During summer and fall of 2016, the Access to Seeds Foundation organized four regional farmer roundtable events to discuss the findings of the first Access to Seeds Index and invite input for the second Index, which is due out in early 2019.
Participating farmers emphasized the impact of climate change on agricultural production. Farmers strongly opt for the introduction of effective adaptation strategies, including increased access to improved seeds. As one participant put it: “The only way to keep up with changing weather conditions is by using superior seed. We need to work closely with seed companies that can supply these.”
Over the past years, farmers have seen and experienced how changing weather conditions are impacting growing seasons and conditions. Farmers need access to climate-resilient varieties and they see private seed companies as an important channel to supply them.
In addition, participants noted that the Access to Seeds Index is a relevant tool to facilitate the discussion between farmers and the seed industry and promote the issue of access to seeds. Participants encouraged the expansion of the research to Asia and Western and Southern Africa to gain the same level of insight there as there is for Eastern Africa.
Read the full report of the farmer consultations.
- The Index was discussed with farmer organizations at four events in Goma (DR Congo), Hanoi (Vietnam), Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) and Johannesburg (South Africa).
- In total, 135 participants from 35 farmer organizations in 26 countries took part in these four events.
- The events were supported by AgriCord and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
