Opportunities for African indigenous vegetables (AIVs): regulations in the vegetable seed sector in sub Saharan Africa

Abstract

African indigenous vegetables (AIVSs) play crucial roles in promoting a healthy diet and providing commercial opportunities for smallholder farmers. Despite their nutrient-rich nature, their consumption is limited, highlighting the need to develop and promote them, as they are well adapted to climate change. To address this issue, a comprehensive study combining desk research and a survey was conducted in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe (Southern Africa), as well as Kenya and Tanzania (East Africa). This study aimed to assess progress and regulations on AIV germplasm management, crop improvement, seed production and seed trade and to propose seed regulations that could unlock opportunities for AIVs. The World Vegetable Centre has played a crucial role in vegetable seed sector development working with public and private partners. Kenya and Tanzania officially released several AIVs, namely, spider plant (Cleome gynandra), amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) and African nightshade (Solanum spp.). These efforts represent important steps toward promoting and enhancing the cultivation and utilization of AIVs. The trade of AIV seeds has primarily been observed between Kenya and Tanzania, while such trade is not well documented in other Southern African countries. Regulations regarding the release of vegetable varieties vary across regions. In Kenya and Tanzania, formal release of vegetables is required, whereas is not mandatory in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The need for testing for distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) and value for cultivation and use (VCU) need to be assessed to provide flexibility, whereas seed certification should allow for the certification and quality declared seeds (QDS), offering options that promote the growth of the AIV seed sector. The AIV sector has several strengths, including the presence of key stakeholders, abundant genetic resources and an untapped market. Opportunities include the recognition of different seed classes, free trade areas, and the integration of seed systems, allowing farmer and small seed companies to enter the seed business. Owing to climate uncertainty and nutrient deficiencies, there is an urgent need to develop seed regulations for AIVs to ensure that the vegetable sector can fully develop and contribute to food system resilience.