FYI
From: Arem, Alier [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2014 2:21 PM
To: Okidi, Joseph (FAOKE)
Cc: Paganini, Michela (AGPM)
Subject: RE: Unsuitable crop parieties being provided to affected population in the form of seed aid in the horn of Africa region
1. I agree at some occassions that unsuitable varieties are being provided in the form of ''seed aid'' to farmers.My experience is that preference on the ''Type and quality seed Variety supply chain/systems'' does not 'swallow-In' the views of farmer/beneficiaries''.Though there are some ground concerns that poor quality seeds attributed to soil type affecting germination, Inappropriate method of cultivation and planting, poor planting timing adjacent to seasons, I think there is need for much more qualitative research survey capturing famers immediate responses on seed security supply chain to capture such claims!.This, according to my view is achievable through effective Farmers-Vendors seed fare with aid agencies acting the roles of middlemen inspecting and supervising the faring process to determine seed quality, type and varieties recommended by farmers.(Faring process can be done locally or regionally but preference given to local seed fare system with majority farmers participating).
Secondly, some humaniterian actors on seed security do not take into account proper asessment and analysis of the seed security system of the crisis/disaster affected population but rather rushed to procure seed.An excellent strategy in my opinion would be conducting seed security assessment to crisis affected population mainly to determine seed availiability and Varieties, farmers access, and whether there is enough Own saved seed after disasters or the option is seed procurement. This would immediately be followed by ''Agency seed security Field-data analysis'' to ''determine whether there is need to procure seed or farmers have enough quality seed acess locally'' .Take a case of CRS.Org that before and after the crisis, CRS-JFSP in Jonglei, South Sudan had been very active in distributing improved seed varieties to farmers, ensure adequate seed multiplication best practices and enabling farmers store enough locally improved varieties for upcomming planting season which is a 'good preferential and adoptable strategy for Jonglei Farmers matching their local context'.
3.Thirdly, but last, I don't think whether the views of the affected population are taken into consideration at planning phase but more involved at implementation stage.(This is why most farmers resisted to adapt imported improved seed varieties).What we do most at CRS.Org-JFSP, is improving local varieties which is enhanced using farmer-Field School participatory approach as local seed are easily adaptable to local climatic conditions and soil type with farmers giving most preference to locally improved crop/seed varieties.
Regards,
Alier Arem Deng
Disaster Risks Reduction(DRR) Program Officer
CRS.Org-Bor, Jonglei State.
South Sudan
From: The Community of Practice of Seed Security Assessments for the Horn of Africa <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Okidi, Joseph (FAOKE) <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2014 7:43 AM
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?
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 Specialist
FAO REOA
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