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Grain legume seed systems for smallholder farmers: Perspectives on successful innovations

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Relation http://oar.icrisat.org/11640/
https://doi.org/10.1177/0030727020953868
doi:10.1177/0030727020953868
 
Title Grain legume seed systems for smallholder farmers: Perspectives on successful innovations
 
Creator Ojiewo, C O
Omoigui, L O
Pasupuleti, J
Lenné, J M
 
Subject Smallholder Agriculture
Agricultural Marketing
Cowpea
Chickpea
Food and Nutrition
Legume Crops
Sub-Saharan Africa
Seed Systems
 
Description Grain legumes are nutritionally important components of smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
Unfortunately, limited access to quality seed of improved varieties at affordable prices due to inadequate seed systems has
reduced their contribution to improving nutrition and reducing poverty in these regions. This paper analyses four seed
systems case studies: chickpea in Ethiopia and Myanmar; cowpea in Nigeria; and tropical grain legumes in Nigeria, Tanzania
and Uganda highlighting outcomes, lessons learned, and the enabling factors which supported the successful innovations.
All four case studies highlighted at least some of the following outcomes: increased adoption of improved varieties and
area planted; increased productivity and income to farmers; improved market access and growth; and significant national
economic benefits. Important lessons were learned including the value of small seed packets to reach many farmers; the
value of innovative partnerships; capacity building of value chain actors; and continuity and coherence of funding through
Tropical Legumes projects II and III and the recently funded Accelerated Varietal Improvement and Seed Delivery of
Legumes and Cereals in Africa (AVISA) project. Successful adoption of innovations depends not just on the right technologies
but also on the enabling environment. The case studies clearly showed that market demand was correctly
identified, establishment of successful partners and institutional linkages overcame constraints in production and delivery
of improved seed to smallholders, and fostered conducive policies supported national seed systems. All were integral to
seed system viability and sustainability. It is hoped that these examples will provide potential models for future grain
legume seed systems efforts. In addition, the analysis identified a number of areas that require further research.
 
Publisher SAGE Publications
 
Date 2020-09
 
Type Article
PeerReviewed
 
Format application/pdf
 
Language en
 
Identifier http://oar.icrisat.org/11640/1/0030727020953868.pdf
Ojiewo, C O and Omoigui, L O and Pasupuleti, J and Lenné, J M (2020) Grain legume seed systems for smallholder farmers: Perspectives on successful innovations. Outlook on Agriculture (TSI), 49 (4). pp. 286-292. ISSN 0030-7270