Abstract
We explore how seed systems enhance access to seeds, and information for climate-change adaptation in farming communities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, as well as how gender-driven roles and institutional dynamics influence the process. Men and women farmers equally experience climate-change related effects, including drought, short rainy seasons and increased pest and disease incidence. Our study relies on exploratory data analysis of 1001 households surveyed in four sites in 2016. Farmers surveyed preferred early-maturing, heat-tolerant, high-yielding, and pest- and disease-resistant varieties, all important climate-adaptive traits. Seed systems of the focus crops studied are largely informal—overall, 68% women and 62% men use their own seed, indicating women’s higher reliance on ‘informal’ seed and information sources. Only 21% of respondents reported interacting with seed experts who are affiliated with formal organizations. Both formal and informal organizations play a key role in providing access to climate-adapted seed/information, with access for men and women varying across the countries studied. There is a need to support further development of those connections, building on existing social networks. We conclude that inclusive and gender-responsive context- and country-specific seed interventions will ensure equitable outcomes, increase women’s empowerment and strengthen both formal and informal seed systems for more effective climate-change adaptation.
Highlights
The results indicate the importance of both formal and informal institutions in helping farmers and agricultural systems cope with climate change, with respect to accessing and disseminating targeted seed and information for men and women farmers
This study shows that formal institutions, such as international and national research organizations, which often develop and disseminate improved varieties are more accessible to men
The study reiterates the need for context-specific assessments and recommendations. Informal institutions, such as producer organizations and farmer groups, act as an interface between farmers and formal institutions. They play a key role in seed systems, supporting the dissemination of varietal information and seed, and are more accessible to women farmers
Summary
Smallholder agricultural households, in sub-Saharan Africa, are one of the most vulnerable groups to climate change, which adversely affects agricultural production—. Their main source of livelihood [1]. Some of the climate change-induced environmental changes that impact crop production include heat stress, 4.0/). Other options for adapting to climate change include accessing new technologies related to seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation [7]. Examples of seed system interventions that increase the resilience of smallholder agricultural production systems include developing adapted crop varieties, and ensuring access to seed of a diversity of crops and crop varieties that are adaptable to different environments [8]. Access to new seeds and technologies, can be difficult, for resource-poor farmers [10]
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