A Multi stakeholder approach to seed systems of food-feed crops for smallholder farmers in the tropics

Roothaert, R L and Olufajo, O O and Bezkorowajnyj, P G and Ravinder Reddy, Ch and Prasad, V L (2006) A Multi stakeholder approach to seed systems of food-feed crops for smallholder farmers in the tropics. In: Proceedings of International Conference on Livestock Services, 17-19 April, 2006, Beijing, China.

[img]
Preview
PDF - Published Version
Download (3MB) | Preview

Abstract

Improved dual-purposcfood-fecd crops have potential to raise income and improve the lives of smallholder farmers in the tropics. In many cases farmers rely on crop residues as a source of; fodder and a focus on dual-purposccrops has been considered as having greater potential to address fodder scarcity constraints than planted forages per sc. New varieties of food-feed crop! have been developed and arc liked by farmers but adoption has generally lagged behind. Thii paper describes the crucial role of seed production and distribution systems for scaling out dual purpose food-feed crops in Nigeria and India. Some comparisons are made with seed system* for forages elsewhere in the tropics. In Nigeria and India participatory varietal selection Irian identified new varieties of cowpea and groundnut that were preferred by fanners. Recently, aa actor linkage approach has been introduced to facilitate seed systems in Nigeria and India. Case studies are presented on efforts to enhance sustainable public-private partnerships in sad production of dual purpose crops. The private sector has the capacity to move fast in new marked for forage seeds, while the public sector can provide crucial demand related information such as location, type, and amounts of required seeds. Smallholder artisan seed production, storing and distribution systems can co-exist with private sector seed systems. For food-feed seed innovator systems to thrive, policy reforms arc necessary, especially in the public research and development institutes. Enhancing the capacity and a new mind set of all actors involved is necessary to up the lull potential of forage seed innovation systems to make an impact on smallholders' lives.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Divisions: UNSPECIFIED
CRP: UNSPECIFIED
Subjects: Others > Food and Nutrition
Others > Agriculture-Farming, Production, Technology, Economics
Depositing User: Library ICRISAT
Date Deposited: 07 Jan 2012 09:10
Last Modified: 07 Jan 2012 09:10
URI: http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/5310
Acknowledgement: UNSPECIFIED
Links:
View Statistics

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item