Resilient Seed System Development for Community Seed Banks in Western Kenya

Abstract

Ensuring the availability of high-quality and healthy seeds, particularly the neglected and underutilized species (NUS) remains a critical challenge in effective agrobiodiversity conservation and utilization to enhance resilient nutritive food security. The formal seed sector largely concentrates on a limited number of crops, leaving gaps in farmers’ access to diverse and farmer-preferred resilient crop varieties. The national and international partners, namely the Alliance- Bioversity International & CIAT, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the local county authorities devoted concerted efforts to support establishment and development of community seed banks in western Kenya. The International Center for Agriculture Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) joined the program in 2023 under the CGIAR Nature Positive Solutions Initiative and continues under the Multifunctional landscape scientific program of the same. The ICARDA intervention focused on development of (1) a farmer-friendly variety catalogue, (2) early generation seed production manual, (3) provision of post-harvest seed operations equipment and facilities, and (4) the necessary capacity development to maximize the benefits from the facilities. The purpose of the Support to Resilient Seed System Development for Community Seed Banks in Western Kenya was to strengthen the functionality and sustainability of community seed banks in Kisumu and Vihiga Counties through capacity building, equipment upgrading, and demonstration of improved seed production and post-harvest practices. Specifically, the visit’s aim was to ensure effective utilization of post-harvest seed processing equipment, enhance the technical skills of CSB members, and support the implementation of demonstration activities that promote quality seed production and dissemination under the CGIAR Multifunctional Land Scape Science program building on the achievements of Nature Positive Solutions Initiative investments. This first Technical Support and Capacity Development under the MFL program was carried out from 26 to 29 August to kickstart the program’s follow-up process. The mission focused on (1) upgrading of post-harvest seed operation equipment provided under the N+ initiative, (2) training Community Seed Bank (CSB) members, and (3) designing and implementing demonstration activities on crop catalogue and EGS production manual enhancement. This report summarizes these activities.