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? 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? 3. Are the views of
the affected populations normally well taken into consideration when planning
seed related interventions by humanitarian actors? Note: This e-discussion will run until
15th of August. Regards, Joseph Okidi Seed System SpecialistFAO REOA