This document provides a guide for rice farmers to improve seed quality through community-based seed systems. It discusses recognizing quality seed characteristics, obtaining quality seed from various sources including community seed banks, and how community-based seed systems are important for smallholder farmers. The guide also provides instructions for farmers on how to produce acceptable quality seed, including proper harvesting, drying, threshing, winnowing and storage techniques. It describes common seed pests and methods for controlling pests during storage. Finally, the document explains how to conduct germination and varietal purity tests to evaluate seed quality.
This document discusses various methods for assessing genetic purity in plants, including morphological, chemical, and electrophoresis-based methods. Morphological methods involve examining seed or plant traits under magnification or in a grow-out test. Chemical methods analyze seed components like secondary metabolites and proteins. Electrophoresis separates proteins or DNA based on size and charge, allowing comparison of banding patterns between varieties. Together, these methods allow testing seed samples against a pure reference to validate their genetic purity or identify off-types.
This document discusses the production of synthetic seeds or artificial seeds through somatic embryogenesis and encapsulation. Synthetic seeds are somatic embryos encapsulated in a hydrogel to mimic seeds. They allow for direct delivery of tissue cultured plants, genetic uniformity, and large-scale production. The document outlines the procedure for synthetic seed production, including encapsulating somatic embryos, auxillary buds, or shoot tips in sodium alginate or other gels then germinating. Examples are provided for synthetic seed production in crops like papaya, banana, and carrot.
The document provides guidance for facilitating workshops on community-based seed systems (CBSS). It describes how to conduct three major types of CBSS workshops: an inception workshop, an on-farm field workshop, and an evaluation and awareness-raising workshop. The inception workshop is aimed at understanding and structuring CBSS. It involves inventorying local seed initiatives, understanding formal and informal seed systems, and establishing institutions to operate CBSS. The on-farm field workshop focuses on capacity building through practical demonstrations. The evaluation and awareness workshop assesses CBSS and raises awareness of its benefits among stakeholders. Guidance is provided on preparation, facilitation, and activities for each type of workshop.
This manual provides guidance on implementing a community-based seed system to complement conventional seed systems in sub-Saharan Africa. It describes how to engage farmers and local organizations to improve traditional seed production, conservation, and dissemination practices. The goal is to enhance smallholder farmers' access to quality seeds of improved varieties through a participatory approach that builds on indigenous knowledge and strengthens linkages between farmers and public institutions. The manual outlines steps for community mobilization, organizing seed producer groups, maintaining seed quality, and fostering collaboration across stakeholders to develop a decentralized yet integrated national seed system.
Successful Community-Based Seed Production StrategiesSeeds
CIMMYT is an organization that conducts agricultural research and training related to maize and wheat throughout developing countries. It works to create and share knowledge to increase food security, farming productivity and sustainability. Most smallholder farmers in Southern Africa rely on informal seed systems and drought relief for seed, with over 90% of their needs met through these channels. National programs and international centers have developed stress-tolerant varieties suited to smallholders, but access remains limited due to delays in variety development and dissemination. Innovative community-based seed production strategies coupled with policies supporting regional variety registration could help smallholders gain better access to improved varieties and seeds.
1. The report provides an analysis of current food safety investments in sub-Saharan Africa, finding that investments largely focus on export markets and national control systems, with relatively little done to reduce foodborne illness among domestic consumers.
2. New evidence shows sub-Saharan Africa has the world's highest foodborne disease burden, disproportionately affecting children and undermining economic productivity and development. Food safety is emerging as an important public health issue for the region.
3. The report calls for increased investment in food safety by governments, donors, and the private sector in sub-Saharan Africa to help ensure safe food for Africans and advance public health, recommending a broader approach focused on evidence-based best practices
Productivity and Profitability of Organic Farming Systems in East Africax3G9
This document summarizes a report on the productivity and profitability of organic farming systems in East Africa. The report finds that organic farming can be as productive as conventional systems, and in some cases more profitable due to higher prices for organic crops. Organic systems improve soil fertility over time through practices like composting and crop rotations. Certified organic agriculture is growing in East African countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi. More research is still needed on comparing organic and conventional systems directly on African farms. Overall, the report concludes that organic agriculture shows potential for improved incomes and food security in East Africa when appropriate support and market access is available.
This document summarizes a report on the productivity and profitability of organic farming systems in East Africa. The report was commissioned by IFOAM to review existing literature on organic agriculture in East Africa. Key findings from the literature review include:
1) Productivity of organic systems can be comparable to conventional systems, especially with improvements like better soil management, use of organic fertilizers and crop rotations.
2) Organic systems are often more profitable for smallholder farmers due to price premiums for organic crops and additional income from diversified production.
3) Certification enables access to higher domestic and international markets but certification costs need to be reduced for smallholders.
This document discusses various methods for assessing genetic purity in plants, including morphological, chemical, and electrophoresis-based methods. Morphological methods involve examining seed or plant traits under magnification or in a grow-out test. Chemical methods analyze seed components like secondary metabolites and proteins. Electrophoresis separates proteins or DNA based on size and charge, allowing comparison of banding patterns between varieties. Together, these methods allow testing seed samples against a pure reference to validate their genetic purity or identify off-types.
This document discusses the production of synthetic seeds or artificial seeds through somatic embryogenesis and encapsulation. Synthetic seeds are somatic embryos encapsulated in a hydrogel to mimic seeds. They allow for direct delivery of tissue cultured plants, genetic uniformity, and large-scale production. The document outlines the procedure for synthetic seed production, including encapsulating somatic embryos, auxillary buds, or shoot tips in sodium alginate or other gels then germinating. Examples are provided for synthetic seed production in crops like papaya, banana, and carrot.
The document provides guidance for facilitating workshops on community-based seed systems (CBSS). It describes how to conduct three major types of CBSS workshops: an inception workshop, an on-farm field workshop, and an evaluation and awareness-raising workshop. The inception workshop is aimed at understanding and structuring CBSS. It involves inventorying local seed initiatives, understanding formal and informal seed systems, and establishing institutions to operate CBSS. The on-farm field workshop focuses on capacity building through practical demonstrations. The evaluation and awareness workshop assesses CBSS and raises awareness of its benefits among stakeholders. Guidance is provided on preparation, facilitation, and activities for each type of workshop.
This manual provides guidance on implementing a community-based seed system to complement conventional seed systems in sub-Saharan Africa. It describes how to engage farmers and local organizations to improve traditional seed production, conservation, and dissemination practices. The goal is to enhance smallholder farmers' access to quality seeds of improved varieties through a participatory approach that builds on indigenous knowledge and strengthens linkages between farmers and public institutions. The manual outlines steps for community mobilization, organizing seed producer groups, maintaining seed quality, and fostering collaboration across stakeholders to develop a decentralized yet integrated national seed system.
Successful Community-Based Seed Production StrategiesSeeds
CIMMYT is an organization that conducts agricultural research and training related to maize and wheat throughout developing countries. It works to create and share knowledge to increase food security, farming productivity and sustainability. Most smallholder farmers in Southern Africa rely on informal seed systems and drought relief for seed, with over 90% of their needs met through these channels. National programs and international centers have developed stress-tolerant varieties suited to smallholders, but access remains limited due to delays in variety development and dissemination. Innovative community-based seed production strategies coupled with policies supporting regional variety registration could help smallholders gain better access to improved varieties and seeds.
