Issd newsletter 1 february 2

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