ISSD Uganda newsletter Integrated Seed Sector Development Uganda Programme
Issue 3; February 2015
Inside this issue:
Editorial
Innovation projects developed through multi-stakeholder working groups Multi-stakeholder processes (MSPs) are important fora used to identify issues that affect the seed sector. It is from these fora that negotiations and collective actions to address
2
Innovation projects developed through multi-stakeholder working groups
2
Status of innovation projects
3
ISSD Uganda: Contributing to access to quality seed through stakeholder engagements
4
Seed breeder discuss means of improving availability and access to foundation seed
6
ISSD Uganda develops LSB out-scaling strategy
6
Plans for 2015
7
these issues are developed. A series of multi stakeholder meetings were convened in Arua, Lira, Mbarara and Kampala to obtain commitment and support from a multitude of stakeholders. Addressing challenges of counterfeit seed In Arua, the MSP prioritised counterfeit seed as a key challenge to the seed sector and agricultural production in the region in general. To address the challenge, participants agreed on three major innovative strategies: 1.
Council resolutions on counterfeit seed;
2.
Mass sensitisation on benefits of quality seed and dangers of counterfeit seed;
3.
Registration and inspection of agro-dealers.
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Vision of ISSD Uganda Vision of ISSD Uganda
Through a vibrant and pluralThrough a vibrant and pluralistic istic seed sector, ensure that seed sector, ensure that quality quality seed of superior varieseed of superior varieties are ties are available and affordable available and affordable to a tolarger a larger number of farmers, number of farmers, thereby contributing contributing toto agriculthereby agriculturefor for food food security ecoture securityand and economic development in Uganda. nomic development in Uganda.
www.issduganda.org
2
Innovation projects developed through multi-stakeholder working groups
Editorial
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Shortage of foundation seed In Lira, stakeholders prioritised access to foundation seed for groundnuts as an issue that needed to be addressed. In order to address this challenge, the groundnut breeding team from NaSARRI proposed to work with two Local Seed Businesses (LSBs) to pilot the production and supply foundation seed within the northern zone. Two LSBs - Aye Medo Ngeca and Tic Ryemo in the Northern zone were selected to participate in the pilot on production of
Welcome to the first issue of ISSD Uganda programme news letter for 2015. In this issue, we share with you the innovation projects that were developed through multi-stake holder meetings held in Lira, West Nile, Mbarara, and Kampala.
for example, ISSD’s approach towards out-scaling of 70 new LSBs, strengthening the existing LSBs; continued support to the public sector in carrying out their related
to
key stakeholder involved in the negotiation process which resulted in an innovation project to increase access to groundnut foundation in Northern Uganda. For this, Ngetta ZARDI was chosen to lead the project and to capture and provide information regarding
In this newsletter, plans for 2015 are also highlighted,
mandate
groundnut foundation Seed. The DAO Lira was one of the
quality
seed
production
the cost of production of
foundation seed.
Awareness on quality seed The working group meeting in Mbarara drew participants from
the
District
Local
Governments,
NGOs,
seed
and
companies and ISSD. The meeting focused on identifying
exploring options for involving the Dutch private sector
and agreeing on innovative strategies to raise farmers’
in the Ugandan seed sector.
awareness on quality seed, and draft an action plan and budget for the innovation project. Participants agreed to
We welcome any feedback on how we can improve our
raise awareness on quality seed by involving religious
newsletter
institutions. The project involves, setting up demonstration plots consisting of quality seed and farmers saved seed in
Astrid Mastenbroek
close proximity to religious institutions.
Chief of Party ISSD Uganda Programme
Quality assurance Declared Seed
mechanism
for
Quality
In Kampala, the department of Crop Inspection and Certification of MAAIF and LSBs piloted an innovation project on quality assurance mechanisms for Quality Declared Seed (QDS) and tamperproof labelling. This was an outcome of the National Seed Stakeholder meeting that was held in Kampala. The aim of the project is to enhance quality seed production and marketing by LSBs and increasing availability of recognised quality seed in the country. In the project, the National Seed certification Service (NSCS) is expected to inspect QDS produced by LSBs, and train DAOs and representatives of LSBs in seed quality control.
