Official Newsletter of the WANA Seed Network
No. 36, January 2009
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Short communications on practical research or relevant information on agriculture or seed technology are presented in this section.
Reinvigorating Bean Seed System in Ethiopia: Role of Farmers and Social Institutions
F. Alemayehu1, A. Asfaw1*, G. Demeke2, F. Gurmu1 and S. Maru3
1) Awassa Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 6, Awassa, Ethiopia; 2) Inter Aid France, P.O. Box 194, Wolayta, Ethiopia; 3) Self-help Development International, P. O. Box 1204, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; *) corresponding author: asratasfaw@yahoo.co.uk
1. Background
Since antiquity seed selection, saving and exchange has been part of farmer seed system. In common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), this could probably date back 8000 years, when it domesticated in South Andean and Middle Americas (Gepts and Debouck, 1991). In Africa, bean seed system is of a recent origin probably since its introduction in 16th or 17th century (Gentry, 1969). Farmers have developed farming practices adapted to local conditions by preserving and exploiting useful alleles in bean improvement and seed supply. This is based on selection for diversity that meet farmers ecological, nutritional and socio-economic needs either from existing or variability created on-farm through natural mutation, out-crossing within varieties and between wild relatives, seed saving and exchange (inter and intra-community) via social networks in a continuous process of varietal evolution. This has created and maintained considerable on-farm diversity. However, the bean seed system in South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional (SNNPR) state of Ethiopia is suffering from lack of choices, environmental and social changes. This calls for the attention of plant breeders and development practitioners. This article highlights efforts to revitalize local bean seed system in the SNNPR.
SNNPR is one of the nine regional states of Ethiopia (see figure below). The majority of people in the region make their livelihoods from agriculture. Common beans are among important crops cultivated in Dawro, Gedio, Gamo-Gofa, Gurage, Kambata-Tambaro, Sidama, and Wolayta zones of the region.
Formal seed production and supply probably started with the establishment of Institute of Agricultural Research (1966) and Ethiopian Seed Enterprise (1979). Currently, ESE is producing seed of less than a quarter of released varieties. Formal seed supply could not cover all crops for which new varieties are available. Farmers largely obtain bean seed from informal sources. The formal sector plays a limited role; seed supply is often irregular and limited to a few varieties. Seed supply by the formal sector is limited by insufficient production capacity, late delivery, and lack of clear varietal choice and seed demand.
With centralized public seed programs being ineffective, alternative approaches were taken as a point of departure. Farmers were trained to produce quality seed for their own use and for local seed provision to explore opportunities for small-scale seed enterprises. As a result, research and development practitioners developed different models (Asfaw, 2007) for effective seed delivery. The overall objectives of different seed supply models were to improve the variety and seed security of smallholder farmers by enhancing the availability and accessibility of seeds. In the entire model, participation of farmers in seed production sought as an alternative strategy.
 |
South
Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State of Ethiopia (shaded)
|
2. Participatory seed diffusion
Since 1998, farmers were exposed to new bean germplasm through participatory varietal evaluation (PVE) and participatory bean breeding (PPB) in SNNPR region particularly around Awassa area. The bean varieties with wider acceptance through PVE and PPB exercise were included in a participatory seed diffusion scheme involving individual farmers and cooperatives, implemented through local social institutions.
