Nothing less than a seed revolution for smallholder farmers

Crop seed is a cost-effective input and one that even the poorest of farmers use. Yet, because their access to steady supplies of quality seed is limited — especially in sub-Saharan Africa — farmers have little choice but to plant seed from their own harvests or local markets. Modern varieties bypass smallholders, while their own seed quality gradually declines.

Nothing less than a revolution in seed sector development is needed, if farmers are to gain enduring access to the crop varieties they want and need to confront the agricultural challenges of the 21st century. Concerted action now will enable quality seed to serve as a conduit for delivering all sorts of benefits — beyond high yields.

“Biofortified” varieties, for example, with higher micronutrient levels, have good potential to enhance nutrition, while stress-tolerant varieties or clusters of diverse seed can help farmers cope with a variable climate. Seed thus provides a way to reach multiple goals in one fell swoop: better productivity, nutrition, resilience and even income.