farmer managed seed enterprises in mali
TRANSCRIPT
Access to seed and information about new varieties and
hybrids of sorghum, pearl millet, and associated intercrops,
are major constraints to adoption of available production
technologies. The “Farmer Managed Seed Enterprises in
Mali (FarmSEM)” project, funded by USAID aims to catalyze
growth of the Malian agriculture sector through increased
access to improved seed which is recognized as one of the
major requirements for increasing agricultural productivity.
• baCkgRound
• To enhance skills and capacities of experienced local
seed farmers and seed enterprises, to improve availabi-
lity and access to improved seeds in the target area
• To facilitate adoption of improved varieties and hybrids
by ensuring that appropriate information about perfor-
mance and nutritional characteristics of the new varie-
ties is available to small holder farmers, men and
women.
• objeCtives
FarmSEM intervenes in two USAID FtF regions in Mali:
Mopti and Sikasso.
A basic Diagnosis and identification of farmers seed coope-
ratives was initiated. This was followed by cooperatives
training on seed production, appropriate variety choosing
for seed production, business plan development, marketing
of seed, communication to reach many farmers. Private
rural radios were also trained on sorghum and pearl millet
seed issues.
• methodology & aCtivities
• 38 seeds cooperatives trained in seeds production
• Over 140 tons of seed produced and sold in 2014 & 2015
• 79 training sessions on seed production & commerciali-
zation and over 3,200 farmers participated to these
trainings
• 26,000 farmers used improved seeds (OPVs & hybrids
sorghum, pearl millet and cowpea) and Apron Star for
seed treatment in 2014 & 2015.
• Results and main aChievements
Improved variety & hybrid seeds systems of sorghum, millet
and associated crops are managed by farmers cooperatives.
Each cooperative developed his own business plan to
ensure the sustainability of seed system. These seeds are
prior sold locally before looking for external market.
Communication remains a key tool for varieties diffusion.
• ConClusions
Farmer managed seed enterprises in MaliBaloua Nebie 1, Krista B. Isaac1, Samuel Guindo1, Mamourou Sidibe1, Abdoulaye Diallo2
1: ICRISAT Bamako Mali2: IER Bamako Mali
Corresponding author email: [email protected]
Culinary test with farmers, important step for variety adoption & diffusion
Group of farmers developing
strategies for seed commercialization
Radio staff interviewing president
of seed cooperative on seed
availability