Seed Regulatory Frameworks And Resource-Poor Farmers: A Literature Review

This literature review examines the role of seed regulatory frameworks in current attempts to improve the performance of the seed sectors of developing countries. The seed regulatory frameworks discussed in this study include the rules and regulations, and the norms, guidelines and standard practices, that govern: variety development, variety release, seed certification, and seed distribution and sale. The hypothesis explored is that these seed regulatory frameworks are neither sufficiently responsive to the needs of resource-poor farmers nor adequately adapted to changing institutional environments. After a brief examination of the rationale for attention to improving seed systems, the review discusses the institutional environment of national seed sectors, including the changing roles of the public and private sectors and the contributions of NG0s, and summarises the characteristics of seed regulatory frameworks in developing countries. The major part of the review is devoted to an examination of the current conduct and problems • of seed regulatory frameworks, a presentation of alternative strategies, and a summary of unresolved issues that need to be addressed. The findings indicate that there are significant biases in the way that varieties are developed and released, such that resource-poor farmers are less likely to be able to benefit from the products. Similarly, seed certification and distribution regulations often hinder farmers' access to seeds and varieties that would be useful to them. There are already a number of possible improvements being tested. No solution will be perfect, but regulatory frameworks that take account of farmers' conditions, allow for more fanner participation in their definition and conduct, are more transparent, and allow broad institutional participation, are likely to represent steps in the right direction.