Presentation of the background and findings of the first Access to Seeds Index for South and Southeast Asia. Presented at APSA Congress 2018, Manila, The Philippines

1. Results of the first Access to Seeds Index
for South and Southeast Asia
Manila, 15 November 2018

2. The Sustainable Development Goals have made
a priority of transforming the global food system
• Requires partnerships
with the private sector
• Transforming the global
food system is key
• Supporting smallholders
is a main target

3. A growing global alliance aims for a dialogue with the private
sector on transforming the global food system

4. UN Agencies: fight against malnutrion has come
to a standstill since 2015
• Main cause is the
effect of climate change
on agriculture
• Help small farmers to
adapt
• Improving access to
new crop varieties is key

5. Improve transparency and understanding of the industry
Provide an evidence base for dialogue with the industry
Encourage seed companies to step up efforts
Help to create public-private partnerships
Objectives of the
Access to Seeds Index

6. One of the greatest challenges is increasing the
production of small-scale farmers in a sustainable way
80% of the world's
farms are
smallholder farms
(FAO, 2016)
The largest number of small
farmers live and work in South
and SoutheastAsia
(WorldBank, 2012)
60 leading seed companies
currently reach 20% of these
farmers
(ATSI, 2019)
Smallholder farmers
buy the over 50% of
the seeds they use
(CRS, 2016)

7. Farmers’ perspective on
improving access to seeds

8. The Access to Seeds Index focuses on four regions characterized by
(1) smallholder presence, (2) food insecurity, (3) agricultural potential

9. Key steps in the development of the Access to Seeds Index
for South and Southeast Asia
Announced at FAO
Rome, June 2016
Endorsed by regional farmers’ associations
Hanoi, August 2016
Presented to Asian seed industry at APSA
Incheon, November 2016
Regional methodology consultations
2016-2017
Regional Experts approve methodology
Hyderabad, October 2017
Informing selected companies
Bangkok, November 2017

10. The Index assesses company activities
in seven areas, based on stakeholder expectations
Seven measurement areas
Each with four types of indicators
• Commitment
• Performance
• Transparency
• Leadership
Weighted scorecard approach
Total score is sum of weighted
indicator scores in all areas
Relative ranking
Comparing companies with
each other, not to an ideal state

11. Methodology development is overseen by
25 seed experts from all regions

12. A 2017 regional landscaping study resulted in the selection of
24 leading seed companies in South and Southeast Asia

13. Ranking shows differences in how companies are
currently meeting stakeholder expectations

14. Our website includes rankings for each measurement area
https://www.accesstoseeds.org/

15. Leading seed companies are present with sales throughout the region,
investments concentrate on a select number of countries

16. Companies work on a broad portfolio. Hybrids are dominant,
regional companies extend the availability of OPVs

17. A strong research-driven industry, with robust and broad breeding
programs, releasing new varieties into the market

18. Companies are involved in capacity building,
but emphasis lays on a select number of countries

19. Main take-outs
Strong points
• Presence in all countries
• Strong reseach-driven industry
• Releasing new varieties
• Package sizes tailored to
smallholder farmers
• Broad portfolio, including
vegetables and local crops
• Key role for regional companies on
local crops and OPVs
Challenges
• Many smallholders yet to be reached
• Limited seed business investments in
several countries
• Reach of company extension services
limited
• Few companies have special
programs for women farmers
• Few investments in attracting next
generation farmers

20. Acsen Hyveg
For each company a scorecard is available

21. Country profiles contain information on company presence and the
enabling environment

22. What is next?
2019
Publish additional
studies
2019
Organize regional
meetings with seed
companies and farmers
organizations
2020-2021
Refine methodology and
produce new Index
Western and
Central Africa
South and
Southeast Asia
Eastern and
Southern Africa

23. www.accesstoseeds.org