Project

Integrated seed sector development in Uganda

The government of Uganda prioritizes agricultural development as the key approach for poverty reduction, food security and economic development. CDI contributes to this initiative by building upon the strengths of seed systems and their integration.

The integrated seed sector development (ISSD) Uganda programme aims to contribute to the development of a vibrant, pluralistic and market-oriented seed sector. This contributes to key aspects of agricultural development, including:

  • Enhanced agricultural production and productivity;
  • Increased household income;
  • Sustainable access to quality seed of superior varieties;
  • Supportive public sector;
  • Institutional development of the seed sector.

Integrative approach

The programme works with an integrated approach towards seed sector development, which recognizes the importance of the formal as well as informal seed system in Uganda. It brings  seed sector stakeholders together, to jointly address key issues hampering the development of the sector as a whole. Focus on market orientation and entrepreneurship in formal as well as informal seed systems, is key to sustainable change.

Increasing effectiveness of public sector organisations

One of the components of the programme focuses on creating local seed businesses, by supporting farmer groups toward quality seed production and marketing of locally important crops and varieties. The programme aims to support these groups to become commercially sustainable seed entrepreneurs.

A second component works on increasing the effectiveness of public sector organisations, in relation to their activities around seed quality assurance, production of early generation seed, and policy and regulation.

Locally preferred crops and varieties

Local seed businesses can fill a gap in quality seed production for crops in which the commercial seed companies are not interested. At the end of the programme these farmers are producing and selling quality seed of locally preferred crops and varieties to local markets. They are technically better equipped, commercially oriented, well organised and have access to research, extension, credit and markets. The programme builds as much as possible on existing initiatives and works towards a more robust seed system, specifically  involving marginalized groups.

The ISSD programme is financed by the Dutch Directorate General International Cooperation, through the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.