Strengths and weaknesses of organized crop seed production by smallholder farmers: A five-country case study

Abstract

In many countries, smallholder farmers play a key role in food crop seed production. So far, the community roles, operational structures, seed production efficiency, aspects of sustainability, and the social and policy environments in which these groups operate have been poorly studied and described. The present study attempts to better understand these factors by drawing cases from twenty-five seed producer groups in five countries (Vietnam, Uganda, Zambia, Niger, and Guatemala) that deal with nine crops in total (rice, maize, sorghum, pearl millet, common bean, cowpea, soybean, groundnut, potato and sweet potato). Results of the study show all groups supply a significant share of seed offered in local markets. It appeared that all groups received major support for capacity development from a broad range of actors including local and national governments, public institutions, national seed companies and development organizations. Several groups operate under seasonal contracts with institutional seed buyers, whereas other groups sell most of their seed in local markets to fellow farmers. To support seed quality and render product branding meaningful, most groups have established subgroups for crop monitoring and seed inspection, and for gathering and using market intelligence. Some, but not all groups depend on formal seed certification. Two key challenges stand out across seed producer groups interviewed. First, most seed producer groups experience difficulties in accessing good-quality early generation seed (EGS) on time, like in the formal seed sector in many countries. Second, in most groups packaging and labelling of the seed produced and offered in local markets is suboptimal, hindering further professionalization. Moreover, groups invariably have a poor understanding of applicable seed policy and legislation. Our observations point at actions that external stakeholders could undertake to strengthen smallholder farmer seed production in recognition of their contribution to food and nutrition security.

Training and seed production spillovers and technology adoption: The case of seed producer groups in Nepal

“…These effects are still present five years after formal support for the program ended. Our results are consistent with the few existing studies that find indirect benefits of SPGs on local non‐member households in Nepal and other countries (Dey et al., 2022; Gautam et al., 2021).…”

“…Dey et al. (2022) provide qualitative evidence that SPG groups across five countries (Vietnam, Uganda, Zambia, Niger, and Guatemala) and nine crops supply much of the seed offered in their respective local markets. Only one study to the authors’ knowledge quantitatively evaluates spillover benefits of seed production: Gautam et al.…”

“…Despite their high potential to generate spillover effects, most studies on seed production (including CBSP and contracted seed production) estimate direct benefits for member producers and do not account for spillover benefits for local non-members (Katungi et al, 2011;Mishra et al, 2016;Simmons et al, 2005;Tebeka et al, 2017;Winters et al, 2010). Dey et al (2022) provide qualitative evidence that SPG groups across five countries (Vietnam, Uganda, Zambia, Niger, and Guatemala) and nine crops supply much of the seed offered in their respective local markets. Only one study to the authors' knowledge quantitatively evaluates spillover benefits of seed production: Gautam et al (2021) find evidence of spillovers of CBSP of maize in Nepal on improved seed adoption, maize sufficiency, and maize yield among non-member farmers in localities where CBSP took place.…”

Rice farmers’ preferences for seed quality, packaging, and source: A study from northern Bangladesh

“…Research on the theme of climate change and seed production mainly explored how climate-induced stress changes the farmers’ perception and influences the seed channel transition, as well as the impact of climate factors on seed production and quality [ 22 , 49 , 50 ]. In the theme of seed quality and farmers’ efficiency, studies center around the impact of seed enterprises and seed sources on agricultural outcomes [ 51 , 52 ].…”

Navigating toward resilient and inclusive seed systems

“…In contrast to such non-profit organizations, decentralized seed producer cooperatives or local seed businesses have a market orientation. Typically owned by farmers, these are small to medium-scale seed enterprises that collaborate with formal sector institutions, including research, extension services, and NGOs to produce seed of local and improved varieties for marketing at affordable prices ( 78 – 81 ). Several assessments have observed that the embeddedness of such decentralized seed production initiatives in local community organizations contributes to their effectiveness and performance ( 82 ), although questions are raised about the long-term sustainability of the local institutions once external support is withdrawn ( 83 , 84 ), but recent assessments show profitability and sustainability of local market-oriented seed production initiatives ( 85 , 86 ).…”