Partnership for Seed Systems Development for Resilient Food and Nutrition Security in East Africa
 

Cooperating countries: Ethiopia, Kenya and Austria

Coordinating institution: Haramaya University, Chanyalew Seyoum  acseyoum@gmail.com

Partner institutions: Egerton University, Mekelle University, Bahir Dar University, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna

Project duration: 1 August 2024 - 31 July 2026

Abstract: 

Economic development in Africa depends heavily on agricultural development, with high-quality seeds being recognized as a critical component of improving agricultural productivity and food security. Obtaining high-quality seeds of improved and farmer-preferred varieties continues to be a persistent challenge for farmers across Africa including Ethiopia and Kenya. Accessibility is challenging because seeds must be affordable, of acceptable quality, available in the required quantity, and at the right place and time. High-yielding cultivars are presently planted on less than 20% of Africa's total cropland. Furthermore, unprecedented challenges such as drought, conflict, and COVID-19 have been threatening farmers' seed security. In response to this challenge, countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya attempted different seed distribution models, such as direct seed marketing, Quality Declared Seeds (QDS), and the professionalization of farmers groups and cooperatives through the local seed business (LSB) model, small seed pack, etc. Despite these efforts, ensuring seed security among smallholder farmers remains a major challenge. Hence, this project will identify promising seed distribution systems/models that ensure a sustainable supply of quality seeds to diverse farmers groups including women and youth under normal conditions and emergencies. The project will identify an insight that will guide the development of integrated and inclusive seed systems that ensure resilient food and nutrition security. A collaborative research and development program is proposed based on the premise that integrated seed system development ensures farmers' resilience to food and nutrition insecurity through the provision of a sustainable supply of quality seeds to smallholder farmers in Ethiopia and Kenya. This project will be implemented by a multidisciplinary research team with expertise in multiple fields.