1. Integrated Seed Sector Development (ISSD)
How informal and formal seed systems can work together for the conservation and use of agricultural biodiversity
J. Coosje Hoogendoorn, Peter Gildemacher, Willem Heemskerk, Marja Thijssen
Photo: KIT – Genevieve Audet-Belanger
Integrated Seed Sector
Development (ISSD)

2. Agricultural biodiversity and conservation and its availability for use are central to robust seed systems that support food security, poverty eradication and resilience to climate change
and vice versa:
Robust seed systems are central to agricultural biodiversity conservation and its availability for use
Photo: KIT – Geneviève Audet-Bélanger

3. Smallholder farmers get their seed from different sources
Own field/local market
International company
NARS

4. Formal and informal seed systems
ex situ PGR conservation
variety development
EGS production
multiplication
marketing
seed selection
production
diffusion
in situ PGR
conservation

5. ISSD-Integrated Seed Sector Development Approach
Supports the development of a vibrant, pluralistic and market-oriented seed sector
Embraced by the African Union
Three country programmes in Africa: Ethiopia, Uganda, Burundi
ISSD Africa: continent-wide capacity building & policy support
Education support programme in Mozambique
Feasibility study started for Myanmar

6. ISSD - Principles
Foster pluralism and build on diversity of seed systems
Work according to the structure of the seed value chain
Promote entrepreneurship and market orientation
Recognize the relevance of informal seed systems
Facilitate interactions between formal & informal seed systems
Recognize complementary roles public and private sector
Support enabling and evolving policies for a dynamic sector
Promote evidence based seed sector innovations

7. ISSD: The synergy between formal and informal seed systems
ex situ PGR conservation
variety development
EGS production
multiplication
marketing
Supporting CBM
PVS
LSB
Local seed outlets
seed selection
production
diffusion
in situ PGR
conservation

8. Exchange of materials between CBM and genebanks
Genebanks need to limit themselves to high value and unique genotypes
In situ conservation adapted to genetically diverse populations
Coordination can optimize effectiveness & costs:
Comparison of ex situ stored with ‘in use’ local varieties
Seeds for Needs: re-introduction to farmers, fine- tuning through crowd sourcing feedback (Bioversity International)

9. Matching Global Commitments with National Realities (ISSD Africa Theme 3)
Active exchange between ex situ and CBM can assure fast (re-)introduction of lost and new diversity
Research was done in Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Systems and legal procedures (such as the SMTA under ITPGRFA) should but do not facilitate this yet.

10. The synergy between formal and informal seed systems
ex situ PGR conservation
variety development
EGS production
multiplication
marketing
Supporting CBM
PVS
LSB
Local seed outlets
seed selection
production
diffusion
in situ PGR
conservation

11. Seed health improvement for local storage
Seed quality not only dependent on genetics but also on phytosanitary health.
ISSD supports the development of Local Seed Businesses:
More local knowledge on seed health factors
More local knowledge on effect of storage on seed vigour
This is beneficial for CBM of:
Major crops
Minor & local crops (stored mainly in situ)

12. The synergy between formal and informal seed systems
ex situ PGR conservation
variety development
EGS production
multiplication
marketing
Supporting CBM
PVS
LSB
Local seed outlets
seed selection
production
diffusion
in situ PGR
conservation

13. Improved Use of Agrobiodiversity
ISSD support Participatory Variety Selection (PVS), to be marketed locally:
Participation of farmers in formal private and public breeding programmes
Independent seed production of improved genotypes of local crops by LSBs
Breeders in formal programmes can better target new varieties
Smallholder farmers are able to explore beyond their local diversity.

14. Developments and Trends in the Formal sector
Agricultural biodiversity at the farm is made up of a diverse portfolio of modern (hybrid) and local varieties:
Determined by its use for food, fodder, market, crop rotation
to be protected & optimized (sustainable intensification)
Importance of quality seeds and improved varieties for meeting global food security and poverty reduction goals is widely acknowledged.
Public sector has recognized role for ex situ conservation
Role of private seed sector expected to increase in seed supply to smallholder farmers

15. Seed companies recognize smallholders as important clients
Copyright Access to Seeds Foundation
Access to Seeds Index 2016:
Seed companies recognize smallholders as important clients (

16. Seed Companies and Agrobiodiversity Conservation and use (Access to Seeds Index 2016)
Only a few companies were found to engage in:
Breeding of minor crops
Participatory plant breeding
Global seed companies collaborate with genebanks, but mainly the international ones and in OECD countries.
Eastern Africa Index: Regional companies collaborate with ex situ collections in their country of origin
If concentration in the seed sector towards global companies continues, the link between ex situ and CBM at the local farm level may weaken further.

17. Take home messages
Important crops in smallholder agriculture are often part of the informal and unregulated seed system (beans, millets, local vegetables)
Other crops (maize, ‘global’ vegetables) are part of the formal and regulated seed system.
These two systems are not separate systems, and should seek synergies (ISSD approach):
For better access to quality seeds for smallholder farmers
AND for better agricultural biodiversity management

18. The synergy between formal and informal seed systems
ex situ PGR conservation
variety development
EGS production
multiplication
marketing
Supporting CBM
PVS
LSB
Local seed outlets
seed selection
production
diffusion
in situ PGR
conservation

19. Thank you very much for your attention
Better interactions between the formal and informal seed sector in agricultural biodiversity conservation and use deserves high priority T
Thank you very much for your attention