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Enabling effective maize seed system in low-income countries of West Africa: Insights from Benin

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Title Enabling effective maize seed system in low-income countries of West Africa: Insights from Benin
 
Creator Adigoun, Rabiath F.R.
Houdegbe, Aristide C.
Fassinou Hotegni, Nicodème V.
Segnon, Alcade C.
N'Danikou, Sognigbe
Adjé, Charlotte A.O.
Adadja, Rigelle P.M.
Achigan-Dako, Enoch G
 
Subject maize
seed systems
crop production
seed
governance
policies
private sector
stakeholders
 
Description Introduction Access to high-quality seeds remains a key constraint to the intensification of crop production in low-income countries. In this study, we analyzed maize seed production and distribution systems in Benin to identify leverage points for effective seed systems, a prerequisite for improving maize production. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 81 seed producers selected in seven municipalities across the three phytogeographical zones of Benin. Key informant interviews were also conducted with ten public and private stakeholders involved in maize seed systems in Benin. Results and discussion Findings showed that the legal and institutional frameworks governing seed systems in Benin were recently reinforced with a national seed policy, the creation and operationalization of the National Committee of Plant Seeds and the existence of regulations and rules on the production, quality control, certification, trade, and packaging of seeds. In addition, enabling conditions to facilitate the involvement of the private sector have been greatly improved with the revision of modalities for obtaining approval for the production and distribution of seeds in Benin. While the seed sector is improving and both public and private stakeholders are involved in maize seed production and distribution, synergies among stakeholders need to be strengthened. Strengthening business and marketing skills of seed producers through training and promoting the comparative advantages of improved seeds in increasing yield and production among maize farmers could be a promising avenue. Connecting seed producers with maize farmers' organizations coupled with ICT-based agro-advisories could boost the development of the maize seed sector, and ultimately the maize value chain.
 
Date 2022-11
2023-05-23T12:37:07Z
2023-05-23T12:37:07Z
 
Type Journal Article
 
Identifier Adigoun, R.F.; Houdegbe, A.C.; Fassinou Hotegni, N.V.; Segnon, A.C.; N'Danikou, S.; Adjé, C.A.; Adadja, R.P.; Achigan-Dako, E.G. (2022) Enabling effective maize seed system in low-income countries of West Africa: Insights from Benin. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 6:1045629. ISSN: 2571-581X
2571-581X
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/130472
https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2022.1045629
 
Language en
 
Rights CC-BY-4.0
Open Access
 
Format 1045629
application/pdf
 
Publisher Frontiers Media SA
 
Source Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems