Why institutional environments for agroforestry seed systems matter

Abstract

Rethinking the logic of institutional environments aiming to facilitate agroforestry smallholders in economic development, this article compares smallholder input supply systems for crop and tree seeds in sub-Saharan Africa and reflects on two basic challenges: (1) how to develop a large number of relevant tree crops for different agroecologies, (2) how to reach smallholders in rural areas. Policy options for improving agroforestry input supply systems are discussed, whereby our article concludes with suggestions how sectoral approaches for crop seed systems can be modified to agroforestry seed-seedling systems. Biophysical differences have practical implications for how the logic of the 'African green revolution' would be translated into a corresponding revolution for agroforestry. K E Y W O R D SAGRA, agroforestry, institutions, productivity, seed systems | INTRODUCTIONGreat opportunities for producing value from agroforestry seeds are currently wasted.1 To allow smallholders to realize the full productive potential of quality agroforestry seeds, institutional environ-1 We use the term 'seed' to include seed and also vegetatively propagated planting stockThis is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Forest and landscape restoration severely constrained by a lack of attention to the quantity and quality of tree seed: Insights from a global survey

“…Local entrepreneurs, nongovernmental and community‐based organizations can benefit from job and income opportunities associated with seed production, but need support to achieve accreditation and access seed markets (Gregorio et al., ; Lillesø et al. ). Project funding should be used to strengthen such supply systems where they exist, instead of relying on extensive self‐collection (Roshetko et al., ).…”

“…Accreditation should be a process for strengthening capacities and monitoring progress, rather than simply certifying those who meet preset requirements. Local entrepreneurs, nongovernmental and community-based organizations can benefit from job and income opportunities associated with seed production, but need support to achieve accreditation and access seed markets (Gregorio et al, 2017;Lillesø et al 2017). Project funding should be used to strengthen such supply systems where they exist, instead of relying on extensive selfcollection .…”

How policies constrain native seed supply for restoration in Brazil

“…The informality reduces the capacity of collectors to access support, information, and markets (Dedefo et al ). In many other developing countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, restrictive seed laws have led to seed collection through informal channels (Nyoka et al 2014; Lillesø et al ).…”

“…Moreover, seed processing equipment is needed to achieve large‐scale production (Smith ). Scientific and technical information must be accessed by suppliers to promote large‐scale production with quality considerations (Lillesø et al ). Thus, training programs and guideline development for practitioners, producers, and other stakeholders in native seed supply are essential.…”

“…Large‐scale ecological restoration programs across the world involve a huge demand for native seeds of diverse native plant species (Merritt & Dixon ; Nevill et al ). Locally adapted native seeds have been highlighted as a key element for successful long‐term restoration programs (Broadhurst et al ; Thomas et al ); however, low genetic diversity and poor quality of native seeds remain widespread in these projects (Jalonen et al ; Lillesø et al ). Consequently, standards for ensuring native seed quality have been developed by voluntary or mandatory certification schemes which require standard procedures to gain market credibility (Nyoka et al ).…”