ISSD promotes a vibrant, pluralistic and market-oriented seed sector
3
In addition, the department inspects and tests LSB seed produced at the end of the season and subsequently prints and issue tamperproof seed labels.
Innovation project 2: Quality assurance mechanisms for QDS and tamperproof labelling The project commenced in April 2014, so far,
three
training sessions in seed quality control have been carried out, one in each of the three zones (South Western,
Uptake of quality seed
Northern and West Nile). In total, 35 participants (9 female
The other innovation project that also originated from the
and
National
project
representatives of the LSB quality control committees,
implemented by Nalweyo Seed Company (NASECO) to
DAOs, ISSD Seed Experts, ZARDI agronomist, ZARDI
improve uptake of quality seed by farmers using three key
Director, fertilizer dealers. The trainings were facilitated by
strategies: i) improving knowledge on quality seed, ii)
Seed Inspectors from MAAIF. In addition to the above, LSB
giving farmers first-hand experience with quality seed and
fields have been inspected in all the three zones. Reports
iii) improving availability of quality seed to farmers.
based on the field inspections were provided, highlighting
Seed
Stakeholder
meeting
was
a
26
males)
were
trained.
Participants
included
among others, what is needed to improve the performance
Status of the innovation projects
of the LSBs. Seed tests from the seed laboratory at Kawanda show that all inspected seed meets the minimum criteria. Regarding the tamperproof labelling, it is expected
Innovation project 1: Production of Groundnut foundation seed by LSBs
that the first labels will be printed at the on-set of the 2015A planting season.
This project commenced in September 2014, with NaSARRI (Serere), Ngetta ZARDI, Aye Medo Ngeca and Tic Ryemo Can LSBs as
implementing partners. The research team
from Ngetta ZARDI and NASARRI set up Breeder Seed demonstration plots that exposed the LSB seed growers to different groundnut technologies. Farmers bought breeder seed for foundation seed production directly from the breeder at NaSARRI Groundnut Improvement Programme. In this project, LSB seed growers were also trained in various aspects related to field citing, land preparation, seed
bed
preparation,
phytohygiene
(weeding
and
maintaining boundaries hygiene), crop protection, timely harvesting, postharvest handling (drying and storage) and
Inspection of bean seed production fields by National Seed Certification service of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry & Fisheries
isolation distance. So far, a total of 57 seed growers (29 females) have planted 20 acres of breeder seeds (15 acres for Serenut 5R and 5 acres of Serenut 6T). Follow-up training and monitoring visits have been carried out by the breeder.
The projects has not yet compared costs of
foundation seed production at the LSB level, at the ZARDI and at the breeding station in NaSARRI.
Innovation project 3: Enhancing the production and marketing of quality seed and elimination of counterfeit seed in West Nile The project which started in May 2014, was implemented by NilePro Trust Ltd, (a social enterprise organization in Arua) in partnership with
Uganda Agro– input Dealers
Association (UNADA), Arua and Koboko District Local Governments. meetings, awareness
NilePro
radio on
clips
Trust and
counterfeit
organized
drama UNADA
sensitization
aimed and
at
quality
raising seed,
specifically targeting farmers and other interested key stakeholder groups. Other meetings that consisted of key stakeholder groups were also held in Arua and Koboko district aimed at generating technical recommendations for incorporation in the District by-laws. The stakeholders that attended included among others, district leaders, subTic Ryemo Can LSB group posing with the groundnut breeding team after the training on foundation seed production
county officials, farmer representatives and agro-input traders.
www.issduganda.org
4 The recommendations from Koboko were submitted Koboko District Local Government leading to the development and approval of the district quality seed resolution, 2014. The resolution became operational in the district on 8th October 2014, the day it was approved in the council.
In Arua,
recommendations were sent to the production committee, which forwarded them to the district council, leading to the development
and
approval
of
Arua
District
For every cluster of farmers, over 600 baby demos of hybrid maize were distributed, to gain first-hand experience with improved seed. Contact details including mobile numbers for all the beneficiary were recorded and saved for further monitoring. In addition, 30,000 planting guides have been distributed to farmers and agro dealers.