1. The report provides an analysis of current food safety investments in sub-Saharan Africa, finding that investments largely focus on export markets and national control systems, with relatively little done to reduce foodborne illness among domestic consumers.
2. New evidence shows sub-Saharan Africa has the world's highest foodborne disease burden, disproportionately affecting children and undermining economic productivity and development. Food safety is emerging as an important public health issue for the region.
3. The report calls for increased investment in food safety by governments, donors, and the private sector in sub-Saharan Africa to help ensure safe food for Africans and advance public health, recommending a broader approach focused on evidence-based best practices
Productivity and Profitability of Organic Farming Systems in East Africax3G9
This document summarizes a report on the productivity and profitability of organic farming systems in East Africa. The report finds that organic farming can be as productive as conventional systems, and in some cases more profitable due to higher prices for organic crops. Organic systems improve soil fertility over time through practices like composting and crop rotations. Certified organic agriculture is growing in East African countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi. More research is still needed on comparing organic and conventional systems directly on African farms. Overall, the report concludes that organic agriculture shows potential for improved incomes and food security in East Africa when appropriate support and market access is available.
This document summarizes a report on the productivity and profitability of organic farming systems in East Africa. The report was commissioned by IFOAM to review existing literature on organic agriculture in East Africa. Key findings from the literature review include:
1) Productivity of organic systems can be comparable to conventional systems, especially with improvements like better soil management, use of organic fertilizers and crop rotations.
2) Organic systems are often more profitable for smallholder farmers due to price premiums for organic crops and additional income from diversified production.
3) Certification enables access to higher domestic and international markets but certification costs need to be reduced for smallholders.
Productivity and Profitability of Organic Farming Systems in East Africax3G9
This document summarizes a report on the productivity and profitability of organic farming systems in East Africa. The report finds that organic farming can be as productive as conventional systems, and in some cases more profitable due to higher prices for organic crops. Organic methods improve soil fertility and build resilience to weather extremes. Certified organic agriculture is growing in East African countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi, supported by organizations promoting organic standards and training for farmers. Overall, the literature suggests organic farming provides economic and environmental benefits for small-scale farmers in East Africa.
This document reports on research from two MICCA pilot projects in East Africa that aimed to identify, verify and scale up climate-smart agricultural practices. The main findings were:
1) In cereal cropping systems in Tanzania, leguminous trees and mineral nitrogen fertilizer can sustainably intensify production under conservation agriculture without significantly increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
2) In integrated crop-livestock systems in Kenya, partial greenhouse gas budgets suggest smallholder dairy production can be relatively climate-friendly when combined with agroforestry and well-managed pasture.
3) A probabilistic model indicated yield improvements from conservation agriculture adoption were unlikely given the social and ecological contexts of the sites. Such models may rapidly
This document summarizes the results of pilot projects in East Africa that tested approaches to climate-smart agriculture. The projects identified and evaluated potential practices and technologies that could both increase agricultural productivity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Options were tested on farms across different landscapes in Kenya and Tanzania. Project results showed that conservation agriculture practices increased maize yields in Tanzania while reducing nitrous oxide emissions. In Kenya, improved grazing and manure management on dairy farms increased farm income and reduced methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Land use changes were also analyzed, finding that agricultural intensification in Tanzania led to reduced deforestation. The projects provided insights into climate-smart practices for different farming systems and landscapes in the region.
This document provides an overview of organic agriculture and food security in Africa. It discusses how modern agricultural methods have increased food production but not reduced hunger, with many smallholder farmers in developing countries remaining food insecure. Food insecurity indicators like malnutrition are still high in parts of Africa. The population is growing, requiring a doubling of food production by 2050. Conventional agriculture poses environmental risks. Organic agriculture offers a sustainable alternative that can increase yields and incomes while improving soil and environmental conditions. The document examines evidence from Africa on how organic farming improves natural, social, human, and physical capital in ways that contribute to food security.
Organic Agriculture and Food Security in Africax3G9
This document provides an overview of organic agriculture and food security in Africa. It examines evidence from various case studies and projects across several East African countries that demonstrate the benefits of organic agriculture for food security, income generation, and environmental protection. The document concludes that organic agriculture can be more conducive to food security in Africa than conventional agriculture by improving availability of food, natural resources, social networks, human well-being, and resilience to external stresses. Wider adoption requires addressing issues of knowledge, support infrastructure, social impacts, and policy environments.
What is the IITA Youth Agripreneur initiative and what possible global interf...SIANI
Presented by Ylva Hillbur, Pro Vice-Chancellor, International relations - SLU, at the workshop "Youth, Agripreneurship and the Sustainable Development Goals", 8th of May 2017.
The CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB) aims to harness the potential of root, tuber and banana crops to improve food security, nutrition and livelihoods for 200 million people in developing countries. These crops include potatoes, sweetpotatoes, cassava, yams, bananas and plantains. They are important staple crops in Sub-Saharan Africa that are often grown by women and marginalized groups. RTB crops can produce high yields of calories per hectare and some varieties provide vitamins and minerals. They are also important cash crops and can be used to make processed products, which adds value. While facing common challenges like perishability, RTB crops also have
This document provides a summary of the Africa Agriculture Status Report: Focus on Staple Crops from 2013. The report outlines the status of agriculture in 16 African countries, focusing on issues such as input availability and access, the policy environment, and access to output markets. It covers topics like agricultural productivity, land tenure, soil health, seed systems, financing, markets, the role of women, extension services, and capacity development. The report took over a year and a half to produce and involved consulting various government ministries, statistics bureaus, organizations, and institutions working in African agriculture.
This document provides a summary of the Africa Agriculture Status Report: Focus on Staple Crops from 2013. The report outlines the status of agriculture in 16 African countries, focusing on issues such as input availability and access, the policy environment, and access to output markets. It covers topics like agricultural productivity, land tenure, soil health, seed systems, financing, markets, the role of women, extension services, and capacity development. The report took over a year and a half to produce and involved consulting various government ministries, statistics bureaus, organizations, and institutions working in African agriculture.
Smart Agriculture and the Fruit & Vegetable Industry, The New Face In Sustain...Keeley Holder
A comprehensive analysis of the Barbados Fruit & Vegetable Industry. It is a thorough review of the local sector as it relates to the global industry. It provides the perspectives of the various stakeholders and reveals the hidden complexity of the industry.
This document summarizes the challenges of food security and climate change in Africa and introduces conservation agriculture as a solution. It discusses two projects - CA SARD and SCAP - that have promoted conservation agriculture to smallholder farmers in East and West Africa. It outlines the principles and techniques of conservation agriculture being taught, and summarizes the achievements and lessons learned, including increased yields and food security, reduced labor, and farmer adoption of the practices. Challenges and the need to further scale up conservation agriculture in Africa are also discussed.
Gender Poverty and Environmental Indicators on African Countries 2014Dr Lendy Spires
This is the fifteenth volume of Gender, Poverty, and Environmental Indicators on African Countries published by the Statistics Department of the African Development Bank Group. The publication also provides some information on the broad development trends relating to gender, poverty and environmental issues in the 54 African countries.
