ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF COMMUNITY BASED BEAN SEED PRODUCTION AND MARKETING IN THE CENTRAL RIFT VALLEY OF ETHIOPIA

Limited access to seed of improved varieties is an impediment to agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers in the national and international agricultural research systems have been piloting a community based seed multiplication and marketing enterprises (CBSME) model, as an alternative to the formal seed systems, in order to increase availability and accessibility to quality seed of improved common bean ( Phaseolus vulvaris L.) varieties by smallholder farmers. The objective of this study was to assess the profitability of CBSME as an enterprise for seed production and analyse factors that influence farmers\u2019 decisions to participate in it as seed producers or buyers of seed. Gross margins were computed to assess value addition at farm level; while Tobit and multivariate probit models used to respectively, analyse determinants of participation in community based seed multiplication enterprise and its use by producers as a seed source. The community based seed multiplication enterprises were found to be profitable, generating US$792 as gross margins and accessible to farmers for the bean seed, along other seed sources, i.e. formal and informal seed systems. These three seed production and delivery models competed at farm level, but complemented each other in terms of reaching users in different social groups and locations. Community based seed multiplication enterprises as sources of seed were used by farmers located in rural areas and those in farmer organisations/cooperatives. However, seed production through this model is concentrated closer to urban areas, where individual seed producers are easily linked to the formal seed system. This, however, makes the marketing of seed reliant on big buyers for redistribution among remote farming communities.L\u2019acc\ue8s limit\ue9 aux semences de vari\ue9t\ue9s am\ue9lior\ue9es est un obstacle \ue0 la productivit\ue9 agricole en Afrique sub-Saharienne. Les cherheurs dans les systems nationaux de recherches agricoles sont entrain de tester des mod\ue8les d\u2019entreprises communautaires de multiplication et de commercialisation (CBSME); comme une alternative aux syst\ue8mes semenciers formels, dans le but d\u2019accro\ueetre la disponibilit\ue9 et l\u2019accessibilit\ue9 aux semences de qualit\ue9 de l\u2019haricot commun ( Phaseolus vulvaris L.) par les petits producteurs. L\u2019objectif de cette \ue9tude \ue9tait d\u2019\ue9valuer la profitabilit\ue9 de CBSME comme une entreprise de production des semences et d\u2019analyser les facteurs qui influencent les d\ue9cisions des producteurs \ue0 y participer en tant que producteurs et acheteurs de semences. Les marges brutes \ue9taient calcul\ue9es pour \ue9valuer la value ajout\ue9e au niveau de l\u2019exploitation agricole, tandis que les mod\ue8les de Tobit et multivari\ue9 de Probit \ue9taient utilis\ue9s respectivelement, pour analyser les determinants de participation \ue0 l\u2019entreprise de multiplication des semences communautaires et son utilisation par les producteurs comme une source de semences. Les entreprises de multiplication des semences communautaires ont \ue9t\ue9 identifi\ue9es rentables, g\ue9n\ue9rant des marges brutes de 792 US dollars et les semences de l\u2019haricot sont accessibles aux producteurs, compar\ue9es \ue0 d\u2019autres sources de semences, c\u2019est-\ue0-dire les syst\ue8mes semenciers formel et informel. Ces trois mod\ue8les de production et de distribution des semences se rivalisent \ue0 l\u2019\ue9chelle de l\u2019exploitation agricole, mais se compl\ue8tent en atteignant differents groupes sociaux d\u2019utilisateurs dans de localit\ue9s diff\ue9rentes. Les entreprises de multiplication des semences communautaires comme sources de semences, \ue9taient utilis\ue9es par les producteurs situ\ue9s dans les milieux ruraux et ceux en organisations/coop\ue9ratives paysannes. N\ue9amoins, la production des semences \ue0 travers ce mod\ue8le est plus concentr\ue9e dans les zones urbaines, o\uf9 les producteurs individuels de semences entrent facilement en contact avec le syst\ue8me semencier formel. Ceci, cependant met la commercialisation de la semence en \ue9troit contact avec les grands acheteurs pour la redistribution des semences entre les communaut\ue9s paysannes isol\ue9es

