ISSD Uganda newsletter Integrated Seed Sector Development Uganda Programme
Issue 1; April 2014
Inside this issue: Editorial
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ISSD contributes to agricultural economic development
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ISSD Uganda Achievements in 2013
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Lessons Learned
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Voices from the field
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Access to seed by in Uganda
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Vision of ISSD Ugandafarmers
Through a vibrant and pluralistic seed sector, ensure ISSD hosts Dutch that quality seed of superior Embassy varieties are available and affordable to a larger number of farmers, thereby Who contributing to agriculture for we are food security and economic development in Uganda.
ISSD Contributes to Agricultural Economic Development in Uganda
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Vision of ISSD Uganda
Quality seed is a key input for agriculture with an immediate effect on agricultural production and productivity. Integrated Seed Sector Development (ISSD) is an inclusive approach that recognizes and builds upon a diversity of seed systems in the country.
Through vibrant, and pluralistic Through aa vibrant pluraland market-oriented istic seed sector, ensureseed that sector, ensure that quality seed quality seed of superior varieof superior varieties are ties are available and affordable available and affordable to a to a larger number of farmers, larger number of farmers, thereby contributing to agriculthereby contributing to ture for food security and ecoagriculture for food security nomic development in Uganda. and economic development in Uganda.
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Editorial
ISSD Contributes to Agricultural Economic Development
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Background of ISSD and rationale
Welcome to the first issue of ISSD Uganda programme newsletter. We produce a newsletter on a quarterly basis sharing progress and lessons from the ISSD Uganda Programme. The newsletter is aimed to provide you with key information regarding the potential of Local Seed Businesses (LSBs). We share evidence of effectiveness of the ISSD approach and strategies in enhancing access and utilization of quality seed by farmers, and innovations in ensuring effective systems and structures supporting a dynamic seed sector. We started with the ISSD Uganda programme mid 2012, and in 2013 LSBs) were able to produce 832 tons (season 2013A and 2013B) of quality seed of various crops. LSBs and their members have improved their skills in seed production and they share their stories in this newsletter. We have also recorded achievements at programme level which we share with you as well as the lessons we have learned from programme implementation. In this newsletter we also highlight the ISSD approach and its rationale to agricultural and economic development.
Warm Regards,
Astrid Mastenbroek Chief of Party ISSD Uganda Programme
ISSD promotes a vibrant, pluralistic and market-oriented seed sector
The Integrated Seed Sector Development (ISSD) approach guides in the design and implementation of seed sector interventions that are coherent with farmers’ agricultural practices. The main objectives are to enhance farmers’ access to quality seed of superior varieties, and contribute to food security and agricultural economic development. The ISSD guiding principles are: Build programs upon a variation of seed systems and foster pluralism Work according to the structure of the seed value chain Promoting entrepreneurship and market orientation Recognize the relevance of informal seed systems Facilitating interactions between informal and formal seed systems Recognize complementary roles of the public and private sector Support enabling and evolving policies for a dynamic seed sector Promoting evidence based seed sector innovation
ISSD Uganda programme ISSD Uganda programme aims to contribute to the development of a vibrant, pluralistic and marketoriented seed sector, providing more than 100,000 smallholder farmers access to affordable quality seed. This will contribute to an increased income of smallholder farmers and an increased number of rural households that are seed and food secure. The Dutch Embassy funded programme works with an integrative concept towards seed sector development, bringing seed sector stakeholders together, in jointly addressing key issues hampering the development of the sector as a whole. ISSD is currently focusing on achieving two key outputs: 1) developing functional local seed businesses, and 2) contributing to increasing the effectiveness of respective public institutions in specific supportive tasks in relation to seed production and marketing.
3 Functional local seed businesses
ISSD Uganda institutional framework
Local seed business development targeting groups of smallholder farmers emerges as a useful approach for ISSD in Uganda, particularly in regions that are lagging behind in access to quality seed and for crops in which the commercial seed companies have no or limited interest. LSBs produce and market quality seed of superior varieties. Superior varieties refer to those that are highly adapted to the location, are yield stable and locally demanded. The LSBs will be technically, organizationally, and commercially autonomous in seed production and marketing.
