How to assure access to affordable high quality maize seed: what works and consequences for program design

The aim of this project is to document the adoption and impact of improved maize germplasm at poor, maize-dependent farmers’ level, in combination with understanding how access to affordable quality maize seed can be achieved through seed sector development. The assumption is that understanding the challenges, opportunities and implications of changes in the maize seed value chain will improve research results, and support the higher adoption and impact of research-derived maize germplasm. For this project, independent studies were carried out in four areas ( Mexico/Chiapas, India/Bihar, Malawi and Zambia).