Nature-Positive Seed Production for Sustainable Community Seed Banks in Kenya

Abstract

Access to high-quality and affordable seeds is crucial for farmers to improve their yields, produce better quality crops, and enhance nutritional value. This is especially important for farmer-preferred cultivars, which are often open-pollinated varieties lacking systematic quality assurance support from the formal seed sector. Recognizing this need, the ICARDA-ALIANCE seed component, under Work Package 2 of the Nature-Positive Solutions-CGIAR initiative, focused on source seed production. This effort aims to support the multiplication and distribution of these valuable cultivars through Community Seed Banks (CSBs). Early generation seed production is a critical skill for Community Seed Banks (CSBs) aiming to scale their impact. Mastery of these techniques allows for increased seed multiplication and distribution, directly supporting large-scale crop production. This strengthens CSB sustainability and contributes to agrobiodiversity conservation, resilient food systems, and improved farmer livelihoods

Modern breeding and technology have revolutionized seed sector development, resulting in high yielding varieties and hybrids that enhance commercial production of few staple crops. However, subsistence farmers have yet to fully benefit from these advancements in seed technology.

Whether a crop variety is a pure line or a population, successful seed production hinges on careful management throughout the entire process. This includes establishing a variety identity, maintaining purity, implementing good farming practices, and adhering to quality standards. From research and breeding to post-harvest handling and marketing, each stage demands attention.

In Kenya, the seed industry operates through both formal and informal sectors. Smallholder farmers in Western Kenya have bimodal rainfall and often rely on the informal sector of their local crops and cultivars, sourcing seeds from various sources like farm-saved seed, exchanges with other farmers, local markets, NGOs, and CSBs. Unfortunately, these seeds often lack quality assurance and traceability. This can result in poor yields, disease susceptibility, and lower incomes for farmers already facing challenges from erratic weather patterns, including unpredictable rainfall and hailstorms.