Contextualizing private sector-based seed system development: The case of sorghum in Eastern Africa

Private sector-based seed system development remains a key intervention in Sub-Saharan Africa. Seed interventions promoting the adoption of improved varieties through private sector generally follow linear, market-oriented technological logic. A qualitative case study sorghum Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania demonstrates that this model may not be able to drive broad-scale generate significant benefits for small sorghum-farming households. The findings suggest agro-ecological, social, political-economic contexts critically determine role can play rural development. Improved promoted by both public sectors suit needs, preferences farming companies hold as an add-on their portfolio, investing less resources research into compared more profitable crops such vegetable maize seeds. Significant obstacles exist favor support cash rice, limiting growth system. We conclude future should build on approaches aim develop diverse channels delivery formal informal systems, adopt livelihoods perspective evaluate costs, benefits, risks associated with new technologies, acknowledge are only one out portfolio