Gender, Poverty and Environmental Indicators on African Countries 2014 is divided in three main parts: Part One presents a special feature article on “Green growth and poverty alleviation: Risks and opportunities for Africa”. Part Two presents comparative cross-country data on MDGs, Gender, Poverty and the Environment; and Part Three provides detailed country-specific data for each of the 54 countries.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has been driving the green growth agenda since 2008. In the Organisation’s view, “Governments that put green growth at the heart of development can achieve sustainable economic growth and social stability, safeguard the environment, and conserve resources for future generations”. Such reconciliation of economic development and environmental sustainability prevents natural capital degradation and climate change, and promotes social security, outcomes that are critical for Africa. OECD Green growth promotes a cost-effective and resource-efficient way of guiding sustainable production and consumption choices. When designed to reduce poverty and manage near‑term trade-offs, green growth can help developing countries achieve sustainable development.
Departure from the BAU (Business-as-usual) development model is a course that African leaders have accepted. In his keynote address during South Africa’s Green Growth Summit in 2010, President Zuma observed: “We have no option but to manage our natural resources in a sustainable way... We have no choice but to develop a green economy”. So important is divergence from the BAU approach that the AfDB’s Ten-Year Strategy (2013 to 2022) contains two objectives based on inclusiveness and green growth. Green growth offers an opportunity to design infrastructure and manage urban spaces and natural capital in a way that does not degrade the continent’s environment and economic base
MAINSTREAMING GREEN GROWTH INTO DEVELOPMENT PLANS
If the continent is to tackle poverty through green growth, it must be mainstreamed into development policy documents such as the African Union Agenda 2063, Regional Economic Community (REC) visions, national visions, poverty reduction strategies, and national development plans. Policies developed before the 2008 financial crisis contain virtually no green growth elements; but some policies formulated since then incorporate elements of green growth. The AfDB and OECD identified a number of enabling tools for mainstreaming green growth — national and international policy architecture, overseas development assistance (ODA), technology transfer, research, s
Seven seasons of learning and engaging smallholder farmers in the drought-pro...ICRISAT
This document provides contact information for various ICRISAT research centers located across Africa and Asia. It summarizes that ICRISAT works on agricultural research for smallholder farmers in dryland regions, developing new crop varieties and working across the entire value chain. It lists donors that support ICRISAT's work to overcome poverty, malnutrition, and environmental degradation.
Seven seasons of learning and engaging smallholder farmers in the drought-pro...Tropical Legumes III
The document lists contact information for various ICRISAT research centers across Africa and South Asia. It states that ICRISAT works on agricultural research for smallholder farmers in dryland regions, developing new crop varieties and working along the entire value chain. ICRISAT appreciates support from donors listed on its website. It believes all people have a right to nutritious food and better livelihoods.
The 1st Ever All Africa Congress on Biotechnology was held in Nairobi, Kenya from September 22-26, 2008 with over 400 delegates from 39 countries discussing harnessing biotechnology for food security and development in Africa. [2] Key outcomes included the Nairobi Declaration supporting Africa's adoption of agricultural biotechnology, and recommendations to establish regional biotechnology programs and an African Biotechnology Trust Fund to coordinate efforts. [3] Future plans outlined convening another congress in 2-3 years and strengthening the Agricultural Biotechnology Network in Africa to advance biotechnology on the continent.
The Good Growth Plan by Syngenta aims to improve smallholder productivity in Africa and the Middle East. Over the last few years, they have trained over 225,000 farmers on sustainable farming practices. Their network of 350,000 smallholders in the region have seen increased yields through the use of seeds and crop protection products. Case studies highlight farmers in countries like Ivory Coast, Egypt, Zimbabwe, and Zambia who have achieved yield increases of 14-49% by following Syngenta's protocols. The Reference Farm Network collects data that demonstrates the real impact of their techniques on empowering communities and increasing food security.
Role of African scientific diaspora: Opportunities and Challenges Francois Stepman
Keynote presentation by Prof. Zerihun Tadale. Group Leader, Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern Switzerland - Role of African scientific diaspora: Opportunities and Challenges
This document provides an introduction to a series of pocket guides on helping smallholder farmers adapt their agricultural practices to climate change. It discusses key concepts related to climate change adaptation including exposure, sensitivity, adaptive capacity and vulnerability. Smallholder farmers with rainfed agriculture are especially vulnerable to climate change impacts. The guides aim to provide extension workers with practical methods to help increase agricultural productivity sustainably, improve farmer resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The introduction explains important climate change terminology and discusses factors beyond technical practices that influence a farm family's ability to adapt.
This document profiles 15 agricultural management practices used in the Sahel region to help farmers adapt to climate change. It was produced by Tetra Tech ARD for USAID's African and Latin American Resilience to Climate Change project. The practices are grouped into four categories: moisture capture and retention, supplemental water supply, soil fertility enhancement, and temperature/windspeed abatement. Each practice profile provides a brief description of its use, benefits, and implementation considerations. The document aims to increase understanding of adaptation options for farmers facing increasing climate variability and change in the Sahel.
Productivity and Profitability of Organic Farming Systems in East Africax3G9
This document summarizes a report on the productivity and profitability of organic farming systems in East Africa. The report finds that organic farming can be as productive as conventional systems, and in some cases more profitable due to higher prices for organic crops. Organic methods improve soil fertility and build resilience to weather extremes. Certified organic agriculture is growing in East African countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi, supported by organizations promoting organic standards and training for farmers. Overall, the literature suggests organic farming provides economic and environmental benefits for small-scale farmers in East Africa.
This document reports on research from two MICCA pilot projects in East Africa that aimed to identify, verify and scale up climate-smart agricultural practices. The main findings were:
1) In cereal cropping systems in Tanzania, leguminous trees and mineral nitrogen fertilizer can sustainably intensify production under conservation agriculture without significantly increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
2) In integrated crop-livestock systems in Kenya, partial greenhouse gas budgets suggest smallholder dairy production can be relatively climate-friendly when combined with agroforestry and well-managed pasture.
3) A probabilistic model indicated yield improvements from conservation agriculture adoption were unlikely given the social and ecological contexts of the sites. Such models may rapidly
This document summarizes the results of pilot projects in East Africa that tested approaches to climate-smart agriculture. The projects identified and evaluated potential practices and technologies that could both increase agricultural productivity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Options were tested on farms across different landscapes in Kenya and Tanzania. Project results showed that conservation agriculture practices increased maize yields in Tanzania while reducing nitrous oxide emissions. In Kenya, improved grazing and manure management on dairy farms increased farm income and reduced methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Land use changes were also analyzed, finding that agricultural intensification in Tanzania led to reduced deforestation. The projects provided insights into climate-smart practices for different farming systems and landscapes in the region.
This document provides an overview of organic agriculture and food security in Africa. It discusses how modern agricultural methods have increased food production but not reduced hunger, with many smallholder farmers in developing countries remaining food insecure. Food insecurity indicators like malnutrition are still high in parts of Africa. The population is growing, requiring a doubling of food production by 2050. Conventional agriculture poses environmental risks. Organic agriculture offers a sustainable alternative that can increase yields and incomes while improving soil and environmental conditions. The document examines evidence from Africa on how organic farming improves natural, social, human, and physical capital in ways that contribute to food security.
