Local markets, local varieties. Rising food prices and small farmers' access to seed

This report provides case-specific responses to key seed policy issues, which were discussed at the project findings meeting at the FAO in May 2008. The paper answers key questions in the country context for India, Kenya, and Mali. The brief further analyses issues related to the existing seed supply and policies to promote the increased use of quality seed by improving farmer access in village markets.

The authors highlight a number of issues related to how availability and distribution of seed and grain and storage practices could be improved among poor farmers and open-air vendors. The paper concludes that in the longer term, policies that ensure quality seed availability to smallholder farmers in rural areas are essential for ensuring sustainable rural livelihoods, meeting the Millennium Development Goal targets for cutting hunger and poverty, and achieving food security.

IFPRI, FAO - February 2009