Seed security and resilience: Gender perspectives

Editor's Notes

1. Farming starts with seeds, and seed security is at the heart of what we do in my unit. FAO’s work on genetic resources and seed security addresses these different aspects of seed security. Availabilty: guidance to support local level seed production groups, Access: information, market support; innovate in ways to get seed to farmers’ hands. Quality - support seed quality guidelines, better breeding (involving farmers), wider use of biodiversity in breeding
2. Note that we recognize that these categories are imperfect, and that there is considerable traffic between the different systems. ISSD – could fit in here with a new (more localized) type of formal system Important to explore how these systems can link – many ways this could happen. e.g. partnerships with community enterprises; small seed packets; share information and skills Most of FAO’s work has been in the formal areas, as this is the way that member countries see the best chance of improving quality and productivity from R&D.
3. Differences in access may affect which sources used, and indirectly the variteies and seed types men and women farmers are able to obtain. Access Qual – not so much different trait preferences, but access to sources of innovation, quality seed, storage examples
4. Gender: Here we look just at maize- in a country in which it is highly commercialized and good formal networks- agro-dealers Local markets used more than agro-dealers. Even in most commercially , most commercial crops Women use local markets proportionally more– are serving -- women
5. how farmers get new varieties. Slightly more than a third of farmers got anything in last 5 years,. govt and NGOs main source--- unsustainable when via aid Markets are used, but mainly provide major cereals: could be used more Highlights big gaps for Seed sector development, not least extension – many varieties remain on the shelf. These gaps are big for many farmers and most crops, but gaps will have gendered aspects – particularly when we consider that non-cereal crops often have especial interest for women, and women’s differential access to information or financial services
6. Not local – already a lot of understanding of adaptation among buyers, and some sellers in these systems. Could be leveraged more if we want to improve access to more, and a wider range of farmers – including women.
7. Seed policies – seek direction a country wishes to take in many different areas, including: Variety development; seed production; seed quality assurance system; enterprise development; value chain ; Seed security ; extension; Capacity building ; marketing; import/export Consultative process, based on our Voluntary Guide for National Seed Policy Formulation QDS refers to seed produced by trained groups of farmers or individuals, usually for marketing at a more local scale. It mainly targets crops or sales locations that have less interest from commercial seed companies. Quality assurance standards and processes are designed to be less strict and costly than through the certified seed system. It aims to bring quality seed to smallholder farmers at affordable prices and involve them in seed production. COMPLEMENTS CERTIFIED SEED, NOT REPLACES IT.
8. Enabling environment – appropriate legal and policy frameworks, strengthened institutions (e.g. ministries ability to draft legislation, implement strategies). EWS – e.g. GIEWS, specialized ones for animal disease (EMPRES), fisheries, food security, transboundary pests Apply risk and vulnerability measures – many areas – along with seed security, include CA, secure land tenure, IPM, agro-forestry, sustainable mgt of land and water
9. 1- germplasm that can be revitalised quickly – recognise that ag not plan, but performance; key is identifying range of tried and tested responses, but als adding to them through environmental analogues. Roles for both local action and formal research at diff scales (e.g. Africa trial sites catalogue – show?) 2 - : broadening initial formal and informal seed supplies and multiplication possibilities. Breeder seed, foundation. Traders key to link to demand, and to understand flows 3- ACCESS key lim factor use of multiple channels (including through local markets); planning especially to encourage access by SVF, small packs, (FUT) better engagement with traders 4- & 5 are huge areas. These will discuss in more details
10. Access to information, exposure – international commercial sector spends more on field level promotion than anything else. Diversity in organisations, types of crops, even quality assurance channels Access – much can be done here