The Politics of Seed in Africa's Green Revolution: Alternative Narratives and Competing Pathways

Abstract

As calls for a ‘Uniquely African Green Revolution’ gain momentum, a focus on seeds and seed systems is rising up the agricultural policy agenda. Much of the debate stresses the technological or market dimensions, with substantial investments being made in seed improvement and the development of both public and private sector delivery systems. But this misses out the political economy of policy processes behind this agenda: who wins, who loses, and whose interests are being served? Drawing on lessons from country case studies from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi and Zimbabwe, as well as insights from a set of complementary studies of cross‐cutting themes, this article assesses the evolution of seed system research and development programmes and processes across the region. By examining how the contrasting politics and different configurations of interests affect the way cereal seed systems operate, it highlights opportunities for reshaping the terms of the debate and opening up alternative pathways to more sustainable and socially just seed systems.

Strengthening Informal Seed Systems To Enhance Food Security in Southeast Asia

“…The model presented here could complement critical ongoing work, such as AGRA's Programme for Africa's Seed Systems (PASS), by providing additional options for African smallholders to enhance food security (Scoones & Thompson, 2011). Indeed, the development of stronger informal seed systems might be a way in which formal seed systems (such as those at the focus of PASS efforts) could also be strengthened.…”

Tipping Toward Sustainability: Emerging Pathways of Transformation

“…In recent years, a discernable shift toward risk-based framings (DeWulf et al 2007(DeWulf et al , 2009) has become evident in dominant policy narratives around the introduction of GM crops in particular countries and in regional debates on stimulating a new Green Revolution for Africa (Scoones and Thompson 2011). Along with narratives that emphasize ''drought tolerant'' (non-GM, hybrid) and ''water efficient'' (GM) seeds as solutions to problems of hunger (a common narrative widely promoted by the seed industry and others) have come pressures from the international agricultural research community, government, and civil society actors alike, to seriously address the areas of incomplete knowledge surrounding these technologies, their application, and potential impacts.…”

Current warming will reduce yields unless maize breeding and seed systems adapt immediately

“…Alternative seed system models that involve development and dissemination through informal or farmer-led processes Relaxing distinctive, uniform and stable (DUS) testing requirements and implementing more flexible certification schemes (for example, FAO Quality Declared Seed) Regional harmonization of regulations and variety release datâ Improved capacity and e ciency of testing authorities (for example, frequency of committee meetings) Fast-track release of varieties for specific, high-importance traits MarketsˆFacilities and resources for bulking seed stocks (public and private seed companies)ˆE xpansion of seed bulking facilities/capacities (for example, increased seed growing contracts) E ciency of distribution to local suppliersˆImproved infrastructure for transport and dissemination Marketing strategy and business capacity of seed company to commercialize new productsˆI ncreased incentives for seed sector to turnover productŝ Improved access to production credit for seed companieŝ More genetics suppliers (seed companies) in regions where the seed sector is weak to create a competitive and vibrant seed industry AdoptionˆInformation and awarenessˆPromotion of varieties through extension services, agricultural shows, agrovets, on-farm demonstration plots or villageŝ Participation in farmer groupsˆPromotion of, and support for, farmer groupŝ Connectedness (that is, transport infrastructure) to seed suppliersˆI mproved infrastructure for seed supply accesŝ provide further options for adapting to warming. These can address farmer-defined priorities and improve seed access 17,21,22 . In particular, systems that integrate participatory breeding and/or informal mechanisms of dissemination have been shown to improve the overall efficiency of the BDA process.…”