The ISSD Uganda programme is implemented by Wageningen University and Research Centre, Centre for Development Innovation (CDI), in partnership with the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) in three zones in Uganda – West Nile, South Western and Northern Uganda. In each of the zones, the programme works with 10 farmer groups comprising of 30-80 members using the LSB approach.
Addressing seed sector bottlenecks through multi-stakeholder processes Based on discussions with key stakeholders in the seed sector, both public and private, four priority areas related to seed production and marketing that need to be addressed were identified as; i) Operational and viable seed quality assurance mechanisms; ii) Enhanced uptake of quality seed by farmers; iii) Sustainable access to foundation seed of requested varieties in the required quantity and quality, and iv) Development and enforcement of seed policies and regulation. Innovation projects will be developed and implemented in partnership with respective public institutions and private sector aimed at piloting mechanisms that contribute to increasing effectiveness of public institutions in specific supportive tasks in relation to these priorities.
ISSD LSB teams are hosted by the Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institutes (ZARDIs) in the three focus areas - Abi ZARDI in Arua for the West Nile zone, Ngetta ZARDI in Lira for the Northern zone, and Mbarara ZARDI in Mbarara for the South Western zone, which also provide technical support. In each zonal office, ISSD has a Seed Expert to guide the LSBs with technical seed production, and an Agribusiness Expert to support the business component of LSBs. The experts are supported by the Chief of Party, Institutional Strengthening Advisor, M&E and Communications Coordinator and Finance Management Unit based in ISSD Office in Kampala. At National level, ISSD Uganda is working with the Department of Crop Protection of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and NARO, whose mandate is on seed quality assurance and variety development respectively. Other strategic partners are Uganda Seed Trade Association (USTA) and seed companies plus other development partners implementing seed related activities, NAADS, and respective District Production Departments and Sub county personnel supporting technology dissemination processes.
Participants at the National Seed Stakeholders’ meeting held in November 2013 in Kampala
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ISSD Uganda Achievements in 2013 Introduction In 2013, we focused on developing the technical capacity of LSBs in quality seed production. With the support of the ZARDIs, we selected 30 groups (10 from each zone) to be supported into becoming LSBs. Initial activities with these groups included diagnostic study to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the groups with regard to critical LSB success factors, followed by development of capacity building plans based on their performance. The groups selected crops to engage in seed production based on market research and their own experience of seed demand in their communities. We also initiated multi-stakeholder processes at local, zonal and national levels aimed to identify seed sector bottlenecks and develop innovative approaches towards addressing them. In the following, we share the highlights of our achievements during the year towards our key outputs.
Output 1: Functional local seed businesses Key achievements 30 LSBs supported by ISSD during the year, and 26 progressed to 2014
Area under seed production increased from 486 acres in season 2013A to 731 acres in season 2013B
327 tons of seed were produced in season 2013A (97% sold) and approximately 505 tons expected from season 2013B
Estimated 14,000 smallholder farmers accessed quality seed from LSBs
Average returns per labor day in seed production is UGX 7824 (computed for cereals, legumes and tubers)
During the year, selected groups in the three zones were equipped with knowledge and skills in various aspects of technical seed production, quality assurance and marketing. In season 2013A 16 LSBs engaged in seed production, producing approximately 327 tons of seed of various crops—Beans, Cassava, Groundnuts, Potato, Sesame, Rice (upland), Sorghum, Finger millet, Pasture seeds, Pigeon peas, and Soy beans. Of the produced seed, 97% was sold to various buyers, earning LSBs more than UGX 325 million during the season. Over 70% of the seed produced by LSBs was sold to institutional buyers, for example NAADS, seed companies, NARO, LSBs and other seed producing groups. An estimated 14,000 smallholder farmers accessed quality seed for planting from LSBs in 2013.
In 2013B, approximately 505 tons of seed is expected. Returns per labor day for major seed crops grown (cereals, legumes, tubers) indicated an average of UGX 7,824 per labour day. This rate is higher than the average agricultural wage rate of UGX 3,000 per day in the zones where ISSD is working, implying that seed production offers competitive returns to labour.
