A new model for inclusive seed delivery : lessons from a pilot study in Kenya - leveraging champion farmers’ entrepreneurial know-how to reach the last mile

Climate change has exacerbated the frequency and severity of extreme weather events affecting the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa. The formal seed sector is an important entry point to help farmers better manage these risks, as it provides access to high-quality certified seeds of improved stress-tolerant varieties. The challenge, however, is that the formal market is not always inclusive and is more accessible to middle- or largescale (and often male) farmers. Smaller farmers (often female) are more likely to obtain seeds from informal sources. This creates social inequities in distribution channels for quality seeds. ACRE Africa provides agricultural insurance products as part of a wholistic integrated risk management approach, with the aim of de-risking the farmer at all stages of production. ACRE engages champion farmers in their activities as part of their efforts to increase farmers’ access to quality seeds, and to diversify champion farmer revenue streams. Using their social networks, champions can form a bridge between informal, semi-formal and formal systems, providing both women and men with better access to quality seeds.

NWO-WOTRO

Integrated Seed Systems Development (ISSD)

CGIAR research program for Policies, Institutions and Markets (PIM)