Organic Agriculture and Food Security in Africax3G9
This document provides an overview of organic agriculture and food security in Africa. It examines evidence from various case studies and projects across several East African countries that demonstrate the benefits of organic agriculture for food security, income generation, and environmental protection. The document concludes that organic agriculture can be more conducive to food security in Africa than conventional agriculture by improving availability of food, natural resources, social networks, human well-being, and resilience to external stresses. Wider adoption requires addressing issues of knowledge, support infrastructure, social impacts, and policy environments.
What is the IITA Youth Agripreneur initiative and what possible global interf...SIANI
Presented by Ylva Hillbur, Pro Vice-Chancellor, International relations - SLU, at the workshop "Youth, Agripreneurship and the Sustainable Development Goals", 8th of May 2017.
The CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB) aims to harness the potential of root, tuber and banana crops to improve food security, nutrition and livelihoods for 200 million people in developing countries. These crops include potatoes, sweetpotatoes, cassava, yams, bananas and plantains. They are important staple crops in Sub-Saharan Africa that are often grown by women and marginalized groups. RTB crops can produce high yields of calories per hectare and some varieties provide vitamins and minerals. They are also important cash crops and can be used to make processed products, which adds value. While facing common challenges like perishability, RTB crops also have
This document provides a summary of the Africa Agriculture Status Report: Focus on Staple Crops from 2013. The report outlines the status of agriculture in 16 African countries, focusing on issues such as input availability and access, the policy environment, and access to output markets. It covers topics like agricultural productivity, land tenure, soil health, seed systems, financing, markets, the role of women, extension services, and capacity development. The report took over a year and a half to produce and involved consulting various government ministries, statistics bureaus, organizations, and institutions working in African agriculture.
This document provides a summary of the Africa Agriculture Status Report: Focus on Staple Crops from 2013. The report outlines the status of agriculture in 16 African countries, focusing on issues such as input availability and access, the policy environment, and access to output markets. It covers topics like agricultural productivity, land tenure, soil health, seed systems, financing, markets, the role of women, extension services, and capacity development. The report took over a year and a half to produce and involved consulting various government ministries, statistics bureaus, organizations, and institutions working in African agriculture.
Smart Agriculture and the Fruit & Vegetable Industry, The New Face In Sustain...Keeley Holder
A comprehensive analysis of the Barbados Fruit & Vegetable Industry. It is a thorough review of the local sector as it relates to the global industry. It provides the perspectives of the various stakeholders and reveals the hidden complexity of the industry.
This document summarizes the challenges of food security and climate change in Africa and introduces conservation agriculture as a solution. It discusses two projects - CA SARD and SCAP - that have promoted conservation agriculture to smallholder farmers in East and West Africa. It outlines the principles and techniques of conservation agriculture being taught, and summarizes the achievements and lessons learned, including increased yields and food security, reduced labor, and farmer adoption of the practices. Challenges and the need to further scale up conservation agriculture in Africa are also discussed.
Gender Poverty and Environmental Indicators on African Countries 2014Dr Lendy Spires
This is the fifteenth volume of Gender, Poverty, and Environmental Indicators on African Countries published by the Statistics Department of the African Development Bank Group. The publication also provides some information on the broad development trends relating to gender, poverty and environmental issues in the 54 African countries.
Gender, Poverty and Environmental Indicators on African Countries 2014 is divided in three main parts: Part One presents a special feature article on “Green growth and poverty alleviation: Risks and opportunities for Africa”. Part Two presents comparative cross-country data on MDGs, Gender, Poverty and the Environment; and Part Three provides detailed country-specific data for each of the 54 countries.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has been driving the green growth agenda since 2008. In the Organisation’s view, “Governments that put green growth at the heart of development can achieve sustainable economic growth and social stability, safeguard the environment, and conserve resources for future generations”. Such reconciliation of economic development and environmental sustainability prevents natural capital degradation and climate change, and promotes social security, outcomes that are critical for Africa. OECD Green growth promotes a cost-effective and resource-efficient way of guiding sustainable production and consumption choices. When designed to reduce poverty and manage near‑term trade-offs, green growth can help developing countries achieve sustainable development.
Departure from the BAU (Business-as-usual) development model is a course that African leaders have accepted. In his keynote address during South Africa’s Green Growth Summit in 2010, President Zuma observed: “We have no option but to manage our natural resources in a sustainable way... We have no choice but to develop a green economy”. So important is divergence from the BAU approach that the AfDB’s Ten-Year Strategy (2013 to 2022) contains two objectives based on inclusiveness and green growth. Green growth offers an opportunity to design infrastructure and manage urban spaces and natural capital in a way that does not degrade the continent’s environment and economic base
MAINSTREAMING GREEN GROWTH INTO DEVELOPMENT PLANS
If the continent is to tackle poverty through green growth, it must be mainstreamed into development policy documents such as the African Union Agenda 2063, Regional Economic Community (REC) visions, national visions, poverty reduction strategies, and national development plans. Policies developed before the 2008 financial crisis contain virtually no green growth elements; but some policies formulated since then incorporate elements of green growth. The AfDB and OECD identified a number of enabling tools for mainstreaming green growth — national and international policy architecture, overseas development assistance (ODA), technology transfer, research, s
Seven seasons of learning and engaging smallholder farmers in the drought-pro...ICRISAT
This document provides contact information for various ICRISAT research centers located across Africa and Asia. It summarizes that ICRISAT works on agricultural research for smallholder farmers in dryland regions, developing new crop varieties and working across the entire value chain. It lists donors that support ICRISAT's work to overcome poverty, malnutrition, and environmental degradation.
Seven seasons of learning and engaging smallholder farmers in the drought-pro...Tropical Legumes III
The document lists contact information for various ICRISAT research centers across Africa and South Asia. It states that ICRISAT works on agricultural research for smallholder farmers in dryland regions, developing new crop varieties and working along the entire value chain. ICRISAT appreciates support from donors listed on its website. It believes all people have a right to nutritious food and better livelihoods.
The 1st Ever All Africa Congress on Biotechnology was held in Nairobi, Kenya from September 22-26, 2008 with over 400 delegates from 39 countries discussing harnessing biotechnology for food security and development in Africa. [2] Key outcomes included the Nairobi Declaration supporting Africa's adoption of agricultural biotechnology, and recommendations to establish regional biotechnology programs and an African Biotechnology Trust Fund to coordinate efforts. [3] Future plans outlined convening another congress in 2-3 years and strengthening the Agricultural Biotechnology Network in Africa to advance biotechnology on the continent.
The Good Growth Plan by Syngenta aims to improve smallholder productivity in Africa and the Middle East. Over the last few years, they have trained over 225,000 farmers on sustainable farming practices. Their network of 350,000 smallholders in the region have seen increased yields through the use of seeds and crop protection products. Case studies highlight farmers in countries like Ivory Coast, Egypt, Zimbabwe, and Zambia who have achieved yield increases of 14-49% by following Syngenta's protocols. The Reference Farm Network collects data that demonstrates the real impact of their techniques on empowering communities and increasing food security.
Role of African scientific diaspora: Opportunities and Challenges Francois Stepman
Keynote presentation by Prof. Zerihun Tadale. Group Leader, Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern Switzerland - Role of African scientific diaspora: Opportunities and Challenges
This document provides an introduction to a series of pocket guides on helping smallholder farmers adapt their agricultural practices to climate change. It discusses key concepts related to climate change adaptation including exposure, sensitivity, adaptive capacity and vulnerability. Smallholder farmers with rainfed agriculture are especially vulnerable to climate change impacts. The guides aim to provide extension workers with practical methods to help increase agricultural productivity sustainably, improve farmer resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The introduction explains important climate change terminology and discusses factors beyond technical practices that influence a farm family's ability to adapt.
