Addressing seed security in disaster response. Overview

The overview report gives the major features and results of eight case studies in order to improve practices in seed aid. These eight case studies were undertaken to evaluate various forms of emergency seed aid. The objectives were to understand if and how vulnerable farmers are being helped by the kinds of assistance they receive.

The work was undertaken over a two-year period, in seven countries in Africa. Emergency seed system assistance was delivered in six out of the eight cases in response to what was characterized as an acute stress. That is, acute seed insecurity was presumed to have been brought on by distinct, short-duration events. However, more in-depth analysis, in all six cases, showed the problems to be of a more chronic, systemic nature (declining productivity, water-related stress, civil unrest, misplaced policies). The result of an acute response in a more chronically stressed context means that the problem is not alleviated and that seed system assistance is then needed again and again. This may even have negative impact on the vulnerable population. It is available in English and French.

The full report (only available in English) brings case studies abstracts that provide context and intervention-specific findings.

International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) - 2004