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Integrated seed sector development in Africa: Adaptation of the approach in national seed programs

Author

Listed:
  • de Boef, Walter Simon
  • Thijssen, Marja Helen
  • Borman, Gareth Denis
  • Kusters, Cecile
  • Schaap, Mirjam
  • Subedi, Abishkar
  • Hassena, Mohammed
  • Gelmesa, Dandena
  • Kassa, Nugus
  • Teshome, Tadesse
  • Sisay, Dawit Tsegaye
  • Woyema, Abdo
  • Mastenbroek, Astrid
  • Otim, Geoffrey
  • Oyee, Patrick
  • Menya, Christine
  • Agbara, Chinedu
  • Adetiloye, Ibidun
  • Adigun, Stephen
  • Osho-Lagunju, Bankole
  • Okelola, Folarin

Abstract

Following the 2007/2008 food crisis, agriculture and food security re-emerged on the global development agenda. The seed sector became a priority for its potential in raising crop productivity and adapting crops to climate change. Since then, Wageningen University & Research, in collaboration with partners, has been implementing national seed programs in Ethiopia, Uganda and Nigeria, guided by ‘integrated seed sector development’ (ISSD) that recognizes and supports multiple seed systems through which farmers obtain their seed.

Suggested Citation

  • de Boef, Walter Simon & Thijssen, Marja Helen & Borman, Gareth Denis & Kusters, Cecile & Schaap, Mirjam & Subedi, Abishkar & Hassena, Mohammed & Gelmesa, Dandena & Kassa, Nugus & Teshome, Tadesse & Si, 2025. "Integrated seed sector development in Africa: Adaptation of the approach in national seed programs," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 228(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agisys:v:228:y:2025:i:c:s0308521x25001088
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104368
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Louise Sperling & Conny J. M. Almekinders, 2023. "Informal Commercial Seed Systems: Leave, Suppress or Support Them?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-14, September.
    2. de Boef, Walter Simon & Kramer, Berber & Nabuuma, Deborah & Ojiewo, Chris O. & Spielman, David J. & Stomph, Tjeerd-Jan, 2024. "Special issue opening editorial: Designing, assessing and scaling approaches for integrated seed sector development," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 219(C).
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    8. Coomes, Oliver T. & McGuire, Shawn J. & Garine, Eric & Caillon, Sophie & McKey, Doyle & Demeulenaere, Elise & Jarvis, Devra & Aistara, Guntra & Barnaud, Adeline & Clouvel, Pascal & Emperaire, Laure & , 2015. "Farmer seed networks make a limited contribution to agriculture? Four common misconceptions," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 41-50.
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    2. Mastenbroek, Astrid, 2025. "Scaling seed demand through behavioral insights: Applying the COM-B model and behavioral change wheel to the maize seed sector in Uganda," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 229(C).

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