This document profiles 15 agricultural management practices used in the Sahel region to help farmers adapt to climate change. It was produced by Tetra Tech ARD for USAID's African and Latin American Resilience to Climate Change project. The practices are grouped into four categories: moisture capture and retention, supplemental water supply, soil fertility enhancement, and temperature/windspeed abatement. Each practice profile provides a brief description of its use, benefits, and implementation considerations. The document aims to increase understanding of adaptation options for farmers facing increasing climate variability and change in the Sahel.
Under a warmer, wetter climate scenario:
- Maize streak virus in maize and bourgou could see a very high risk of increased outbreaks.
- Downy mildew, gray leaf spot, and rust in maize may have a high risk of more severe infections.
- Striga witchweed in fonio, maize, pearl millet, and sorghum could have a high risk of worse outbreaks.
- Cassava mosaic virus and brown streak disease in cassava may have a high risk of more infections.
Under a warmer, drier climate scenario:
- Maize streak virus in maize and bourgou would still have a very high risk of more outbreak
This report examines the expected impacts of climate change in the Sahel region of Africa on pests and diseases affecting livestock species like cattle, camels, sheep and goats. It provides information on several vector-borne, environmentally transmitted and animal-animal transmitted diseases for each livestock group. The diseases discussed include anthrax, trypanosomiasis, rift valley fever, gastro-intestinal helminths, dermatophilosis and others. The report is intended to help livestock owners and agricultural professionals prepare for and respond to changing disease risks under future climate conditions in the Sahel.
This document provides profiles of 15 important crops cultivated in the Sahel region, including cereals (maize, pearl millet, rice, sorghum), cotton, fruits (cashew, mango, shea nut), bourgou grass, legumes (néré, cowpea, groundnut), sesame, and root crops (cassava, sweet potato). Each crop profile describes the crop's geographic distribution, life cycle, production parameters, and adaptability to climate change based on a literature review. Graphs illustrate temperature and rainfall requirements at different growth stages. The profiles are intended to support phenological screening to identify when critical crop tolerance thresholds may be exceeded under climate change.
This document discusses farmer-to-farmer extension programs in Africa. It summarizes research on how organizations in Cameroon, Kenya, and Malawi select, train, and support lead farmers to conduct extension work. The research found that most organizations using farmer-to-farmer extension are non-governmental. It explores how lead farmers are motivated in the absence of salaries and whether these programs help achieve gender balance in extension. The document aims to understand best practices for implementing farmer-to-farmer extension approaches.
Senegal - Beginnings of a Grain Revolution - Feb 2012Brent M. Simpson
This document summarizes the beginnings of a grain revolution through cereal value chain development in Senegal. It describes how private and public sector actors worked together on millet production and marketing. Key events included a woman entrepreneur providing farmers with fertilizer loans in exchange for millet, and a research project working with those farmers to improve quality, offer credit, and consolidate marketing. Over time, relationships evolved between the farmers group and cereal processors as they learned from experiences with pricing and honoring contracts. The success of this pilot led to an expanded project and demonstrates how market principles can benefit smallholder farmers and businesses in less favorable environments.
MEAS Discussion Paper 3 - Climate Change and EAS - Jan 2014[1]Brent M. Simpson
This document discusses the future challenges of climate change for agricultural extension and advisory services. It outlines the nature of the "new normal" of climate change, which will include ongoing changes in temperature and precipitation patterns. Smallholder farmers will face difficulties adapting, while extension services will need to help farmers adopt new practices and technologies to cope with these changes. The road ahead involves evolving strategies to work with farmers and utilize information technologies, while important policies are also needed to support adaptation. Extension services will need to enhance their efforts to help farmers mitigate and adapt to the risks of climate change.
MEAS Discussion Paper 5 - Farmer Organizations - March 2015Brent M. Simpson
This document discusses farmer organizations and their role in modernizing extension and advisory services in Sub-Saharan Africa. It presents a framework for understanding how different types of regulatory conditions, levels of government decentralization, and models of rural advisory services (RAS) investment influence the development of farmer organizations and their ability to access advisory services. The framework identifies four main types of RAS investments - public sector, NGO, private sector, and pluralistic - that have differing implications for the types of services available to farmer groups and their collective capacity to engage with advisory services. The document argues that understanding these contextual factors is important for developing successful rural advisory service strategies that empower smallholder farmers through community-based organizations.
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1. Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving
seed quality
Community-Based Seed System
Amadou M. Bèye, Monty P. Jones and Brent M. Simpson
Afr caR ce
CGIAR
GCRAI
2. About Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice)
The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is a leading pan-African research organization working to contribute to
poverty alleviation and food security in Africa through research, development and partnership activities. It is
one of the 15 international agricultural research Centers supported by the Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research (CGIAR). It is also an autonomous intergovernmental research association of African
member countries.
The Center was created in 1971 by 11 African countries. Today its membership comprises 24 countries,
covering West, Central, East and North African regions, namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central
African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt ,Gabon, the Gambia, Ghana,
Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Madagscar, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Senegal,
Sierra Leone, Togo and Uganda.
AfricaRice’s temporary headquarters is based in Cotonou, Benin; research staff are also based in Senegal,
Nigeria, Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire.
