1 fig.; ref. Summary (En)

Using information collected as part of the Overseas Development Institute's on-going seeds research programme, this paper investigates the economics of farmer seed production and distribution in developing countries, including their social equity and gender aspects. The paper concludes that the conventional contract grower approach to involving smallholders in seed production, which copies formal sector organisational structures and methods, does not necessarily make economic sense. Instead, the paper suggests re-thinking the approach, to support and build on the traditional seed production and distribution mechanisms that already exist within small farm communities. The role for external organisations in supporting these alternative farmer-based seed schemes is discussed

English

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