McGuire, S. and Sperling, L. (2016) Seed systems smallholder farmers use. Food Science, 8. pp. 179-195.
![[img]](http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/style/images/fileicons/application_pdf.png) |
PDF
- Published Version
Restricted to ICRISAT researchers only Request a copy |
Abstract
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
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Informal and formal seed sectors, Agricultural investment, Markets, .Smallholder, Delivery, Access to seed |
| Author Affiliation: | School of International Development, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK |
| Subjects: | Crop Improvement > Seed Technology |
| Divisions: | General |
| Depositing User: | Mr T L Gautham |
| Date Deposited: | 23 Aug 2016 07:56 |
| Last Modified: | 23 Aug 2016 07:56 |
| URI: | http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/14335 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