2.1. Individual farmer scheme
The scheme was started in two communities after PVE and PPB trials in 2003 at Boricha 'woreda', Sidama zone. Nine farmers participated in seed multiplication of four varieties supplied by agricultural research. They produced 900 kg seed and sold the seed to other farmers within the community. This was direct researcher-farmer collaboration without partnership with other seed chain actors. In 2006, the scheme entered a partnership with operational research project (supported by Irish Aid) where two farmers were involved in seed multiplication of Awash-1 and Ibado varieties each on half a hectare. The seed multiplied by these two farmers was bought by the project for 2007 seed provision. In 2007, the project supplied 1000 kg seed of Awash-Melka and 900 kg seed of Ibado at Boricha Sidama zone and 3000 kg seed of Awash-Melka and Awash-1 seed at Berissa in Gurage zone. About 70 farmers in Boricha and 120 farmers in Berissa participated in seed production, each on a minimum of 0.25 ha. Participating farmers were selected through community meeting and with help from 'woreda' and 'kebele' agricultural development staff. Farmers were given initial seed of their preferred varieties (Awash-Melka, Awash-1 or Ibado) in a revolving seed system. Farmers receive initial seed as credit and repay in kind, at harvest, the amount of seed received. Agricultural research, Hawassa University and 'woreda' offices in each district are involved. The agricultural research center provided initial seed and trained development agents and 'woreda' agriculture experts in bean seed production and post-harvest handling. The development agents and 'woreda' experts in turn provided on-farm practical training to farmers, and were involved in distributing seed credit, collecting seed at harvest, storing seed and overall technical support to farmers from field selection to harvesting and processing. Agricultural research, development practitioners and farmers monitored jointly the entire operation. About 3,450 kg seed collected as repayment was re-distributed to others farmers in the community for the 2008 cropping season. Seed repayment was 100% at Berissa and 24 % at Boricha. Seed from better-managed fields which met minimum quality, requirements, were sold to other development practitioners in the region. For instance, one farmer at Boricha produced 1600 kg of Ibado seed; and 500 kg was sold as seed to an NGO operating in another zone. The remainder was used as grain within the community. In general, the approach made seed available to farmers in their vicinities and enabled many farmers to access seed through informal channels. However, the scheme encountered some problems during its implementation. First, farmers were not adequately organized which make seed marketing difficult. Second, farmers were unwilling to pay back the seed credit particularly at Boricha, probably due to the influence of long standing relief interventions. Thus, success of revolving seed system requires political commitment of local government.
Bean varieties from participatory selection were also distributed to large numbers of farmers in collaboration with NGOs like Inter-aid France in Boditi (Wolayta zone), Agri-Service in Amaro special 'woreda', Action-aid Ethiopia in Kamba (Gamo-Gofa zone), World Vision in Kambata-Tambaro zone and IPMS (Improving Productivity and Marketing Success to Ethiopian Farmers) project in Dale (Sidama zone).
2.2 Cooperative-based scheme
In cooperative-based scheme (Asrat, 2007), varieties with high market demand were targeted. The agricultural research center, Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development, NGOs, farmers, farmer cooperative unions and grain exporters were involved. Initially, seed production was started side by side with the market-oriented bean grain production initiative in order to provide seed to producers in a sustainable manner. Farmers' cooperative union provide inputs (seed in seed-credit and fertilizers with 25% down payment) to farmers and collected seed repayments for next season's distribution. A joint task force from partners monitors seed production. Field days are organized before the harvest by bringing researchers, development practitioners, farmers, seed processors, grain traders and policy makers to seed production fields for joint evaluation and up-scaling. At harvest, seed from better managed fields which met minimum seed production requirements are purchased by cooperatives at 15% premium over prevailing grain prices. Production from fields not approved for seed was sold as grain to cooperatives.
In 2007, in collaboration with Self-help Development International, 4,545 kg basic seed was distributed to farmers organized in six primary cooperatives in three 'woredas' in Sidama zone (Table 1). In 2008, it was scaled-up to other cooperatives and zones (Table 2) and 17,025 kg seed of 10 varieties were distributed to 552 seed producers at four cooperatives unions covering 180.35 ha. The expected production is 263,900 kg.
| Woreda |
No of cooperative involved
|
Area (ha)
|
Seed distributed
(kg) |
Raw seed produced (kg)
|
| Awassa Zuria |
3
|
14
|
1,260
|
14,500
|
| Boricha |
1
|
16.5
|
1,485
|
11,550
|
| Loko Abaya |
2
|
20
|
1,800
|
18,000
|
| Table 1. Common bean seed distribution for cooperative-based seed scheme in 2007, Sidama Zone | ||||
For IPMS lead activities at Dale in Sidama and Alaba special 'woreda', research supplied initial basic seed in revolving seed system to the cooperatives as part of the seed system of Tropical Legume-II project. Similarly, Damota union at Wolayta zone obtained revolving seed grant from Tropical Legume-II project.