Output 2: Supportive public sector Key achievements
Agreement with Department of Crop Protection (MAAIF) to pilot quality assurance for standard seed
Seed stakeholders engaged in forums to discuss issues affecting the sector
Four key seed sector issues identified and prioritized: Uptake of quality seed by farmers Access to foundation seed Diversified Quality assurance mechanisms Seed policy and regulation
Through multi-stakeholder processes (MSPs), ISSD Uganda engaged various stakeholders both public and private to identify and discuss challenges affecting the seed sector, and agree on innovative solutions to address the identified challenges. Two topics for innovation projects were agreed to be undertaken in 2014. First, a pilot project on quality assurance for standard seed to be undertaken by ISSD in collaboration with Department of Crop Protection of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). As part of this innovation project, the Ministry accepted to pilot seed quality assurance for standard seed produced by LSBs. Second, an innovation project to reduce counterfeit seed on the market. This will involve a study to understand the extent of counterfeit seed, and will be undertaken by ISSD in partnership USAID. We also collaborated with NARO, linking various LSBs to NARO centers to access foundation seed. NARO in partnership with ISSD organized and held a meeting with breeders where agreements were reached on how to increase efficiency in foundation seed production to meet LSB demands. We also collaborated Association (USTA) to forward. The jointly stakeholders’ meeting various stakeholders to and agree on priorities.
ISSD promotes a vibrant, pluralistic and market-oriented seed sector
with Uganda Seed Trade push general seed issues organized national seed and seed event brought discuss seed sector issues,
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Key Lessons Learned Our review and reflection on programme implementation for the year 2013 indicates some lessons learned with regard to the process and content of ISSD. We share with you what worked well during the year to facilitate scale out of the ISSD approach.
Participatory planning with LSBs In the beginning, ISSD conducted diagnostic surveys which enabled LSBs to do self-assessment of their capacity based on the nine LSB success factors. LSB success factors are: land, market, unique product, governance, marketing strategy, access to finance, customer feedback mechanism, access to services and inputs, and quality seed production. Based on the scores, LSBs developed capacity building plans facilitated by ISSD and respective ZARDIs. This process ensured ownership of the process and LSB members were able to make big strides towards their efforts to become functional LSBs.
Demonstrations and field days as learning tools Demonstration plots and field evaluations provided farmers with an opportunity to assess the performance of seed obtained from various sources. Farmers appreciated the importance of starting with quality seed and this was evidenced by increase in quality seed procured from research and planted in Season 2013B as compared to Season 2013A. Based on this, the need to continue to strengthen Participatory Variety Selection (PVS) and conduct more field evaluations with farmers was underscored in order to increase their confidence in using quality seed and improved crop varieties.
Gender participation Training sessions conducted within the LSB locations attracted more female participants as compared to general sessions conducted outside the LSB location. Female farmers expressed precision on practical sessions as compared to their male counterparts who were more active during the theoretical sessions. In the coming years, ISSD will consider having more practical sessions, conducted within the LSB communities to facilitate more participation by both men and women, and including other community members that may not necessarily be LSB members as a way of encouraging them to use quality seed.
Awareness of ISSD methodology The awareness and understanding of ISSD concept to partners was heightened through the Zonal and Local MSPs. The MSPs also provided an opportunity to share experiences, innovations and raise issues of concern to viable seed businesses in country, as well as action points for addressing the concerns. The participation and interest of various stakeholders to support the seed sector was commendable.
Partnerships Fostering partnerships and building working relationship is a time demanding process. This time investment however is worth it because the key stakeholders at national and zonal levels show enthusiasm to try out new concepts and ideas to address bottlenecks in seed production and marketing. In 2014, ISSD will build on the established relationships to foster innovation projects.
LSB Marketing strategies Various marketing strategies were employed by LSBs including local multi-stakeholder forums, demonstrations, and farmer field days. From these events, some LSBs were able to sign contracts to supply seed to seed companies, while others show-cased their seed and fetched higher prices. 97% of LSB seed produced in season 2013A was sold either to fellow farmers or institutional buyers. As more LSBs continue to produce seed, the need to continue creating avenues for product promotion, including linkages with other programmes in the region that are involved with farmer demonstrations is a necessity.