Local
Government Seed Regulation of 2014. The regulation was approved on 11th December 2014 and immediately became operational.
Among the major activities that were carried out included dissemination of the provisions in both districts. Among the provisions in the laws include: i) role of actors and their proposed mandates in the resolutions as implementing bodies, ii) quality seed measures, iii) penalties and iv) sustainability plans of the seed interventions. The last
A sample of a flier showing the planting guidelines
activity that was carried out in Arua and Koboko involved the identification, registration and inspection of agro-input dealers.
Innovation project 4: quality seed by farmers
Improving
uptake
of
Innovation project 5: Innovation project to raise awareness on quality seed using religious institutions So far, demonstrations sites have been identified, in addition,
the tools that will be used for data collection
have been developed. This pilot project was postponed
So far, NASECO has carried out a baseline survey to determine the level of knowledge of farmers on improved seed was carried in project districts of Apac, Lira Dokolo,
to 2015 because of bad weather. Preparations are under way for implementation in season 2015A.
Jinja, Kamuli, Buyende Kayunga, Iganga, Namutumba, Bugiri, Tororo, Busia, Namayingo, Budaaka, Pallisa, and
ISSD Uganda: Contributing to
Kibuku. 200 demonstration plots (150 for maize and 50 for
access to quality seed in Uganda
Soybean)
were set up in each cluster at randomly selected
through stakeholder engagements
farmer fields as shown below. The demonstration plots focused on spacing, time of planting,
and
fertilizers
and
pesticides
use.
All
the
demonstration sites were geo-mapped and farmers’ contact saved for traceability. Every demonstration plot has a sign post detailing the variety planted, the company and funder.
Number of demonstration plots per district and per variety
Cluster 1 2 3 4 5
Districts Apac, Lira, Dokoo Jinja, Kamuli, Buyende, Kayunga Iganga, Namutumba, Bugiri Tororo, Busia, Namayingo Budaaka, Pallisa, Kibuku
Longe 10H 100
BAZOOKA 50
SOYBEAN 50
100
50
50
100
50
50
with the Integrated Seed Sector Development (ISSD)
100
50
50
Uganda organized a one day national stakeholders’ meeting
100
50
50
Participants deliberating during the National Seed Stakeholder meeting
The Uganda Seed Trade Association (USTA) in collaboration
under the theme ‘Together for access to quality seed’. The meeting that took place on 4th November 2014, was a follow-up on the one held in November 2013. The overall
ISSD promotes a vibrant, pluralistic and market-oriented seed sector
5 objective of the meeting was to bring together seed sector stakeholders to put in place strategies to remove the bottlenecks undermining the development of Uganda’s seed sector and, to empower participants to deal with the existing challenges through collaboration. The meeting was attended by over 40 participants from Seed Companies, NARO, MAAIF, IITA, EKN, USAID, AATF and ISSD.
3. Self-regulation by seed companies 4. Provision of a clear interim regulation per class per crop particularly on frequency of inspections 5. Development of seed certification handbooks 6.Involve use of an external third party audit teams 7.Develop capacity (human, infrastructure) of seed pro-
In his opening remarks, Richard Masagazi , the USTA Chairman
ducers, breeders, and inspectors and
stated the need for continued focus on accessibility to good
mous certification body.
create
an autono-
quality seed as a big challenge. He stated that the seed sector players should put in place an internal policing mechanism for
Seed policies
fake seeds, rather than leaving the role entirely to the ministry.
Uptake of quality seed To encourage farmers to buy quality seed of improved varieties, participant suggested the following: 1.Use of farm demonstrations plots in collaboration with researchers, farmers, and extension staff 2. Strengthening value chain trust among actors in the value chain and widening seed distribution networks 3.Promote seed uptake as a package (seed + fertilizers + pesticides) 4.Advocate for the implementation of existing policy and legal framework
Regarding the means for influencing policy, participants suggested that seed stakeholders should be organized into a forum, in addition, pilot studies should be carried out to document and justify the need for evidence based policy change. In the discussion, it was recommended that for collaborative action to improve quality assurance mechanism, mass campaigns to create awareness were necessary. In addition, lobbying of policy makers, increasing the number of inspectors, updating the seed certification handbook and conducting joint studies were key.
