Understanding the capacity of key actors and their role in the seed potato systems: The case of Eritrea

Abstract

Understanding the combined effects of the biophysical, socioeconomic, and institutional components of a seed system can help to improve the effectiveness of seed system interventions. This study examined whether and how institutional factors are contributing to the inadequate supply of quality seed potato in Eritrea and identified where and how bottlenecks within the seed systems might improve the efficacy of seed potato interventions. The research methodology included semi-structured interviews with seed potato system actors, focus group discussions with farmers and local experts, a review of seed potato intervention program reports, farm visit reports, and other literature. The study identified some structural system failures that block the effective functioning of the seed potato intervention. The study recommendations include (i) investment in climate-smart technologies (such as water harvesting structures and new varieties) as well as for electricity supply in the high grades seed production center (ii) shifting the traditional supply-driven approach to a demand driven approach for greater participation of the actors in the seed potato intervention (iii) strengthening the human skill of the actors for greater interaction and collaboration between the different government actors and (iv) developing local strategies to encourage decentralized service provision systems. In the longer term, consideration should be given to greater private sector participation in sourcing and supply of seed and other inputs, even as a pilot-scale activity.