Field day of Turibamwe Mixed Farmers’ RPO in Mahyoro Sub County, Kamwenge district
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Voices from the field
“We are able to market ourselves because of the linkages we have developed with ISSD support. My participation in the national seed stakeholders’ meeting and the national seed event exposed me to new opportunities and interactions with stakeholders in the seed sector. These helped me as a leader to guide my group members on strategic actions and linkages. Aye Medo Ngeca means ‘I have accepted to learn, the skills I have are not enough’, thus as an LSB we have accepted to learn and we are glad ISSD and its funding partner is ready to support us improve our skills”. Ocheng Angelous, Chairperson Aye Medo Ngeca LSB in Dokolo District, Northern Uganda
“Our group started working with ISSD and Ngetta ZARDI in 2013. They taught us the difference between good seed and “We used to be cheated since we could not tell thepoor seed, they helped us to get good simsim seed from difference between quality seed and poor seed. Serere which we planted in season 1. From my garden, I 4 bags of sesame seed (about 400 kg) and sold Sometimes one could buy 2kg when at least ¼ of harvested it is all at UGX 4,000 per kg. From the proceeds I was able to by trash or the seed is mixed with other seeds. Since we were trained by ISSD, we bought foundation seed,one Ox at UGX 600,000 and also built a new hut costing me UGX 800,000. The rest I used to care for my 5 which we planted in the demonstration. We compared grandchildren (ages from 8-15 years) who are also our own saved and the quality seed we bought from research and the difference was very clear. Our orphaned, and bought foundation seed to plant in season demonstration was on the road and now the entire2014A. I have realized that if you grow seed, it has to be quality or else the difference may not be there between community is looking for that seed that we planted.” Beatrice Ayerango, Chairperson, FARSON LSB inseed and grain. We have learnt this from ISSD and our experience in the last season”. Nebbi district, West Nile Jane Okori, member of Aye Medo Ngeca LSB in Dokolo District Northern Uganda
“We used to be cheated since we could not tell the difference between quality seed and poor seed. Sometimes one could buy 2 kg when at least ¼ of it is trash or the seed is mixed with other seeds. Since we were trained by ISSD on quality seed production, we bought foundation seed, which we planted in the demonstration. We compared farmer saved seed and quality seed and the difference was very clear. Our demonstration was on the road and now the entire community is looking for that seed that we planted. We have learned that to get good yield, one should start with good seed”. Beatrice Ayerango, Chairperson production committee, FARSON LSB in Nebbi District, West Nile (Photo taken near the group demonstration garden of Sesame 2)
ISSD promotes a vibrant, pluralistic and market-oriented seed sector
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Voices from the field
“Before we started working with ISSD, we used to pass the district like any other people, we were not bothered what happens there. ISSD trained us on quality seed production, and also linked us to the district production department and extension. We can now approach any of these offices with confidence, because what we are doing is tangible. We are also confident! We also receive many visitors and other farmers who want to learn from us, as you can see in our visitors’ book. We have hosted officials from the district, research and private sector. ISSD opened our eyes to see and benefit from some of these strategic linkages”. Taddeo Masanso, Secretary Kyamulama mixed farmers in Lyantonde District, South Western Uganda
“The new thing we have learned from ISSD is the difference between seed and grain production. Seed production follows specific procedures such as use of foundation seed, good field management practices such as good land preparation, removal of volunteer crops, rouging, timely weeding and timely harvesting. We plant in lines, weed early and our seed is attractive right from the field. At harvesting, we use drying racks to avoid contamination with stones and other materials, we store on raised platforms and sort the seed to maintain purity. Everything we do is different from our usual practices. This has made our seed marketable. We have demand for the seed and this has given us more energy to expand our operations”. Leocardia Namwanje, member of Kyamulama mixed farmers in Lyantonde District, South Western Uganda
“Seed production fetches better price than grain. The difference is so big for example we were able to sell sesame seed at UGX 5,000 per kg as compared to the grain price of UGX 3,000 or sometimes less. We still have about 400 kg which we expect to sell at UGX 8,000 per kg since it’s now the planting season and seed is highly demanded. We have already submitted our bid to supply sesame 2 to NAADS and we are optimistic to win the bid since we have large quantities of quality seed. ISSD made us see the difference in seed and grain, and that we can make money from seed. Its really something new but given our experience of last season, we are sure to benefit from it”. Odonga Charles, Secretary and member of marketing committee, FARSON LSB in Nebbi district, West Nile In photo, Odonga Charles addressing fellow LSB members during the Dutch Embassy visit in March 2014.