2.3 Community seed saving scheme
This is a collaborative activity between agricultural research and an NGO which is playing the leading role. Inter-Aid France Food Security Project is operating a project in Damot Gale 'woreda' of Wolayta zone. The NGO is promoting community seed production as one of the component of its agricultural development program. By creating a group, it plans to make farmers seed secure and avoid seed credit with high interest at planting time which force them into share-cropping (rent land to creditors). This activity combines seed selection and saving, facilitating access to quality seed to enhance crop production. It improves family finances and increases production.
| Zone |
No of 'woredas'
|
Seed distributed (kg)
|
Area planted (ha)
|
Expected seed produced (kg)
|
No. of farmers
|
Varieties
|
Main scheme supporters
|
| Sidama |
2
|
8,050
|
89.5
|
116,200
|
199
|
Awash-1, Mexican142, Redwolayta
|
Self-help Development International
|
|
1
|
1,100
|
11
|
16,500
|
49
|
DRK, Cranscoup, Dimitu, Nassir
|
IMPS and Research
|
|
| Gurage |
3
|
1,600
|
16.85
|
23200
|
57
|
Mexican142
|
Self-help development international
|
| Wolayta |
1
|
2,675
|
27
|
54,000
|
56
|
Awash-1
|
BoARD
|
|
1
|
2,600
|
26
|
39,000
|
129
|
Ibado, Awash-Melka, Awash-1, Argene
|
Damota Union and Research supplied seed grant
|
|
| Table 2. Cooperative based seed production in 2008 | |||||||
The project is currently working on community bean seed saving scheme using 'iddir', local social organization. These are voluntary community based functional local social institution organized to address societal needs in time of need such as death of a family (funeral services, etc) and house construction, They follow traditional norms and rules with elected leaders. 'Idders' were approached to extend their role in the society from aid-oriented to development-oriented. To begin with volunteer bean seed groups were formed within each 'iddir'. To be a member of a seed group, seed saving is compulsory. Seed savings by members is used as seed capital. Each seed member has the right to get seed credit at planting time twice what he/she saved in the scheme. Seed savings are stored in the house of 'iddir' leader or NGO social workers, in locally made storage structures. The 'idder' leaders also collect seed repayment. The NGO provided initial and subsequent revolving seed grant to the seed groups.
Farmers lack varietal choices to meet their diverse needs due to limited on-farm diversity (small size red bean is dominant). Before initiating the scheme, the project made farmers' aware of new varieties. Awassa Agricultural Research Center provided germplasm and technical backstopping. The project was provided with basic seed of Omo-95 and Ibado varieties and conducted participatory variety evaluation comparing them with a local variety. During evaluation and selection, the communities set their own selection criteria and decided the variety to include in their seed production scheme.
The community selected Omo-95 (RWR-719) variety for seed production scheme based on the following agronomic and culinary attributes: very good germination (seedling emergence and establishment), upright plant structure (strong stem, erect), non-shattering (intact pods), seed color (deep-red color with high market demand), traditional cooking (good look and flavor), relatively longer seed storage period and high grain yield. The variety looks suitable for 'belg' production with an average yield of 1.5 t ha-1 compared to on-farm yields of 1.2-1.8 t ha-1.
