The value of climate-resilient seeds for smallholder adaptation in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Climate change is threatening food security in many tropical countries, where a large proportion of food is produced by vulnerable smallholder farmers. Interventions are available to offset many of the negative impacts of climate change on agriculture, and they can be tailored to local conditions often through relative modest investments. However, little quantitative information is available to guide investment or policy choices at a time when countries and development agencies are under pressure to implement policies that can help achieve Sustainable Development Goals while coping with climate change. Among smallholder adaptation options, developing seeds resilient to current and future climate shocks expected locally is one of the most important actions available now. In this paper, we used national and local data to estimate the costs of climate change to smallholder farmers in Malawi and Tanzania. We found that the benefits from adopting resilient seeds ranged between 984 million and 2.1 billion USD during 2020–2050. Our analysis demonstrates the benefits of establishing and maintaining a flexible national seed sector with participation by communities in the breeding, delivery, and adoption cycle.

The Role of Gender and Institutional Dynamics in Adapting Seed Systems to Climate Change: Case Studies from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda

“…Examples of seed system interventions that increase the resilience of smallholder agricultural production systems include developing adapted crop varieties, and ensuring access to seed of a diversity of crops and crop varieties that are adaptable to different environments [8]. The dissemination of climate resilient seeds at the right time and right price could further be promoted through improved transportation networks and investments in seed bulking and storage facilities, improvement of coverage and quality of extension services, better access to subsidized inputs and improved supply chain networks [9]. Access to new seeds and technologies, however, can be difficult, particularly for resource-poor farmers [10].…”

Tapping the Economic Potential of Chickpea in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…A study in Malawi and Tanzania demonstrated the value of climate-resilient seeds for smallholder adaptation in sub-Saharan Africa to climate change with the benefits of adopting resilient seeds ranging between USD$984 million and 2.1 billion from 2020-2050 [98]. For chickpea to have expected impacts and contribute to an economic transformation in the face of climate change and variability, seeds of improved varieties with accompanying integrated crop management technologies must reach farmers and be utilized, and the variety turnover (replacement) rate in farmers' field needs to be significantly improved.…”

“…This is possible through sustainable seed systems and strong extension (agricultural advisory) services. Cacho et al [98] emphasized the benefits of establishing and maintaining a flexible national seed sector with participation by communities in the breeding, delivery, and adoption cycle. A sustainable seed system facilitates access to seeds of improved varieties by farmers.…”

Using Biotechnology-Led Approaches to Uplift Cereal and Food Legume Yields in Dryland Environments

“…There is only limited quantitative information available to guide national investment and policy choices ( Vermeulen et al, 2016 ). Relatively small investments in cultivar development and seed multiplication now can save substantial costs later ( Cacho et al, 2016 ), while the cost may be enormous if investment is delayed in maize breeding and seed systems ( Challinor et al, 2016 ). It seems considerable work remains to be done with respect to the kinds of enabling policies and informational environment needed in different contexts, if adoption of bred cultivars by smallholder farmers at the scales required is to occur in the coming decades.…”