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Access to Seed by Farmers in Uganda Background and rationale
Area planted for various crops ranges from 0.3 to 1.2 acres with relatively larger plot sizes in Northern Uganda as compared to South Western and West Nile. Rice, ground nuts and beans comprise relatively larger volumes of seed planted as compared to other crops.
ISSD Uganda programme conducted a study on farmers’ access to seed aimed at understanding farmers’ sources of seed and other planting materials. The study also unravelled the demand for seed and its seasonality. Study results are important in forming a baseline for ISSD to measure its contribution towards its goal, outcomes and outputs. Similarly the results are useful in guiding LSBs to develop and implement feasible production and marketing plans based on actual seed demand within their communities.
Seasonal demand for seed was noted with farmers growing slightly different crops in season 1 as compared to season 2. The reasons given for seasonal differences were related to weather patterns, duration of the seasons, and incidence of pests and diseases in the different seasons thus affecting crop growth. In addition, results indicate that majority of farmers who buy seed do so in season 1, while in season 2 they use majorly home saved seed.
Methodology
Farmers obtain seed from informal sources
The study was conducted in the three ISSD programme intervention areas – West Nile, South Western and Northern Uganda. Data for the study were collected from 905 households in October 2013, u s i ng enumerator administered questionnaires. Data were obtained on the following variables for two seasons in 2013: crops and varieties grown, sources of the seeds grown, quantities of seed planted, if seed is bought the buying price per unit, area planted, who (m/f) buys seed and who (m/f) uses seed.
Study results show that 89% of the farmers obtain seed from informal sources – farmer saved seed, local markets and neighbours (figure 1). Seed from local markets is basically grain harvested the previous season which farmers use as seed. This is called implicit seed.
Results The study showed that farmers grow a number of crops often in pure stand but mainly in mixed patterns or intercropping. Major crops grown in the three study areas are beans, maize, groundnuts and cassava.
Use of farmer saved seed or implicit seed has implications on the expected yield and thus agricultural production in general. Yield trials conducted by ISSD on station and on farm comparing home saved seed, or seed from informal sources with quality assured seed confirmed this. On average, yield difference of up to 400 kg per acre were observed between implicit seed and quality seed for beans under similar management conditions, with quality seed yielding higher.
Figure 1: Farmers’ sources of seed in the study zones
ISSD promotes a vibrant, pluralistic and market-oriented seed sector
9 Farmers’ seed behaviors vary by zone Study results further show that 42% of farmers buy seed for planting, of which 35% buy implicit seed from local shops, 5% from agro-dealers or seed companies and 2% from LSBs or seed producing groups in their communities. Zonal differences exist on farmers’ sources of seed as indicated in Figure 2. Farmer saved seed is most important in South Western, while local market is most important in West Nile. In South western, there is also a relatively higher access of seed from agrodealer or seed companies as compared to other regions. The differences have direct linkage with the crops grown in the different zones, and the ease of obtaining such seed from formal sources.
Farmer saved seed important source of seed for female headed households In terms of gender differentiations, home saved seed remains an important source of seed for all households, but more so for female headed households (FHH) (Figure 3). Male headed households (MHH) buy proportionately more seed either from local markets or agro-dealers. They also have more opportunity of accessing seed from government programmes, NGOs and LSBs than their female counterparts. This may be attributed to the differences in resource endowments between men and women, awareness of quality seed and possibly differences in mobility between men and women to access planting materials from locations outside their communities.