The program was started in 2006 'belg' season with three development 'iddirs' under which 7 bean seed groups were organized (each up to 10 members). The project injected 7,200 kg of revolving seed grant to development 'iddiers'. In 2008, this was scaled up to 18 development 'iddirs' with 58 groups and 474 members (Table 3). Meanwhile, the revolving seed of improved variety Omo-95 increased from 720 kg in year 2006 to 1830 kg in the 2008 cropping season. With substantial demand to participate in the seed saving scheme, the project encountered shortage of improved seed. In 2008 belg season, for example, the project could only supply one fourth of the seed demand for Omo-95 compared to a total of 2445 kg requested by participating farmers (excluding seed available in revolving scheme). The gap was met by supplying seed of the local farmer variety (Red Wolayita). Table 3 summarizes the achievements of bean seed saving scheme.
|
Main indicators
|
2006
|
2007
|
2008
|
|
Number of development 'iddirs'
|
3
|
9
|
19
|
|
Number of bean seed groups
|
7
|
22
|
58
|
|
Number of beneficiaries
|
72
|
180
|
474
|
|
Amount of bean seed injected as revolving seed grant
(kg)
|
720
|
890
|
24451
|
|
Amount of bean seed collected and redistributed
to new seed groups (kg)2
|
-
|
610
|
1185
|
|
Beneficiaries who saved seed in subsequent years
and continue as member of seed group
|
82%
|
91%
|
-3
|
|
Level of repayment rate
|
94%
|
97%
|
-3
|
| Note: 11800 kg was Red Wolaita variety; 2All is Omo-95 variety; 3Performance data for 2008 is being collected | |||
| Table 3. Mean grain yield (kg ha-1) and farmer preference of bean lines in mother and baby trials in 2001 and 2002 at two locations (average of two years and two locations) | |||
 |
 |
 |
| Seed collection, treatment and storage: farmers mix seed with soil as local innovation to avoid bruchid attack |
Some key observation with the community bean seed saving scheme are:
|
•
|
Dynamics of seed demand: The scheme introduced during the second year of the project and more groups are still expected, but the response is very positive. There is an increase in the number of new seed groups established by reallocating seed collected from older groups. Farmers are satisfied because the scheme it enables them to get better yields, avoid seed credit and improve seed availability. Farmers liked keeping the seed in the scheme and not worried about seed being eaten during food shortage period which can last up to six months. |
|
•
|
Consistency of participation: There is a rather low level of dropouts in the seed groups; 18% in first year and only 9% during the second year of the scheme. |
|
•
|
Level of repayment: In 2007 'belg' season, the repayment rate was 97%. It is not surprising as 'iddirs' have expertise in dealing with loans. It also confirms the relevance of organizational option selected. |
|
•
|
Benefits to farmers: The scheme helps farmers overcome seed purchase at high price (or loans at high interest rates), avoid sharecropping increased their production and providing greater social benefits. |
Seed supply remains a bottleneck for sustainability of the scheme. Strong partnership with seed chain actors is critical, particularly creating linkage with research for injecting new germplasm; empowering local seed producers and other seed actors; and facilitating links between local seed producers and the 'iddirs'. Looking into the possibility of linking the 'iddirs' with the 'woreda' cooperatives is vital for reliable improved seeds supply.
Conclusion
Strengthening farmer seed system is vital for improving food security, as it is the predominant seed supplier for the majority of farmers in stress environments. Hence, linking the participatory approach with informal distribution will enhance seed security (availability, access and quality) of farming communities in marginal areas. Efforts using local social institutions like 'idders' for seed production, saving and marketing would make the local system more sustainable.
Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge those who supported directly or indirectly the strengthening of local bean seed system in the region. We also thank BoARD staff from regional to 'woreda' level, Self-help Development International, Inter-aid France, Tropical Legume-II project, operational research project, IPMS project and national bean research team for financial and technical support.
References
Asrat, A. 2007. Farmer-based seed production: Experiences of the South Agricultural Research Institute in Ethiopia SeedInfo 32. ICARD, Aleppo, Syria. pp 17-20
Gentry, H.S. 1969. Origin of the common bean: Phaseolus vulgaris. Economic Botany 23: 55-69
Gepts, P and D. Debouck. 1991. Origin, domestication and evolution of the common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). In: Schoonhoven A, Voysest O (ed.) Common beans: Research for Crop Improvement. CAB International, Wallingford, Oxon, UK. pp 7-54