Formal and Informal Seed Systems in Kenya: Supporting Indigenous Vegetable Seed Quality

Abstract

Indigenous vegetables play an important role in Kenyan food security, but production is limited by poor seed quality. Traditionally, seeds have been traded through informal networks, but a new formal seed sector is emerging. This study assessed the relative potential for formal or informal seed systems to meet the need for high-quality indigenous vegetable seed. By evaluating determinants of farmers’ seed purchasing behaviour, we conclude that informal seed systems have greater potential to meet this need and should be strengthened. This study suggests that policy-makers should use context-specific data to guide decisions on seed policy.

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the USAID Horticulture Collaborative Research Support Program, the Borlaug Fellowship for Global Food Security, the David L. Boren Fellowship, and the Clifford B. Kinley Trust. Data and code are available upon request by contacting corresponding author. We would also like to thank the two anonymous reviewers.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Horticulture [105662]; Borlaug Fellowship for Global Food Security [N/A]; Cliford B. Kinley Trust [N/A]; David L. Boren Fellowship [N/A].