seed production system that pose a threat to the seed, food, and national security of Ukraine. The study analysed destructive processes in the functioning of the national seed production system, which can lead to its degradation and destruction. Measures to overcome the consequences of the negative factors in the system of breeding and seed production in Ukraine were substantiated. The study scientifically substantiated the principal criteria for the development of an effective national seed production system. The study provided a reasoning for the need for long-term investment in breeding activities and identified priority areas of state support for the seed production system in Ukraine. The conclusions, proposals, and practical recommendations are of practical importance and can be used in the development of relevant programmes and measures aimed at supporting the development of seed production, specifically, breeding activities in Ukraine, and ensuring fair remuneration to breeders who are the authors of new productive crop varieties

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Navigating toward resilient and inclusive seed systems

Cited by 24 publications

References 134 publications

Legume seed system performance in sub-Saharan Africa: barriers, opportunities, and scaling options. A review

Legume seed system performance in sub-Saharan Africa: barriers, opportunities, and scaling options. A review

Forgotten Gems: Exploring the Untapped Benefits of Underutilized Legumes in Agriculture, Nutrition, and Environmental Sustainability

Seed production system in Ukraine: Trends, challenges, and threats

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