Political Economy of the Wheat Sector in Morocco: Seed Systems, Varietal Adoption, and Impacts

Zewdie Bishaw, Yigezu Yigezu, Abdoul Aziz Niane, Roberto Telleria, Dina Najjar. (28/2/2018). Political Economy of the Wheat Sector in Morocco: Seed Systems, Varietal Adoption, and Impacts. Beirut, Lebanon: International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA).

Abstract

This book, Political Economy of the Wheat Sector in Morocco: Seed Systems, Varietal Adoption, and Impacts, documents the studies conducted on the wheat sector in general. It also documents the wheat seed system, its adoption and impacts in Morocco, through support provided by the CGIAR Research Program (CRP) on Wheat and the European Union-International Fund for Agricultural Development (EU-IFAD) Project. Chapter 1 highlights the cereal seed sector, including the policy and regulatory frameworks. Chapter 2 presents the development of improved wheat varieties, their registration and release, including variety protection and licensing for commercialization. Chapter 3 summarizes the early generation seed (breeder, pre-basic, and basic) multiplication by the National Agricultural Research System (NARS), and large scale certified seed production by the public and private sectors. Chapter 4 elaborates on seed quality assurance and certification. Chapter 5 describes the adoption and impacts of improved varieties and seed demand analysis. Chapter 6 presents perspectives on the wheat seed sector. Chapter 7 synthesizes the overall findings on the wheat seed sector, focusing on delivery systems, variety adoption, and impacts in Morocco. The experiences documented in this book are expected to inform stakeholders – including policy makers, researchers, farmers, private and public commercial farms, and development partners – about the status, challenges, and opportunities in the wheat sector in Morocco. Additionally, it paves the way for the development of more efficient intervention options for the future.