1 1 Fast-tracking the Access to Popular and Improved Varieties of Root Crops by Smallholder Farmers Component 1: Seed acquisition and agronomy Progress Review meeting IITA Regional Hub Offices - DSM July 3, 2015

2 2 Implementers and Locations Collaborators: Sokoine University of Agriculture Sugarcane Research Institute - Kibaha Lake Zone Agricultural Research and Development Institute - Maruku, Ukirigu Kizimbani Agricultural Research Institute Kolping Tanzania - Bukoba Locations: Eastern Zones I: - Mvomero, Gairo Eastern Zones II: - Coast Mkuranga Zanzibar: - North B, Kizimbani Lake Zone I: - Bukoba, Misenyi Lake Zone II: - Misungwi, Sengerema, Shy

1. Introduction In TZ SP produced by at least 21 regions In the country LZ contributes about 25% Overall yield potential about 20t/Ha BUT The current on farm yield is less than 6t/ha Lack of access to superior varieties Low knowledge on agronomic practices, seed conservation and handling Lack of knowledge on insect and disease management SP cultivars grown by farmers are mostly low yielding landraces less or no vitamin A nutrients

Seed acquisition component Objective 1: To increase knowledge on the recommended sp production agronomic practices and seed system for increased sp productivity at hh level Objective 2: To enhance access and adoption of preferred and improved sp varieties by farmers in targeted communities Note: Objective 1 have 9 activities Objective 2 have 5 activities

Activities accomplished 1. Seed roadmaps were developed at each zone ◦ To determine  Quantity of the material to be distributed per school/HH  # Ha to be established  # HH to be reached throughout the project cycle  Identification of varieties to be distributed per zone Implementers in the LZ preparing seed road map

6 6 2 Levels: District level:  34 stakeholders sensitized (6 Zanzibar, 7 EZ 1, 14 LZ1, 7 EZ 11) community level(local leaders and sp farmers  131 stakeholders sensitized 2. Project Introduction and sensitization achieved Project starts up meeting in North B Local government at district and community level participated Sensitization meeting at Mvomero EZ I

Process evaluation sites accomplished 6 districts: Eastern Zone I: Mvomero Eastern Zone II: Mkuranga Lake Zone I: Bukoba and Misenyi Island Zone: North B Process evaluation team visited the district during project implementation Identified key project outputs, strengths and weakness of implementations Process evaluation team in LZ I Process evaluation team in EZ II

Rapid assessment: validation of superior varieties and quality planting material 2 Potential Sources identified from existing seed system grants: Kinga Marando SPCommercialization Enough material available More varieties to be multiplied at DVMs 1.Multipliers have better understanding of insect and disease management 2.Field inspection by trained staff from local government (district, wards) 3.The production calendar for each community was established Vine multipliers in Lake zone II Vine multiplier in Eastern Zone II

9 9 ….. validation of superior varieties and quality planting material cont’d Pre – basic seed End user, with high yielding crop Quality seed production

10 4. Recruitment of project facilitators 16 (13M:3F) facilitators (5 Zanzibar, 6 LZ1, 3 EZII, 2 EZI were recruited Permanent residence Good farming skills Trust, well respected in the community Neutral in ongoing politics Sincere dedication to the project activities Key attributes Will ensure project sustainability at grassroots level: agronomic training to seed recipients

11 5. Identification of intervention schools and establishment of gardens A total of 13 school gardens (1 per school) were established except Zanzibar and EZ II Each zone had a diversity of varieties 20 varieties were distributed ◦ (6 LZ 1, 9 EZ II, 9 Zanzibar, 7 EZ I ) Variety status): ◦ 9 released, 5 local and 6 in pipeline). In collaboration with process evaluation team, 15 schools (3 LZ 1, 3 EZ II, 3 Zanzibar 6 EZ I) were identified Teachers and school children received on site proper planting techniques

12 6. Identification, quantification, procuring of planting materials Location Superior varietyRemarks Varieties at School gadernsRemarks Lake zone 1 Kabode, Naspot1 1OFSP, 1Non orange Kabode, Ejumula, Kakamega, Naspot1, Manigake, Kigambirenyo ko 3 OFSP, 1 Non orange, 2 local landraces Lake zone 2 * Central zone Kiegeya, Kabode, Naspot 11 and Mataya. 3 OFSP and 1Non orange Naspot1 Kabode Naspot11 Polista Kiegeya Mataya Simama 3 OFSP, 4 non orange *To start in September 2015 Not involved in process evaluation

13 …superior varieties ….cont’d Location Superior varietyRemarks Varieties planted in School gardensRemarks Eastern Zone Kabode, Kiegea, Mataya and Polista 3OFSP,1 WFSP Kabode, NASPOTI - 1, Simama, Polyster, SPKBH 06/676, Magimbi, Kiegea, Ukerewe and Mataya3 OFSP, Zanzibar Kabode, Mataya, Kiegea, Mayai 4 OFSP Kabode, Mataya, Kiegea, Mayai, Shangazi, Kibakuli, SPZ/07/692, SPZ/07/721, SPZ/01/264 3 OFSP, 1 Non orange, 3 Pipeline. 2 local landraces Each zone has a diversity of improved varieties both WFSP and OFSP

Acquisition and distribution of vines 2,675 HHs received quality planting material through primary school pupils 325,500 vines cuttings were distributed and planted

15 4. Plans for Next Reporting Period Training: ◦ Agricultural extension staff, school teachers, school children, community facilitators and farmers  recommended sweet potato integrated crop management and seed systems. ◦ ii) Monitoring of farmers fields (continuous activity) Project introduction to those sites which could not be covered during the first implementation plan, Village assembly meeting- to ensure that the village takes ownership, establish expectations (pay back), Farmers field day to be done prior to harvesting period Nutrition day to be conducted for the school children at one of the three schools

16 5. Lessons learned The project has successfully distributed quality vines to small holder farmers Post dissemination follow up confirms that children delivered vines to their parents/guardian and planted The process of vine handling – harvesting, packing, labeling, etc. should entirely fall to the responsible DVMs It was also interesting to learn that School children have been important channel to deliver planting material

17 6. Key challenges Quantity of planting material distributed: Some parents need more than what was planned Pay double approach: we need to follow up to learn more about community social structures and dynamics in the area Drought: Was expected so should not hinder our success as we had known this far before the project

18 End ….Asanteni sana A variety is perceived differently, give male and female a chance to make their choice!!