5.Farmer sensitization, awareness and reporting systems on fake / counterfeit seed
Other collaborative actions to improve quality assurance
6. Increase quality seed supply and research on orphan crops
include: partnership to address the existing challenges; self -regulation by seed producers; fast tracking the approval and operationalization of the seed policy and encouraging seed companied to employ breeders, agronomist and seed companies.
Rice field with quality seed belonging to Turibamwe Mixed Farmers' Rural Producer LSB in Kamwenge district
Quality assurance For effective provision of quality assurance, participants recommended the following: 1. Delegation and or empowerment of District Local Governments, DAOs, Regional Seed Inspectors
The banner showing the theme of the meeting
Access to foundation seed Regarding access to foundation seed, participants recommended: 1. The government and NARO should prioritize the production of foundation seed through adequate budget allocation.
2. Accreditation of alternative Seed Inspectors www.issduganda.org
6 In the meeting, it was agreed that collaborative
activities
2.The private sector should play an active role in promoting
necessary to
predict seed demand in a better manner
foundation seed and seed companies should produce foun-
include: development of the seed road map; carry out a
dation seed in collaboration with breeders and MAAIF.
market study to establish national seed demand and building
3. Availability of information on demand and supply of key
capacity in seed production planning and marketing among
crops by all stakeholders;
seed producers, seed companies and LSBs.
4. Seed production road maps should be made for every crop and communicated to stakeholders
The following was proposed as means to reduce the deficit in
5. USTA should take lead in lobbying government to play
foundation seed: train competent individuals and farmer
key roles
groups to produce foundation seed, create independent seed
6. Seasonal meetings between breeders and seed stakehold-
units
ers should be convened
production, continuously assess the seed market data,
7. Improve quality assurance for breeder and foundation
develop tools for forecasting seed demand forecast and
seed
produce breeder seed all year round.
in
NARO,
increase
funding
for
foundation
seed
8. Promote the NARIs to produce FS as a business and improve capacity of institutions involved in foundation seed.
Seed breeders discuss means of
ISSD Uganda develops LSB outscaling strategy
improving availability and access
A study done by W. Heemskerk in September 2014,
to foundation seed
documented the ‘Scaling of the LSB experience in Uganda:
The National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) in
Options and opportunities’, provided recommendations that
collaboration with the Integrated Seed Sector Development
led to the development of an out-scaling strategy.
(ISSD) Uganda organized a meeting with seed breeders, aimed at improving availability and access to foundation
The objectives of the strategy are to:
seed. The meeting was held at Hotel Africa, Kampala on the
1.
Sustainably increase the access of affordable quality seed in Uganda and
20th November 2014. 2.
Foster the sharing and adoption of the resultoriented
local
seed
business
model
with
other
organizations to ensure sustainable LSB operation and development beyond the current ISSD program. Sustainability will be enhanced through working with partners that have a permanent presence in the zones and the increase of the number of LSB will create more momentum for institutional change in the seed sector. The following strategies will be used for out-scaling of LSBs: 1.
Out-scale
organisations,
the
number
of
LSBs
through
partner
engage (other) partner organizations to
strengthen Business Development Services to the LSBs so Ngetta ZARDI Agronomist Mr. Otim Godfrey responding to questions
as to operate independently in the liberalised economic
during the meeting
system. 2. Expand the number of LSBs within the current zones
As a means to encourage use of improved varieties by the
based on existing demand, and efficient use of available
farmers, it was suggested that seed should be packaged in
resources and created awareness in the zones about the
smaller quantities or in different sizes, the prices should be
ISSD programme (and not out-scale to other zones, which
relatively cheap the point of sale of the seed should be in
is envisaged for the next phase).
close proximity to the farmers.