A cost-benefit analysis of farmer based seed production for common bean in Kenya

Community based informal seed production has recently gained popularity as an alternative to the formal seed sector of disseminating new crop varieties including the common bean. This is because farmer produced seed is readily available and is more affordable by most farmers than certified seed. This study examined the profitability of farmer based common bean seed production in Kenya. The study used data collected from farmers and one seed company participating in seed multiplication. The principal finding was that farmer based common bean seed production was a profitable enterprise and was less sensitive to price fluctuations. Compared to certified common bean seed production, net profit margins were five times higher for certified common bean seed than for farmer based common bean seed production. With the current varieties, profitability depends on access to irrigation and good agronomy.Une production formelle de semences communautaires a r\ue9cemment gagn\ue9 la popularit\ue9 comme une alternative au secteur formel de semence de dissemination de nouvelles vari\ue9t\ue9s des cultures dont le haricot commun. Ceci se justifie par le fait que la semence produite par les fermiers est disponible et est plus abordable par la plupart de fermiers que la semence certifi\ue9e. Cette \ue9tude a examin\ue9 la profitabilit\ue9 de la production de semence par les fermiers au Kenya. Les donn\ue9es utilis\ue9es \ue9taient celles collect\ue9es chez les fermiers et dans une compagnie de multiplication de semence. Le principal r\ue9sultat \ue9tait que la production communautaire de semence de haricot commun \ue9tait une enterprise profitable et \ue9tait moins sensitive aux fluctuations des prix. En comparaison \ue0 la production certifi\ue9e de semence de haricot commun, les profits nets marginaux \ue9taient cinq fois plus \ue9lev\ue9s pour la semence du haricot commun certifi\ue9e que pour la production de m\ueame semence par les fermiers. Avec de vari\ue9t\ue9s actuelles, la profitabilit\ue9 d\ue9pends de l\u2019acc\ue8s \ue0 l\u2019irrigation et une bonne agronomie

Development and delivery of bean varieties in Africa: The Pan- Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) Model

Common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) has evolved rapidly in Africa and is steadily transforming from a traditional subsistence to a market-oriented crop, with major impacts on household incomes, food and nutritional security, and national economies. However, these benefits are yet to be felt in many parts of the continent because of multiple constraints that limit bean productivity. The Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) has been at the forefront of efforts to accelerate the transition of beans from a subsistence crop to a modern commodity in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper presents a unique partnership model and the breeding and seed delivery strategies used by PABRA to reach millions of beneficiaries with improved bean varieties. The breeding strategy involved the paradigm shift from a monolithic approach where varieties were bred for yield or resistance to single environmental stresses, to a grain type-led and market-driven approach. The PABRA model comprises partnerships between and among Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT), National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), public and private sector actors along the varied bean product value chains, and technology end-users. This model led to the release of over 200 varieties during 2003-2011, including beans with resistance to multiple constraints (biotic and abiotic), high iron and zinc content, and those for specific niche markets. PABRA reached 7.5 million households with seed of improved bean varieties during 2003- 2008 and is expected to reach an additional 14 million by 2013. From this undertaking, aspects that lend to policy recommendations to key stakeholders in the common beans value chain include: facilitation of access to credit; promotion of breeder and foundation seed production; easing of restrictions on the release of varieties; facilitation of collective marketing schemes; and deliberate policy frameworks to encourage the use of complementary integrated crop management practices.En Afrique, le haricot commun ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) a connu une \ue9volution rapide se transformant d\u2019une culture de subsistance traditionnelle en une marchandise commerciale avec des impacts majeurs sur les revenus, la s\ue9curit\ue9 alimentaire et nutritionnelle des m\ue9nages ainsi que sur l\u2019\ue9conomie nationale. Toutefois, ces avantages ne sont pas tellement per\ue7us dans nombreuses r\ue9gions du continent en raison de multiples contraintes (biotiques et abiotiques) qui limitent la rentabilit\ue9 et la commercialisation du haricot. L\u2019Alliance Panafricaine de Recherche sur l\u2019Haricot (PABRA - Pan Africa Bean Research Alliance) est \ue0 l\u2019avant-garde des efforts visant acc\ue9l\ue9rer cette transition du haricot en Afrique sub-saharienne. Cet article pr\ue9sente un mod\ue8le de partenariat unique, et les strat\ue9gies de s\ue9lection et vulgarisation des vari\ue9t\ue9s utilis\ue9es par PABRA pour faciliter l\u2019acc\ue8s des millions de b\ue9n\ue9ficiaires aux vari\ue9t\ue9s am\ue9lior\ue9es du haricot. La strat\ue9gie de s\ue9lection exigeait le changement d\u2019une approche monolithique o\uf9 les vari\ue9t\ue9s \ue9taient s\ue9lectionn\ue9es pour leur rendement ou leur r\ue9sistance aux stress environnementaux simples, \ue0 une approche bas\ue9e sur le type de grain et ax\ue9e sur le march\ue9. Le mod\ue8le de PABRA comprend les partenariats entre et parmi le Centre International d\u2019Agriculture Tropical(CIAT), les syst\ue8mes nationaux de recherche agricole (NARS), les acteurs publics et priv\ue9s le long des diff\ue9rentes cha\ueenes de valeur du haricot, et les utilisateurs de nouvelles technologies. Ce mod\ue8le a conduit \ue0 l\u2019enregistrement de plus de 200 vari\ue9t\ue9s durant la p\ue9riode 2003-2011, y compris les haricots avec r\ue9sistance \ue0 multiples contraintes (biotiques et abiotiques), un contenu \ue9lev\ue9 de fer (Fe) et du zinc (Zn), et ceux pour les march\ue9s de niches sp\ue9cifiques. PABRA a atteint 7,5 millions de m\ue9nages facilitant leur acc\ue8s aux semences de vari\ue9t\ue9s am\ue9lior\ue9es de haricots durant la p\ue9riode 2003 2008 et devrait atteindre quelque 14 millions de personnes suppl\ue9mentaires d\u2019ici 2013. Les recommandations aux d\ue9cideurs politiques qui visent \ue0 renforcer le d\ue9veloppement et la vulgarisation des vari\ue9t\ue9s am\ue9lior\ue9es du haricot comprennent: la facilitation de l\u2019acc\ue8s au cr\ue9dit; promotion de la production de semences de base et pr\ue9-base; assouplissement des restrictions sur la diffusion des vari\ue9t\ue9s; facilitation des r\ue9gimes de commercialisation collective; et des cadres de politique visant \ue0 encourager la gestion int\ue9gr\ue9e des cultures chez les cultivateurs de haricot

