Farmers learn to profit from not saving seed. Validated RNRRS Output.
Abstract
This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID's 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
Principally based on Projects R8435, R8104, R8016 and R7858. Seed-tuber production schemes are helping farmers in Kenya and Uganda to produce quality potato planting material. Previously, because of the difficulties smallholders faced in purchasing good quality seed-tubers, they found themselves forced to depend on tubers saved from their own harvest. Yet infected home-saved tubers often carried bacterial wilt over to the next crop. A method known as the 'seed-plot' technique now allows smallholders with limited access to land to multiply seed-tubers effectively, lessening the impact of home-saved seed practices. Farmer associations, market chains, and communication and management structures support these production schemes. Materials designed to strengthen farmers' knowledge of marketing, finance and group dynamics help to ensure success.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (13 pp.) taken from the CD.
Citation
CPP10, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 9.