ISSD promotes a vibrant, pluralistic and market-oriented seed sector
7 To improve the visibility of LSBs in 2015, branding LSBs and
3. Have a phased out-scaling process, with a limited number
packaging seed will be key activities. This will entail devel-
of partners and LSBs in one or two zones in the first season
oping or refining LSB Logos and slogans, and fostering cost
and use the lessons learned to increase the number in the
effective packaging and branding of LSB seed. These activi-
second season. Under this, the plan involves starting with
ties will be supplemented by effective product promotional
one or two zones and a few key partners to test and refine
initiatives.
the strategy, then later recruit more partners in the remaining zones. Based on existence of potential partners, Northern Uganda will most likely have a higher number of out-scaling partners and LSBs compared to the two other zones.
Action based research on seed business related topics including gender and youth in seed business, climate change, seed security and demand, and participatory variety selection will be undertaken. Results from the research will be used to strengthen the skills of the LSB towards commercial-
4. Institute a minimum number of 5 LSBs per out-scaling
ly oriented seed production.
partner for efficient use of resources and reduce the number of partners working with the ISSD experts. The total number of partners for this out-scaling phase is envisaged to be between 10 – 16.
Output 2: Increased efficiency and effectiveness of public sector organisations in specific supportive tasks related to seed production and
5. ISSD is open to work with partner organization that can
marketing
fully fund for the LSB work, but require ISSD technical support only. These partners can be additional to the 10 –
In 2014, the focus of the project output 2 was on collabora-
16 partners that receive co-funding. This may potentially
tion with key stakeholders on three thematic areas: 1) di-
increase the number of LSBs to 100 and above.
versified quality assurance mechanisms, 2) access to foundation seed, and 3) policy influence and dialogue.
During the out-scaling process, 70 new LSBs will be targeted, with support from out-scaling partners. The ZARDI are expected to play a key role during this time,
since
theywill remain active in the zones after the end of ISSD period.
In 2015, the focus will be on effectively addressing key bottlenecks in the three areas of: National level quality assurance and increased use of quality seed by farmers; Institutional change to increase availability of and access to foundation seed and breeder seed; and institutionally strengthening the seed sector by improving the enabling environment. Effective collaboration with FtF EEA and PASIC will
ISSD Plans for 2015
continue to ensure that seed policy issues are addressed. This will result in all major draft seed related policies, strate-
In 2015, the programme will continue to address its key
gies and regulations finalized and submitted to cabinet
outputs as described below:
where relevant. This will result in all major draft seed relat-
Output 1: Functional local seed businesses with small
scale
marketed
oriented
ed policies, strategies and regulations finalized and submitted to cabinet where relevant.
farmers
organized for and employed in seed production
More work will also be done in operationalising Quality De-
and marketing
clared Seed class which is critical for the success of LSBs. in
In 2015, ISSD will run two concurrent LSB activities: a) creation of 70 new LSBs through out-scaling partners; and b) continued strengthening of existing 30 LSBs to foster sustainability. The activities on the ‘old’ LSBs shall gradually be phased out during the year to enable greater focus on the out-scaling program. Out-scaling of LSBs will be done
addition to this, ISSD will engage NARO Secretariat, NARIs and ZARDIs to formulate sustainable institutional solutions to address shortage of basic and foundation seed. Other activities will involve working on the national seed demand and developing seed road maps. Communication of results especially to foster evidence based change, will be another focus area in 2015.
through partner organizations with support of Business Development Services (BDS) within the 3 zones.
www.issduganda.org
8
Dr. David Wanyama from MAAIF carrying out field inspection for Turibamwe Mixed Farmers’ Rural producer LSB in Kamwenge district
Published by: The Integrated Seed Sector Development Uganda Programme, Studio House, Plot 5 Bandali Rise, Bugolobi, P. O. Box 20106, Kampala, Tel: +256 775 968 005, Email: Info@ISSDuganda.org Editorial Committee: ISSD Uganda: Roland Mugumya – Monitoring, Evaluation and Communications Coordinator; Astrid Mastenbroek – Chief of Party; Mary Mera Immaculate – Partnership Coordinator All photos from ISSD Uganda projects. The newsletter will be available on www.issduganda.org later this year.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is produced with the assistance of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands funding to Wageningen UR Center for Development Innovation (CDI) for the implementation of the ISSD Uganda programme. The contents are the sole responsibility of ISSD Uganda and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
ISSD promotes a vibrant, pluralistic and market-oriented seed sector