Enabling effective maize seed system in low-income countries of West Africa: Insights from Benin

Introduction Access to high-quality seeds remains a key constraint to the intensification of crop production in low-income countries. In this study, we analyzed maize seed production and distribution systems in Benin to identify leverage points for effective seed systems, a prerequisite for improving maize production. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 81 seed producers selected in seven municipalities across the three phytogeographical zones of Benin. Key informant interviews were also conducted with ten public and private stakeholders involved in maize seed systems in Benin. Results and discussion Findings showed that the legal and institutional frameworks governing seed systems in Benin were recently reinforced with a national seed policy, the creation and operationalization of the National Committee of Plant Seeds and the existence of regulations and rules on the production, quality control, certification, trade, and packaging of seeds. In addition, enabling conditions to facilitate the involvement of the private sector have been greatly improved with the revision of modalities for obtaining approval for the production and distribution of seeds in Benin. While the seed sector is improving and both public and private stakeholders are involved in maize seed production and distribution, synergies among stakeholders need to be strengthened. Strengthening business and marketing skills of seed producers through training and promoting the comparative advantages of improved seeds in increasing yield and production among maize farmers could be a promising avenue. Connecting seed producers with maize farmers' organizations coupled with ICT-based agro-advisories could boost the development of the maize seed sector, and ultimately the maize value chain

KEYWORDS Cashew Ethnobotany Genetic diversity Plantation management Benin INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE AND TRADITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF CASHEW (Anacardium occidentale L) GENETIC RESOURCES IN BENIN

ABSTRACT In order to evaluate producers' knowledge level on cashew tree production and its socio-cultural importance, present an ethnobotanical study has been conducted from January to March 2013 in three ecological zones of Benin. A total of 347 cashew producers of seven ethnic groups have been interviewed from 21 villages. Data were collected by using participatory research approach through group discussions followed by individual investigations. The results of this study showed that farmers have very good knowledge about the fructification, the length of the flowering period, the different varieties grown and their level of productivity through time. Traditionally, many varieties are recognized and diverse criteria such as the color, the form and the shape of the apple, the form and the shape of the nut were used by the producers for the identification and the description of the cashew varieties. Besides the shape of the nut and the plant productivity are the two main selection criteria of cashew varieties for the installment of their plantations. On the other hand, the leaf, the bark and the roots are used in the traditional medicine for the treatment of some diseases. Cashew is the second important cash crop after cotton in the study area because of its contribution to the income of the producers. These findings are important for the management and exploitation of cashew genetic resources for a better production in Benin

Table_1_Enabling effective maize seed system in low-income countries of West Africa: Insights from Benin.DOCX

IntroductionAccess to high-quality seeds remains a key constraint to the intensification of crop production in low-income countries. In this study, we analyzed maize seed production and distribution systems in Benin to identify leverage points for effective seed systems, a prerequisite for improving maize production.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 81 seed producers selected in seven municipalities across the three phytogeographical zones of Benin. Key informant interviews were also conducted with ten public and private stakeholders involved in maize seed systems in Benin.Results and discussionFindings showed that the legal and institutional frameworks governing seed systems in Benin were recently reinforced with a national seed policy, the creation and operationalization of the National Committee of Plant Seeds and the existence of regulations and rules on the production, quality control, certification, trade, and packaging of seeds. In addition, enabling conditions to facilitate the involvement of the private sector have been greatly improved with the revision of modalities for obtaining approval for the production and distribution of seeds in Benin. While the seed sector is improving and both public and private stakeholders are involved in maize seed production and distribution, synergies among stakeholders need to be strengthened. Strengthening business and marketing skills of seed producers through training and promoting the comparative advantages of improved seeds in increasing yield and production among maize farmers could be a promising avenue. Connecting seed producers with maize farmers' organizations coupled with ICT-based agro-advisories could boost the development of the maize seed sector, and ultimately the maize value chain.</p