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).
A household survey was conducted from May to October 2018 in the Chüy, Issyk-Kul, and Osh oblasts of the Kyrgyz Republic. The dataset offers insights into production patterns, the socio-economic and demographic situations of farmers and households growing wheat, factors influencing their production decisions, the adoption of new wheat varieties, and the impacts of wheat production on their livelihoods. The project received funding from CRP WHEAT. Approximately 700 households growing wheat were interviewed. The survey was designed to collect data through face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire was supplied by CIMMYT, and its final version incorporated feedback from a pilot survey conducted in May. The questionnaire was prepared in English, Russian, and Kyrgyz. Data collection took place from June 1 to July 20, 2018.
The study of women's involvement and responsibilities within seed systems in Nepal is scarce, despite the widely held belief that women possess extensive knowledge regarding seed selection and preservation, especially concerning maize and wheat, which are vital staple grains in remote mountain communities. Women play various crucial roles in maize and wheat farming, yet major decisions regarding crops management, such as variety selection, are predominantly made by men. Given the rising trend of male out-migration and the resulting feminization of agriculture, it is imperative to examine women's access to seeds and address the gender biases and limitations faced by women farmers.
Development of a methodology for mechanical maize meter evaluation that compares diverse meters in terms of seed singulation, seed damage, and spatial distribution
This research examines maize SMEs in Mexico that participated in MasAgro, and their capacity to produce new maize hybrids and commercialize these hybrids in a competitive seed market. For this research, 22 companies located in different regions of Mexico were interviewed. The sample included different sizes of companies to obtain a greater variation in the information collected. Data were collected onsite from in-depth interviews with enterprise owners and managers and complemented with other primary and secondary sources. The question questionnaire sought insights into strategic alliances with retailers and other maize SMEs, as well as access to external services, both financial and non-fnancial, from commercial providers (banks, consultants), government agencies, NGOs, and others, including MasAgro. The survey sought insights into absorptive capacity as related to seed production (e.g., launching of new commercial products and sources of cultivars), as well as in marketing and management (e.g. marketing strategies and tactics employed, pricing strategies, market information sources). The survey concluded with interviewees providing their perspectives on critical limitations faced for the production and marketing of hybrid maize seed. Results highlighted the critical role of MasAgro in reinvigorating the portfolios of seeds produced by maize SMEs, as well as the challenges ahead for maize SMEs to scale the new technologies in a competitive market that has long been dominated by multinational seed enterprises. Among these challenges were limited investment in seed marketing, weak infrastructure for seed production, and limited experience in business management.
