Integrated Seed Sector Development in Africa: A Basis for Seed Policy and Law

Louwaars, N.P. and de Boef, W.S. and Edeme, J. (2013) Integrated Seed Sector Development in Africa: A Basis for Seed Policy and Law. Journal of Crop Improvement, 27 (2). pp. 186-214.

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Abstract

Seed policies primarily concentrate on the formal seed system, which supplies Sub-Saharan African countries less than 20% of the total seed demand and involves only a limited number of crops and varieties. Seed laws, and the mechanisms and organizations involved in their implementation, are developed with varying degrees of success. We address the limitations of applying a linear model to seed sector development and introduce integrated seed sector development (ISSD). We assess seed systems in Ethiopia, Mali, and Zambia, and demonstrate that one single model cannot address the variations in realities within one country or the continent. ISSD provides opportunities for taking a pluralistic approach in strengthening multiple seed systems, and has the potential to combine objectives targeting food security, agricultural development, promoting entrepreneurship, and contributing to biodiversity management. We elaborate pathways for ISSD-guided policies that include variety release, seed quality management, and plant breeders' rights.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: African seed and biotechnology program, informal seed systems, plant breeders' rights, seed policy, variety release, Sub-Saharan Africa
Author Affiliation: Wageningen University, Department of Law and Governance, Wageningen, the Netherlands
Subjects: Crop Improvement > Seed Technology
Divisions: UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User: Mr Siva Shankar
Date Deposited: 28 Jan 2013 04:20
Last Modified: 28 Jan 2013 04:20
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15427528.2012.751472
URI: http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/9397

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