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The Community of Practice of Seed Security Assessments for the Horn of Africa

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From:
"Okidi, Joseph (FAOKE)" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
The Community of Practice of Seed Security Assessments for the Horn of Africa <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Fri, 1 Aug 2014 10:05:11 +0300
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Dear Barnabas,

I get your concern about adaptability of introduced (new) seed (variety) to  a given location. On point number one, what is the name of the variety you brought in? which pest was it susceptible to? - may be other people from south Sudan also have similar experience with the same variety.  You are suggesting that the improvement can be done using local varieties, how?

I totally agree with you when you say, sometimes we are more in a rush to buy seed for the affected population without  consulting them. To me, I see most humanitarians organization more accountable to the donors than the affected people we serve. I think we need to do more in terms of involving the affected population in deciding their destiny.

Regards,

Joseph

From: Food Security Officer Wau South Sudan [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2014 2:15 PM
To: 'The Community of Practice of Seed Security Assessments for the Horn of Africa'
Subject: RE: Unsuitable crop parieties being provided to affected population in the form of seed aid in the horn of Africa region

Dear Okidi,

I am glad to be part of this discussion and share my view with the colleagues. My comments are in your mail below.

With kind regards,

Barnabas Reech Wol,
FSL Officer,
Oxfam,
Warrap & Western Bahr el Ghazal states

From: The Community of Practice of Seed Security Assessments for the Horn of Africa [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Okidi, Joseph (FAOKE)
Sent: jueves, 31 de julio de 2014 10:44
To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Unsuitable crop parieties being provided to affected population in the form of seed aid in the horn of Africa region

Dear All,


A lot of humanitarian and recovery work in food security in the Horn of Africa region involves provision of seed aid with significant direct seed distribution of seed sourced from the formal sector (seed companies). There have been concerns from some of the assisted famers in the recent past that some of the varieties are unsuitable (un-adapted and un-preferred). Many times famer's seed are considered of poor quality by humanitarian actors, and therefore, the need to provide them with quality seeds of varieties which are improved - high yielding, disease resistant, drought tolerant etc.


1.      Do you agree that at times unsuitable varieties are being provided in the form of seed aid? What is your experience with this? And do you think this can be improved?
Yes, I do. Adaptability is a very important aspect to recognize in seed purchase and production. Seeds produced from different soil or climatic conditions tend to have lower yields before they adapt to new environments. In 2010, we distributed ground nuts that came from Darfur in Warrap state but the same varieties are ground in Warrap state. These seeds became more susceptible to pests than indigenous seeds until they adapted to the soil the following year. Improvement can be done by using local seed varieties or early planting to avoid pests infestation period.



2.      Do you think seed security of the crisis/disaster affected population is well assessed and analyzed before any intervention - If not how do you want this improved?
Seed security of the crisis affected population are normally purchased in rush and negligence. This affects the impact of the intervention. To improve this, we need to analyze and ascertain if we can find seeds within the locality or its environments. Improved varieties can be introduced in recovery or development programs after careful studies. To improve seeds in an area is not based on assumptions that are not supported scientifically.



3.      Are the views of the affected populations normally well taken into consideration when planning seed related interventions by humanitarian actors?
The affected populations are rarely or completely neglected while planning seed related interventions. Humanitarian actors always delay activities and start the purchase and distribution in rush. It's important to make them part of the planning to get their experience and acceptance.

Note: This e-discussion will run until 15th of August.

Regards,

Joseph Okidi

Seed System Specialist
FAO REOA




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