Mainstreaming efficient legume seed systems in Eastern Africa
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Legumes are important components of sustainable farming systems. They are useful to diversify and intensify cropping systems; fix atmospheric nitrogen and improve soil health; act as rotation crops; increase and diversify smallholder incomes and low carbon footprint, mitigating climate change.
Legumes can therefore play a critical role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. However, legume production is challenged by several policy, regulatory, institutional and technical factors, including lack of attention from the public sector and limited opportunity to attract private sector investment.
Significant investments have been made to address these challenges and a substantial number of improved varieties developed/released. The weak legume seed sector has been identified as one of the key constraints limiting the availability of and access to high-quality seed of improved varieties, thereby hindering adoption.
Institutional and technical innovations to disseminate legume crop technologies have shown promise. Areas of action for an effective integrated seed system could include i) increasing total seed production and availability; ii) increasing access to high-quality seed of improved varieties; iii) creating demand for quality seed; iv) reaching farmers ‘at last mile’; and v) lowering costs of seed. The basic principles required to mainstream legume seed systems include, but are not limited to, a closer look at the legume seed delivery theory of change; a strong and enabling policy and regulatory environment; a strong institutional framework; innovative approaches for early-generation seed supply and commercial seed producers; multi-stakeholder involvement; and linkage to grain markets and utilization.