For more information, please visit www.africaricecenter.org
Temporary Headquarters and Research Center
Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice)
01 BP 2031, Cotonou, Benin
Tel.: (229) 21 35 01 88; Fax : (229) 21 35 05 56
E-mail: AfricaRice@cgiar.org
Nigeria Research Station
c/o International Institute of
Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
Oyo Road, PMB 5320
Ibadan
Nigeria
Tel: (234-2) 241 2626
Fax: (234-2) 241 2221
E-mail: f.nwilene@cgiar.org
Sahel Research Station
AfricaRice, B.P. 96,
Saint-Louis,
Senegal
Tel: (221) 962 6493
(221) 962 6441
Fax: (221) 962 6491
E-mail: AfricaRice-sahel@cgiar.org
Tanzania Research Station
c/o Mikocheni B/Kawe
PO Box 33581
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tel: (255) 222 780 768
(255) 744 788 495
Fax: (255) 222 780 768
E-mail: p.kiepe@cgiar.org
Bouaké Research Station
01 BP 2551 Bouak 01,
Côte d’Ivoire
Tel : (225) 31 63 25 78
Fax : (225) 20 22 01 33
E-mail : a.beye@cgiar.org
Abid an iaison f ce
01 BP 4029, Abidjan 01,
Côte d’Ivoire
Tel : (225) 20 22 01 10
(225) 20 21 28 79
Fax : (225) 20 22 01 33
E-mail : a.beye@cgiar.org
3. Amadou M. Bèye1
, Monty P. Jones2
and Brent M. Simpson3
1
Africa Rice Center, Cotonou, Benin
2
Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, Accra, Ghana
3
Michigan State University, USA
2011
Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice)
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving
seed quality
Community-Based Seed System
Afr caR ce
CGIAR
GCRAI
5. Contents
Preface .................................................................................................................... v
Module I: Recognizing quality seed ..................................................................... 1
What are the characteristics of good quality seed? ............................................. 3
Module II: Seed sources........................................................................................ 5
Where can we obtain quality seed? ..................................................................... 7
Module III: Community-Based Seed System ....................................................... 9
What is the Community-Based Seed System? .................................................. 11
What makes Community-Based Seed System important for you? .................... 12
Module IV: Producing acceptable quality seed................................................. 15
How to produce acceptable quality seed ........................................................... 16
Seed harvesting ............................................................................................................16
Harvesting with a knife ...........................................................................................16
Harvesting with a sickle..........................................................................................18
Seed drying...................................................................................................................20
Seed threshing..............................................................................................................22
Seed winnowing............................................................................................................22
Seed storage.................................................................................................................24
Storage in a granary ..............................................................................................24
Storage in the kitchen.............................................................................................24
Storing in sacks......................................................................................................26
.................................................... 27
The pests involved ............................................................................................. 29
Making neem mash for the eld......................................................................... 29
Making neem oil for seed storage...................................................................... 34
Pepper use......................................................................................................... 34
Module VI: Seed quality control.......................................................................... 37
Conducting a germination test ......................................................................................38
Conducting a varietal purity test....................................................................................40
Conclusions.......................................................................................................... 43
iii
6. iv
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
The authors are grateful to the following persons who participated in the manual validation
workshop from 27 to 31 March 2001:
N° Surname and names Institution and/or position Location
1. Coulibaly Bema Prefecture Bouaké
2. Nagumo Fujio World Food Program Abidjan
3. Oya Bou Alain ANADER Abidjan
4. Dr Lançon Frederic AfricaRice scientist Bouaké
5. Kouame Christophe CNRA scientist Bouaké
6. Dr N’Degbeu N’Dri ANADER regional delegate Bouaké
7. Dr Traore Amadou Representing MINAGRA regional Director Bouaké
8. Kouame N’Dri ANADER specialized technician Mankono
9. Kouakou Kouadio Leonard ANADER specialized technician Vavoua
10. Latah Sour ANADER specialized technician Divo
11. Tiapo Kouame Felix ANADER specialized technician Katiola
12. Kpangassa Yao ANADER specialized technician Man
13. Soro Klotioloma ANADER specialized technician Bondoukou
14. Kouakou Yao Marc ANADER specialized technician Beoumi
15. Yapi Martial ANADER specialized technician Korhogo
16. Sylla Youssouf ANADER specialized technician Seguela
17. Mme Gbo Dzamla Amin ANADER specialized technician Bouaké
18. Koulou Nazarette ANADER specialized technician Bouna
19. D.E. Kouassi ANADER specialized technician Sakassou
20. Dje Bi Dje Felix ANADER specialized technician Dabakala
21. Diarrassouba Karim ANADER specialized technician Tabou
22. Gaille Blaigouere ANADER zone leader Korhogo
23. Cisse Ibrahima ANADER specialized technician Bouaké
24. Diarrassouba Ousmane ANADER specialized technician Bouaké
25. Dr Kadisha Katlombo ANADER specialized technician Bouaké
26. Diaby Karamoko ANADER specialized technician Yamoussoukro
27. Mme Amangoua Therese ANADER specialized technician Bouaké
28. Kissy Kraidy Michel ANADER specialized technician Bouaké
29. Toure Aboukari Sekou ANADER specialized technician Bouaké
30. Kouame Kouame Joseph ANADER specialized technician Abengourou
31. Yapo Yapo Jean Paul ANADER trainer Grand Lahou
32. Kouassi N’Goran Zone Leader Man
33. Akpoue Yao MINAGRA Bouaké
34. Gabehonry Karidioula Research Assistant Man
35. Dr N’Guessan Placide CNRA scientist Man
36. Kouadio N’Guessan Farmer Beoumi
37. Kouakou Kouakou Kan Farmer Beoumi
38. Kouakou Kossonou Farmer Bondoukou
39. Mme Ouattara Manaman Farmer Bondoukou
40. Mme Dabire Ziem Monique Farmer Bouna
41. Kambou Loufate Pierre Farmer Bouna
43. Ouamien Konan Prosper Farmer Brobo
44. Coulibaly Siaka Farmer Dabakala
45. Ouattara Tiguesolo Farmer Dabakala
46. Berte Moussa Farmer Katiola
47. Traore Karim Farmer Katiola
48. Kouassi N. Valentin Farmer Sakassou
49. Kouame N. Raymond Farmer Sakassou
50. Yeo Zana Farmer Niofouin
51. Pregnon Gnaore OVDL NGO Chairman Bouaké
52. Pregnon Zokou OVDL NGO Secretary Bouaké
53. Mme Abibatou Diallo OVDL NGO Project Coordinator Bouaké
54. Kpla Kadio Georges IDC NGO Coorperative Leader Agou
Resource persons
1. Dr. Guei Robert INGER-Africa Coordinator, AfricaRice Bouaké
2. Dr. Goly Ankon ANADER Seed Service Head Abidjan
3. Konan Gnamien ANADER Training Unit Head Bouaké
4. Ipou Gbangbo National Rice Project Yamoussoukro
5. N’Zue Kouame LANADA Yamoussoukro
Drawings: Inkpe Perpetue
7. v
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Preface
Lack of quality seed constitutes one of the major constraints to improving
rice production in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) deeply appreciates your expertise
in rice seed production and seed conservation and your contributions to
the preservation of traditional varieties. Through this guide, AfricaRice
village community seed supply.
This practical guide i) provides information and training material; ii)
explains in detail the characteristics of good seed and describes the various
operations towards ensuring quality seed production; iii) aims to promote
a better understanding of indigenous rice production and conservation
techniques, strengthen traditional seed dissemination networks, and
facilitate the establishment of small-scale seed enterprises in rural areas.
AfricaRice hopes that the guide will help you improve the quality of
your seed to meet your own requirements and the needs of your local
community.
Papa Abdoulaye Seck
Director General
Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice)
11. 3
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module I: Recognizing quality seed
Photographs 1 and 2: Damaged Seed
What are the characteristics of good quality seed?
Good quality seed must:
have a good physical appearance
have no signs of damage
be free of infestation by insects
be free from infection by diseases
have a high level of varietal purity and
germinate well.
Good quality seed must show a good homogeneity in:
Shape
Grain size
Color
Presence or absence of hair
Presence or absence of awns
etc.
12. 4
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module I: Recognizing quality seed
Photograph 3: Unhealthy Seed
Photo 4. Good quality seed
Damaged seed deteriorates quickly in storage. It can be a
source of disease infection.
15. 7
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module II: Seed sources
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Where can we obtain quality seed?
You can obtain quality seed from the extension services, non-governmental
research stations. He/she can, upon a request from many farmers, facilitate
the implementation of participatory varietal selection trials or farmer-led
demonstration tests to acquaint you with new varieties from which you
can choose.
Photograph : Where can we nd good seed?
Local seed
Seed from research stations
Seed sold at
the market
Seed from
neighbors and
relatives
Seed from
extension services
Certi ed seed
16. 8
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module II: Seed sources
Quality output partly depends on the quality of the seed
used. Therefore, always plant quality seed.
