Food Security · 2016 · 366 citations · 37 references
AgricultureAgricultural EconomicsAgronomyAgricultural DevelopmentRural DevelopmentSeed SystemsFormal Seed SystemsInformal Seed SystemsSeed ManagementSeed PolicySeed ProductionSmallholder Farming SystemsFormal Seed Sector DevelopmentImpactsLocal Seed MarketsSmallholder Access To InputsSmallholder FarmersSmallholder LivelihoodsSmallholder Seed AccessSmallholder Seed Security
Seed is a key entry point for improving productivity, nutrition, and resilience among smallholder farmers, yet most acquisition remains in the informal sector, especially in Africa. The study aims to propose targeted interventions that make formal and informal seed sectors more responsive to smallholders and scale up positive impacts. The authors analyze a comprehensive dataset of 9,660 observations across six countries and 40 crops. Farmers access 90.2 % of their seed from informal systems, with 50.9 % from local markets, and 55 % of seed purchases are paid in cash.
Seed can be an important entry point for promoting productivity, nutrition and resilience among smallholder farmers. While investments have primarily focused on strengthening the formal sector, this article documents the degree to which the informal sector remains the core for seed acquisition, especially in Africa. Conclusions drawn from a uniquely comprehensive data set, 9660 observations across six countries and covering 40 crops, show that farmers access 90.2 % of their seed from informal systems with 50.9 % of that deriving from local markets. Further, 55 % of seed is paid for by cash, indicating that smallholders are already making important investments in this arena. Targeted interventions are proposed for rendering formal and informal seed sector more smallholder-responsive and for scaling up positive impacts.
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Sampling of Populations: Methods and Applications
Eric R. Ziegel, Patrick Lévy, S. Lemeshaw · Technometrics · 1992 · 1.3K citations