Implications of the study Farmer seed behavior rationalize the LSB approach Results indicate that most farmers get seed and other planting materials from within the community, which confirms the need for LSB approach. The LSB approach aims to ensure availability of quality seed of varieties demanded by farmers, at affordable cost to farmers. The LSBs supply markets within their community. Second season better for seed production Seasonal demand confirms that the second season is better for seed production since most of the farmers buy seed in season one. In addition, given the short gap between the rains in season one and two, the duration may not be adequate to facilitate adequate seed drying before the next season, unless LSBs consider improved post harvest management techniques like dryers. Willingness of farmers to pay for quality seed Much as the study confirms that farmers are buying seed for planting (though implicit), there is need to understand willingness of farmers to buy quality seed. How much would farmers be willing to pay extra to buy quality seed compared to what they pay for implicit seed? Figure 2 (top): Farmers’ source of seed by zone; Figure 3: (bottom): Farmers’ source of seed by head of household
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Dutch Embassy visits ISSD Uganda LSBs ISSD hosted officials from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands (Dutch Embassy) in Uganda in West Nile and Northern Uganda. The Embassy team comprised of Mr. Henny Gerner (First Secretary and Coordinator Food security & Economic Cooperation), Mr. Jan van der Vliet (First Secretary – Controller) and Mr. Josephat Byaruhanga (Senior Policy Officer, Agriculture and Agribusiness).
The team visited two ISSD Uganda supported LSBs Farming and Animal Rearing Association (FARSON) in Nebbi District and Aye Medo Ngeca farmers group in Dokolo District. The visit took place between 17th and 21st March 2014. The purpose of the visit was to see progress and areas for strengthening the ISSD Uganda programme. During the debriefing meeting on 21st March at Ngetta ZARDI, Mr. Henny Gerner mission leader indicated that the Embassy team was impressed with the LSBs. He indicated that the groups were well mixed in terms of gender, age groups, and participation in committees. They displayed business skills and showed that they know what they are doing, they had the data and could show. He also appreciated the linkages with ZARDIs, NAADS and the sub county officials. As considerations for the future, recommendations were made to link with CATALIST Uganda to introduce soil fertility management to the LSBs, consider implementing innovations for LSBs to adapt to climate change, and work out modalities to expand the work through the out scaling component. Partnerships were also considered an important element in the project and recommended ISSD to consider developing public-private partnerships. The director of Ngetta ZARDI Dr. George Maiteki in his closing remarks also appreciated ISSD’s work in developing LSBs. He further appreciated the positive collaboration with the ZARDI which has been facilitated by effective communication, joint planning and implementation of the programme, joint reviews and general progress updates that are timely.
Top: Chairperson of Aye Medo Ngeca LSB explaining to the Embassy team the group activities; Bottom: A scene in the drama by Aye Medo Ngeca LSB on quality seed staged during the Embassy visit.
ISSD promotes a vibrant, pluralistic and market-oriented seed sector
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ISSD Uganda Team—Who we are
ISSD Kampala Team: (L-R): Astrid Mastenbroek, Chief of Party; Julian Barungi, Institutional Strengthening Advisor; Felix Ochakacon, Finance and Administration Manager; Monica Kansiime, M&E and Communications Coordinator, Joshua Syamutsangira, Driver and Gladys Mazarao, Finance and Administration Assistant.
ISSD West Nile Team: L-R: Francis Okot, Seed Expert; Andrew Noah Chebet, Agribusiness Expert and Patrick Ongora, Driver
ISSD South Western Team: L-R: Phionah Ninsiima, Agribusiness Expert; Chris Muwanika, Seed Expert and Alex Mugumya, Driver
ISSD Northern Team: L-R: Christine Joyce Adong, Agribusiness Expert; Geoffrey Otim, Seed Expert and Bonny Alex Acol, Driver
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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: Monica Kansiime – M&E and Communications Coordinator; Astrid Mastenbroek – Chief of Party; Julian Barungi – Institutional Strengthening Advisor CDI: Karèn Verhoosel – Process Facilitator; Mirjam Schaap – Knowledge Management Advisor All photos are taken 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