17. 9
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module III: Community-Based Seed System
Module III
Community-Based Seed System
18. 10
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module III: Community-Based Seed System
Women play an important role in seed conservation and seed
seed is an appreciable source of income.
19. 11
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module III: Community-Based Seed System
What is the Community-Based Seed System?
The Community-Based Seed System was developed by adding value to
farmers’practices in seed production, seed conservation and seed diffusion.
It helps you to obtain seed of acceptable quality.
Seed of acceptable quality can be produced by any farmer who wishes
to do so. He/she must, however, take a number of practical precautions
during the production and conservation of his/her seed to ensure:
A germination rate above 80 per cent
A varietal purity above 90 per cent.
Evaluation and awareness raising workshops
farmers and technicians on methods designed to improve seed quality. The
aim of the evaluation and awareness raising workshops is to:
Consolidate achievements in seed production, and
on the establishment of a village community level seed value chain,
information dissemination on available stocks and on farmers’ needs,
etc.
Recommendations have been made in this guide for markedly improving
the quality of seed production and to ensure a good seed maintenance
years while germination and varietal purity tests are conducted every
year.
20. 12
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module III: Community-Based Seed System
What makes Community-Based Seed System important
for you?
The Community-Based Seed System helps you to:
Have access early to new improved varieties
Have access to quality seed in order to improve production and generate
more income
Share good seed with your neighbors and thereby improve the quality
of seed used by the inhabitants of the village community
Make money by selling seed
problems in your locality.
You can produce quality seed through the Community-
Based Seed System, and thereby become a commercial
seed producer.
The Community-Based Seed System is like the system you
are used to and does not need any additional resources.
21. 13
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module III: Community-Based Seed System
Community-Based
Seed System
for sustainable
agriculture
To ascertain the quality of your
seed, conduct germination tests
Before starting to harvest with a knife,
select the best panicles and make up your
own seed
Dry the seed very well in the
sun. Separate each variety.
Carefully conserve the bundles
Harvest with a sickle: Select eld portions
with vigorous plants. Remove off-types and
then harvest your seed before harvesting the
rice meant for consumption.
Dry and then thresh the seed. Avoid the risks of
mixing the varieties.
Use natural insecticides against
pests
Quality seed is a guarantee for
good crop production
Afr caR ce CGIAR
24. 16
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module IV: Producing acceptable quality seed
Once you have obtained quality seed from seed producers or traders in
your locality, conduct germination and varietal purity tests. If the results
are acceptable, you can use the seed on your farm and follow your usual
cropping practices. Do not forget to conduct the harvest and post-harvest
operations very well. They are critical for ensuring good maintenance of
How to produce acceptable quality seed
The key ideas mentioned below will help you to produce acceptable quality
seed to meet your own needs and the needs of your village community.
Seed harvesting
Harvesting is an important stage in the quality seed production process.
Whether it is conducted with a knife or a sickle, the following precautionary
steps must be taken:
Harvesting with a knife
1) Identify the vigorous plants from which seed will be harvested
mature and disease-free
3) Bundle up the panicles harvested
4) Set the bundles aside to be used as seed
6) Take necessary precautionary steps to avoid mixing the bundles during
transportation
7) Keep the seed and ordinary paddy separately.
25. 17
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module IV: Producing acceptable quality seed
Select the heavily lled, dense and sound panicles
Quality seed Dry in the open eld
Beautiful rice eld Select the best panicles
Afr caR ce CGIAR
26. 18
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module IV: Producing acceptable quality seed
Harvesting with a sickle
as seed.
(plants that do not look like your variety). This operation is called
roguing.
6) Take necessary precautions to avoid admixtures when transporting the
seed.
Off-type plants are known by:
variety
variety
variety
that of your variety
of your variety
absence of hairs in conformity with your variety
absence of awns on grains in conformity with your variety.
27. 19
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module IV: Producing acceptable quality seed
Field with off-type plants Quality seed
Remove off-type plants Harvest with a sickle
Beautiful plot, after roguing
Remove off-type plants before harvesting with a sickle
Afr caR ce CGIAR
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Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module IV: Producing acceptable quality seed
Seed drying
Good drying ensures good seed storage. Well dried seeds suffer less
physiological deterioration as well as low insect infestation and disease
infection in storage.
To properly dry your seed:
cloth in the open air. This operation must be repeated each day for
about a week
sun’s rays. However avoid drying the seed directly under the scorching
sun, whose heat may damage the seed
inadequate drying can cause dampness and moldiness.
high cloud overcast and high relative humidity. It is advisable in this
case to spread the seed in the kitchen or in a well ventilated room to
reduce the seed moisture content. The seed can then be kept well above
forest zones.
Good drying facilitates seed longevity and protects seed
against diseases and insects.
29. 21
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module IV: Producing acceptable quality seed
Dry harvested seed well
Good density from good seed
Drying oor
Turn the seed over several times Quality seed
Afr caR ce CGIAR
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Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module IV: Producing acceptable quality seed
Seed threshing
Threshing is a delicate operation. It involves the application of external
force on rice panicles to dislodge the grains. When this is badly done the
seed can be damaged.
The risk of seed admixture is high during threshing. This is the reason for
recommending the following steps:
impurities.
Seed winnowing
Just like drying and threshing, winnowing is an important operation for
ensuring good quality of seed with regard to purity. It involves removing
impurities such as straw, plant debris, weed seeds, insects, stones and
immature grains from your variety.
To ensure good winnowing, the farmer must:
tarpaulin or cloth
NB: If winnowing is done with a machine, the farmer must check to
ensure that the thresher-cleaner is cleaned well after each operation to
avoid mixing varieties.
31. 23
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module IV: Producing acceptable quality seed
Thresh the varieties separately
Threshing
Beautiful eld from a good seed
Winnowing Quality seed
Afr caR ce CGIAR
32. 24
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module IV: Producing acceptable quality seed
Seed storage
Conservation is a long and critical phase in seed management. Depending
on the methods used, the seed can remain healthy and viable over a long
than traditional varieties because of their low dormancy.
The usual storage methods used by farmers are well adapted to their
resources. However, practical precautionary measures are necessary to
ensure good seed quality.
Storage in a granary
2) Clean the granary well
3) Check whether the seed is well dried before storing it in the granary
4) Avoid the mixing of varieties
5) Open the granary from time to time to ensure good ventilation.
NB: If necessary, use insecticides to control storage pests. Natural
insecticides can be prepared for that purpose from local and natural
sources.
Storage in the kitchen
1) Check whether the seed is well dried before storing it
3) Spread out the bundles per variety.
4) Maintain low heat under the seed, as high temperatures can damage
the seed. If the seed becomes infested by insects, burn green wood or
pepper leaves to ward off the insects.
33. 25
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module IV: Producing acceptable quality seed
Conserve your seed well
Use natural insecticides
Good seed from
good storage
Afr caR ce CGIAR
34. 26
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module IV: Producing acceptable quality seed
Storing in sacks
1) Check whether the seed is well dried before storing it
2) Check whether the bags are well cleaned
3) Treat the seed with a natural or synthetic insecticide
4) Store the seed in sacks
5) Lay the sacks on pieces of wood or palettes to ensure good ventilation
and avoid dampness.
the granary. This is particularly not recommended when many varieties
are kept in the same place.
