Comparative study of three community seed supply strategies in Tanzania

    Rohrbach, D D and Saadan, H M and Monyo, E S and Kiriwaggulu, J A B and Mtenga, K and Mwaisela, F (2002) Comparative study of three community seed supply strategies in Tanzania. Project Report. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics , Bulawayo, Zimbabawe.

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    Abstract

    Community seed production projects are being implemented throughout Africa. This case study compares three such projects in central Tanzania. All three programs seek to encourage small-scale farmers to produce and sell sorghum and pearl millet varieties, but use different approaches to solve the common problems of seed multiplication and distribution. Three projects were relatively successful in promoting seed production. Training was provided in seed quality control, and growers generally understood the differences between seed and grain. However, questions remain about the practicality of producing certified seed, quality declared seed, or common grade seed. External investments remain necessary for the production and delivery of source seed. The biggest threat to the viability of these programs is the problem of seed marketing. While farmers are expected to sell seed to their neighbors, most sought marketing assistance from external buyers. Further investments are still needed in testing alternative marketing strategies. The study highlights a number of policy issues. None of the three programs is likely to continue without external technical support and funding. The appropriate, long-term levels of public investment need to be defined. In addition, the relationship between public and private sector investments in seed production and distribution needs to be explicitly defined

    Item Type: Monograph (Project Report)
    Divisions: UNSPECIFIED
    CRP: UNSPECIFIED
    Subjects: Others > Oilseeds
    Others > Agriculture-Farming, Production, Technology, Economics
    Depositing User: Mr T David
    Date Deposited: 26 Oct 2011 10:24
    Last Modified: 26 Oct 2011 10:24
    URI: http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/2874
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