Seed governance is characterised by different modes of collaboration between actors and by the role of smallholders farmers within them. The organisation of different seed sector actors involved in formal, intermediary, and informal seed systems, as well as the decision-making processes and mechanisms related to their interventions, are central to the governance of seed sectors.
Additionally, seed governance encompasses the policies, regulations, institutions, investments, and practices that govern crop genetic resources management, crop breeding, variety release, seed quality assurance, seed production and distribution, and the use of seed by smallholder farmers. This complexity necessitates effective coordination, synergy, and alignment among the different actors involved in governing the seed sector.
In fragile states, seed governance mechanisms often face significant disruptions and challenges. The weak capacity of the state to govern the seed sector and the breakdown of governance mechanisms in different seed sectors are common consequences of conflict and other shocks and stresses, such as the impact of climate change. Local institutions responsible for seed governance struggle to function effectively, leading to a lack of coordination, enforcement, and oversight.
Various actors with different backgrounds of interest, operating in fragile states, must navigate shifting priorities and power dynamics, making it challenging to develop and implement effective seed sector development and seed governance mechanisms. There is often a disconnect between the approaches taken by different actors, resulting in weakened seed sectors. Interventions may target the wrong areas, leading to the market distortion of emerging private sector actors, the distribution of poor-quality seeds, and unsuitable crop and varietal choices, resulting in poor food security outcomes for smallholder farmers.
There is a need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts to improve the seed governance. Rebuilding and strengthening seed governance mechanisms and local institutions, fostering effective information sharing systems, and ensuring inclusive and informed decision-making are crucial steps towards improving seed governance and contributing to peacebuilding in fragile states in Africa.
Linking seed governance and peacebuilding
Fundamentally, seed sector development as well as humanitarian seed interventions should Do No Harm and actively contribute to positive peacebuilding through increased understanding and collaboration of all seed sector stakeholders. It is clear that seed governance and peacebuilding in fragile states are intertwined, yet the linkages of these ambitions is poorly understood and so opportunities to build and use knowledge are missed.
Seed interventions need to account for varying roles of women farmers in seed systems, the role of refugees, IDPs, and the importance of social cohesion and reciprocity in seed networks in order to contribute more effectively to sustainable, peace-focused sector outcomes.
This Action Learning Project aims to address some of these key issues by facilitating the humanitarian-development- peace nexus in seed. It involves facilitating dialogue, establishing pilots, and conducting action research to explore mechanisms that promote transparency and accountability in seed sectors.
Additionally, it aims to develop a seed policy toolkit that is responsive to the development of FCS seed sectors. Furthermore, it seeks to increase understanding of the potential of the seed sector to contribute to peacebuilding efforts.
Action learning questions
The main question is, how can seed sector governance be organised in fragile and conflict affected states for a greater contribution to peace building?
More specific research questions include:
- What are effective mechanisms to facilitate synergy and alignment among humanitarian, development and peace-building efforts in seed sectors in fragile states?
- What mechanisms promote transparency, accountability and improved information sharing in seed sectors in fragile states?
- How is power and influence in decision-making distributed among stakeholders in seed sectors in fragile states?
- What preconditions for peace are attributable to seed sector governance?