35. Module V
Control of eld and storage
pests
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
37. 29
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
There are many natural and synthetic insecticide products but the control
methods proposed in this guide mainly involve the use of natural products.
pepper, mint, smoke, clay, ash, quicklime, etc. Storage in drums and bottles
is commonly used. Diseases can be controlled using resistant varieties and
adequate drying.
The pests involved
The most common insect pests of rice are the African rice gall midge, rice
stem borer, striped stem borer, pink stem borer, army worm, rice beetle,
Making neem mash for the eld
1) Pick ripe neem fruits
2) Clean the fruits with water. Rub them well to remove their yellow coat
3) Dry the grains in the sun for about one to two days.
4) Crush the grains in a mortar to recover the pulp.
6) Pour the powder in a bucket containing 10 liters of water. Mix well and
then leave for a whole night.
7) Filter the mash with a cloth material to avoid clogging the sprayer.
However, if the mash is to be applied with a broom, you do not need to
8) Spray the plants with the mash.
NB: Neem products do not kill the insects, but prevent them from damaging
the plants. The treatment is conducted once a week.
38. 30
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Main eld pests
Termites (workers and
soldiers)
Stalk-eyed y
Grasshopper
Sucking bugs Mole cricket Rice case worm
(lowlands)
Afr caR ce CGIAR
39. 31
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Main eld pests
Striped stem borer Pink stem borer
Army worm African rice gall midge
(lowlands)
White stem borer Rice beetle
Afr caR ce CGIAR
40. 32
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Neem mash preparation
and use
1. Pick ripe grains 2. Store the grains
3. Rinse the grains well
5. Dry the grains in the
sun
4. Spread the grains on the
oor
Afr caR ce CGIAR
41. 33
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Neem mash preparation
and use
6. Crush the grains in a mortar
and then sort out the pulps
7. Prepare neem powder
and add soap
8. Mix the mash well and leave
it to rest the whole night
9. Apply with a broom. If
applying with a sprayer,
lter the mash
Afr caR ce CGIAR
42. 34
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Making neem oil for seed storage
1) Pick ripe neem fruits.
2) Clean the fruits with water. Rub them well to remove their yellow coat
3) Dry the grains well in the sun for about one week.
4) Crush the grains in a mortar to recover the kernel.
5) Pound about 30 handfuls of kernel and then recover the powder.
6) Press the powder in a bucket to obtain the oil.
7) Treat the seed to be stored with the oil. On the average, one kilogram
of powder can produce enough oil to treat two bags (50 kg) of seed.
NB: Treatment is conducted once every two months. Dry neem leaves
mixed with the seed in bags can also be used.
Pepper use
1) Pick fresh ripe pepper.
2) Leave the pepper to dry in the sun for about one week.
3) Pound the pepper in a mortar. Collect the powder.
4) Mix the powder with soap water.
5) Leave the mixture to rest for a whole night.
6) Shake the mixture in the morning of the following day and then treat
the seed with it. On the average, three to four spoonfuls of pepper
mixed with one liter of soap water is enough to treat one bag (50 kg) of
seed.
NB: Treatment is conducted once every two months.
43. 35
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Main storage insect pests
Grain moth
Red beetle Weevil
Afr caR ce CGIAR
46. 38
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module VI: Seed quality control
Conducting a germination test
Before seeding, it is critical to check whether the seed can germinate well
or not. You should therefore conduct a germination test.
1) Obtain a plate to conduct the experiment.
2) Lay on the plate a wet cloth material.
3) Collect 100 seeds and lay them on the cloth material.
4) Cover the seed by joining up the four corners of the cloth material.
5) Keep the plate in a safe and shaded area.
6) Add water each time it becomes necessary.
By the end of one week, open the cloth material and count the number of
seeds that have germinated.
NB: For the reliability of the results, replicate the test three times.
If more than 80 seeds germinate, the seed is good and can be seeded at
the recommended planting rate.
If less than 80 seeds germinate, the quantity of seed to be used per
correct the planting rate per hectare or if necessary recommend seed
renewal.
47. 39
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module VI: Seed quality control
Conduct a germination test
1. Plate
2. Lay a wet cloth
material on the plate
3. Put 100 grains on the
cloth material
6. If less than 80 grains have
germinated, increase seed
quantity
6. If more than
80 grains have
germinated, the seed
is good
4. Cover the plate
5. Check germination rate at the end of one week
To check seed germination
qualityAfr caR ce CGIAR
48. 40
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module VI: Seed quality control
Conducting a varietal purity test
1. Set up one kilogram of randomly collected seed sample.
2. Sort out the sample by separating it into two groups:
The pure seed group. This seed must fully look like the standard
checks given to the seed producers’ organizations;
The other group (inert matter, broken seeds less than half original
size, stones, dead insects, broken sticks, etc.)
3. Ascertain the weight of each group.
4. If the weight of the pure seed is nine times higher than the weight of the
other matters, the seed is considered as good. If this is not the case, the
farmer must consider removing the other materials or renewing his/her
seed.
The purity test must be replicated three times with different samples for
the reliability of the results.
Standards of 50 g each are given to seed producers’ organizations. They
are used as standard checks in case of any doubt about the variety.
49. 41
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module VI: Seed quality control
Varietal purity test
Randomly select one kilogram of seed sample
Separate seed and impurities. Weigh each group and then ascertain
the purity rate of your variety
Afr caR ce CGIAR
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Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Module VI: Seed quality control
Seed from good monitoring
51. 43
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
43
Rice Farmer’s Guide: Improving seed quality
Conclusions
The main information in the practical guide is basically derived from
farmers’expertise and practices. It has been slightly improved by a number
of farmers, who have become seed producers.
seed is subjected to biological deterioration risks (low germination rate,
disease attacks) or physical risks (seed mixture during harvest, drying,
threshing, winnowing and conservation operations).
Farmers’organizations, cooperatives and unions can be of great support in
selling your seed in the neighboring village communities or on the national
markets.
52.
53. About the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) is a global partnership
that unites organizations engaged in research for sustainable development with the funders of
this work. The funders include developing and industrialized country governments, foundations,
and international and regional organizations. The work they support is carried out by 15 members
of the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers, in close collaboration with
hundreds of partner organizations, including national and regional research institutes, civil society
organizations, academia, and the private sector.
CGIAR Centers
AfricaRice Africa Rice Center (Cotonou, Benin)
Bioversity International Bioversity International (Rome, Italy)
CIAT Centro Internaçional de Agricultura Tropical (Cali, Colombia)
CIFOR Center for International Forestry Research (Bogor, Indonesia)
CIMMYT Centro Internaçional de Mejoramiento de Maiz y Trigo (Mexico, DF, Mexico)
CIP Centro Internaçional de la Papa (Lima, Peru)
ICARDA International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (Aleppo, Syria)
ICRISAT International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (Patancheru, India)
IFPRI International Food Policy Research Institute (Washington, DC, USA)
IITA International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (Ibadan, Nigeria)
ILRI International Livestock Research Institute (Nairobi, Kenya)
IRRI International Rice Research Institute (Los Baños, Philippines)
IWMI International Water Management Institute (Colombo, Sri Lanka)
World Agroforestry World Agroforestry Centre (Nairobi, Kenya)
WorldFish WorldFish Center (Penang, Malaysia)
54. Afr caR ce
Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice)
01 B.P. 2031, Cotonou, Benin
www.AfricaRice.org