Community-based seed production system (CBSP) in Nigeria: an opening for complementing national supply of quality seeds

Summary

Two seeds systems co-exist in Nigeria, the formal and informal systems. An integrated system (semi-formal) brings together core elements of both the formal and informal systems. In the semi-formal seed system, farmer groups produce, distribute, and market certified seeds endorsed by the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC). The primary beneficiaries of the semi-formal system are members of concerned farmer groups and other farmers within and beyond their communities. In 2016, NASC identified over 712 farmer groups engaged in the semi-formal seed system in Nigeria with 92% (655) engaged in the production, distribution, and marketing of certified seeds and vegetatively propagated materials. Increasingly, this seed system is becoming the focus of technical and financial partners (donors) for enhancing the availability of quality seeds to farmers across West and Central Africa (WCA), including Nigeria. As an approach, the semi-formal seed system makes available farmer- and market-preferred seed varieties. Groundnut and vegetatively propagated planting materials, notably yams, cassava, coco-yams, and potatoes (Sweet and Irish) may well benefit from this system and contribute to making quality seed available to farming communities in Nigeria.