The harvest is in the seed

There are numerous quality information materials about seed sector sustainable development available out there. This wealth of knowledge addresses the entire array of the seed value chain. It can be used to strengthen the capacity along all steps of the seed value chain, for a more coordinated and effective seed sector development.

Every week, we highlight a specific initiative that is working towards strengthening knowledge about the seed sector in Africa via the publication of training material, guidelines, policy briefs, frameworks, datasets, videos, etc. The improved visibility of these initiatives will contribute to increase seed security, thus boosting the foundation of food security and livelihoods of Africa.

Support capacity development in the seed sector by sharing these resources!

20 Jul 2022

Week 61 – Briefing paper: Changing the discourse, policy and practice in farmer seed systems in Africa

Author: African Centre for Biodiversity
Topics: biodiversity; farmers’ rights; farmers’ seed systems; resilience

Farmers’ seed constitutes the majority of seed used and exchanged. Crops produced from this seed contribute substantially to food and nutrition security for billions of people. However, these seeds receive scant recognition, and there is limited support for their reproduction, adaptation and use by farmers, for farmers.READ MORE

13 Jul 2022

Week 60 – Briefing paper: Zanzibar’s draconian seed law in the offing

Author: African Centre for Biodiversity
Topics: seed laws; biodiversity; farmers’ rights; farmers’ seed systems

This paper highlights the role that seed laws play in facilitating the expansion of the Green Revolution project on the continent, by creating regulatory environments that enable corporate entry and control of seed and agriculture systems.READ MORE

29 Jun 2022

Week 58: Research findings – Trees and their seed networks: The social dynamics of urban fruit trees and implications for genetic diversity

Author: CIFOR/ICRAF
Topics: seed sector development; biodiversity; trees

Trees are a traditional component of urban spaces where they provide ecosystem services critical to urban wellbeing. In the Tropics, urban trees’ seed origins have rarely been characterized.

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13 Jun 2022

Week 56 – Policy Brief: Access to seeds: lessons from the access to medicines debate

Author: Quaker United Nations Office (QNUO)
Topics: intellectual property rights; farmers’ rights; seed access

The history and dynamics of the access to medicines debate provide a number of reflections for those concerned with protecting farmers’ access to seeds. Taking the Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health as its point of departure, this paper explores implications for interested parties at the international and national levels, as well as for multilateral institutions themselves.

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09 Jun 2022
© 1996-2022 MDPI

Week 55 – Research results: Climate Change and Seed System Interventions Impact on Food Security and Incomes in East Africa

Authors: Gloria Otieno, Robert John O Ogola, Tobias Recha, Jemal Nurhisen Mohammed and Carlo Fadda
Topics: seed sector development; food security; local seed systems

From the Seeds for Needs Initiative works with farmers to diversify local seed systems. This paper evaluates the impact on farm household production, sales, income, consumption and seed storage in Kenya & Uganda.

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02 Jun 2022
© Geoff Tansey blog

Week 54: Audio interview: New approaches needed to address biodiversity loss and seed systems argues Dr Selim Louafi

Author: Selim Louafi; Geoff Tansey
Topics: integrated seed system development; biodiversity

A new approach that goes beyond the narrowly scientific is needed to both work with farmers on their seed systems and address biodiversity loss, argues Dr Sélim Louafi, deputy director for Research and Strategy at CIRAD (French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development).READ MORE

27 May 2022
© Food Systems Academy

Week 53 – Video: Seeds of contention, control or diversity?

Author: Geoff Tansey
Topics: seed system development; governance

This talk discusses briefly the changing global rules on biodiversity, plant genetic resources and intellectual property and their impact on the future control of food.

Click on the following link to access the content: http://www.foodsystemsacademy.org.uk/videos/geoff-tansey2.html

20 May 2022
© 2019 Bioversity International

Week 52: Publication: A Resilient Seed Systems Handbook to support farmers adapt to climate change

Authors: Ronnie Vernooy and Evelyn Clancy
Topics: seed system development; resilience; capacity development

Developed by a multidisciplinary team of Bioversity International researchers and research partners, the Resilient Seed Systems Handbook Second Edition is a tool to enhance the access and use of crop diversity to adapt to climate change.READ MORE