Corn seed in Kenya

This is a video from the insightful STEPS center. It gets viewpoints from different people in the formal and informal seed provision sectors. It is a good way to learn about the complexities inherent in seed systems, especially when private companies and government are involved. The takeaway message for me is that seed varieties developed and provided by government and private researchers have an important role to play in improving food security in Africa, but that the important role of farmer-breeders must be acknowledged in seed policy. One way of doing this would be to make researcher-developed seed varieties available to peasant seed producers, and to allow these peasant producers to further adapt and market these varieties. That way you get a healthy mix of the higher yield of officially-developed varieties, with the local adaptation and hardiness of local varieties.

Seeds and sustainability: Maize Pathways in Kenya from STEPS Centre on Vimeo.