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| Reply To: | The Community of Practice of Seed Security Assessments for the Horn of Africa < [log in to unmask]> |
| Date: | Thu, 31 Jul 2014 14:14:58 +0300 |
| Content-Type: | multipart/alternative |
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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]
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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