Pluralistic Seed System Development: A Path to Seed Security?

Seed security is central to crop production for smallholder farmers in developing countries, but it remains understudied relation long-term seed sector development. Here, we compare systems two districts of Central Ethiopia characterized by subsistence-oriented teff cultivation and commercially oriented wheat relate this the country’s pluralistic system development strategy (PSSDS). Our analysis based on quantitative qualitative information from a household survey focus group discussions with farmers, as well document review key informant interviews actors that make up study sites. Farmers both used range sources primarily obtained their seeds informal sources. Evidence insecurity was found districts, apparent discrepancies between what say they prefer those actually use, limited availability improved varieties especially certified these, challenges quality some sources, differentiated access preferred according sex, age wealth. We find interventions prioritized PSSDS address most dysfunctions identified, implementation lags, particularly system, which largely neglected government programs. The intermediate shows promise, while improvements have been made formal vested political, organizational, economic interests within institutions represent major obstacles must be overcome achieve truly integrative inclusive