PABRA means partnership: Transforming agriculture in Africa together

For two decades, the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), a partnership developed and facilitated by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) – a CGIAR Research Center – has fostered a pan-African research and development partnership to strengthen the common bean value chain. Common beans are important food legumes and contribute to the food and nutrition security, income generation and enhances production systems in over 32 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. To achieve food and nutrition security, Africa must participate, promote regional, continental, and global markets, and strengthen key value chains. Our policies need to be deliberately tailored, made conducive and supportive so as to take advantage of opportunities offered by technological development and innovations. Enhancing capacities of different stakeholder cannot be emphasized. With a changing climate, Africa needs to be prepared with mitigation strategies, plans, policies, tools and actions that enhance resilience of our production systems and communities

Women at the center of Cowpea value chain development in Nigeria

M s. Hadja Salame Shaibu (Fig. 7.1) is a cowpea producer and processor in the Local Government Area of Dawakin Tofa. She grew up in a farming community where crop- livestock integration is a tradition. When she got married few decades ago, Salame continued farming and keeping livestock to support her new family, mainly in sorghum and cowpea production

Empowered communities tell their own stories from common bean production in Uganda

Most smallholder farmers in Uganda often opt to farm the more popular crops which include coffee, plantain, cassava, sweet potatoes, and maize. Smallholder bean farming in Uganda is however overtaking the crops as farmers are seeing the potential that bean farming possesses. Women in the traditional Ugandan setting are considered as care givers and are tasked with ensuring food security. In Northern Uganda for instance, women are not entitled to inheriting land. When it comes to land sharing, women are only allowed to endorse the sharing. They are however given a portion where they can plant crops they can utilize in the household. The tropical legumes however strived to eradicate the stereotype that exists with the position of women in production for commercial purposes (Fig. 5.1)

Breakthroughs in groundnut production communities in Nigeria

Mrs. Hadja Talatu Idrissa (Fig. 6.1), a community women leader, is the chairperson of the Bunkure women group that is active in groundnut production and oil processing. The group which counts 25 members joined the TLIII project family 4 years ago. They started growing a small seed pack of 5 kg in their community farmland. “It was the harvest of this seed pack that we revolved and planted in a bigger farm plot in the following year,” reported Mrs. Hadja

Impact stories and testimonies from diverse actors in groundnut value chain in Tanzania

Adamu, a groundnut farmer from Maugura village, Masasi, shared his success story for being involved in TL projects . “I was taught how to grow the seeds, carry out diagnosis, how to store them, among other things. This year, there are some seeds that I have begun putting on the ground so that I can continue conducting research about them. Naliendele Institute gave me about 20 lines and I am working on all of them. In fact, they have not yet been named. I’ve just planted them in plots; from plot number one to plot number twenty.

Common bean value chain actors share their feeling about TL projects in Tanzania

Apart from groundnut, Tropical Legumes I, II, and III also focused on common beans in Tanzania. In early April 2018, we visited Selian Agricultural Research Institute in Arusha, which is in the Northeast of Tanzania, and about 100 km from the Kenyan border. We also visited Mbeya, a town in the Southwest of Tanzania, just about 100 km from both Malawi and Zambia borders. Here, we found the first collaborator of Michael Kilango at Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute-Uyole who took us to meet different people in Mbeya and Mbozi areas

The Seed Constraint: New approaches for smallholder agriculture in eastern and southern Africa

Pilot interventions through the Tropical Legumes II (TL-II) Project have shown promise in making new varieties available to farmers who depend on the farmer seed system. These initiatives which includes community seed schemes, seed recovery and seed bank schemes, seed fairs, contracting schemes, small seed packs, etc being promoted under TL-II, are further developed, and linked to participatory research, where farmers are directly involved in variety selection and testing. R&D agencies linked through TL-II implementation are designing and testing demand-driven seed supply strategies, which provide the necessary incentives for farmers to buy seed from the marketplace. The alternative approaches described above are based on two propositions; that different approaches are required for different crops and that we must lay greater emphasis on stimulating seed demand rather than focusing exclusively on seed supply. This report describes the legume seed dissemination strategies used for chickpea in Ethiopia, and groundnut and pigeonpea in Malawi and Tanzania and other TL-II focus countries. Preliminary research results from TL-II baseline studies in all three countries found that there was very limited awareness about improved legume varieties, and that neither public- nor private-sector interventions to produce and market legume seeds had a successful track record in these countries. To overcome these constraints investments have been made in breeder and foundation seed production, and proceeds from seed sales used to re-capitalize seed revolving funds that are then used to support subsequent seed production cycles