CHAPTER 2. EVIDENCE FOR FORAGE SEED PRODUCTION
2.11 Value chain actors
2.11.1 Input suppliers
Input suppliers comprise seed breeders and those that multiply seed for certification before it is sold on the retail market. Individual and farmer groups are also included in this group of suppliers as they are responsible for the provision of initial planting material. Given the scarcity of forage seed in Zimbabwe, farmers tend to scrounge for the little seed they can get hold of. If available, it is mainly found on the informal market. Farmers also share and recycle seed for use in the following farming seasons. It is important to note that in many developing countries, including Zimbabwe, governments provided inputs to smallholders (Hanyani-Mlambo and Hobane, 2011) as a way to cushion them against high input costs and the need to meet country food requirements. Other input suppliers include those who supply fertilisers, crop chemicals, machinery and labour.
There is need for close cooperation with input suppliers so that correct inputs are available timely and in the right quantities. Input suppliers need to be afforded the resources to produce or acquire raw materials for the production processes to take place.
2.11.2 Producers
These comprise individual farmers, farmer groups or companies who are involved in the primary production activities. Their support in the form of access to inputs, finance and information is essential. For smallholder farmers, working with farmer groups and farmer organizations has been found to be beneficial (Alemu, 2015;
Welu, 2015) as it enhances productivity and the negotiating platform.
Unfortunately smallholder farmers have to grapple with interdependence and interaction of crops and livestock within their farming system (Friis-Hansen, 1992). They are also characterized by limited resources, work as individuals and the farm is the main source of income (Harvey, Rakotobe, Rao, Dave, Razafimahatratra, Rabarijohn, Rajaofara and MacKinnon, 2014) as compared to commercial farmers whose focus is on market driven production. Shenggen, Brekza, Keyer and Halsema (2013) suggest that it is not all smallholder farms in developing countries that have the potential to be profitable and any form of support is not a one size fits all.
However, a smallholder farmer needs social interactions which are outside the household to have the capacity to produce improved seeds. These interactions and social dynamics play a significant role on the farmer’s
decision making. Within the internal setup, the farmer is affected by asset endowment, available labour, financial resources and knowledge about the enterprise (Figure 2.3).
Figure 2.3: Model of a household seed production and supply system - Adapted from Beyene, 2010.
When one is into seed production, seed quality standards have to be adhered to as this affects the viability and reputation of the seed industry. The Alliance for Commodity Trade in East and Southern Africa (ACTESA) supports the integration of smallholder farmers into national, regional and international markets and lobbies for governments to avail enabling environments (Mukuka, 2014). This also encompasses the strengthening of smallholder seed production initiatives. As value chains go global, it is a result of reduced barriers to trade and more favourable conditions for trading internationally (Trienekens, 2011).
2.11.3 Processors
In Zimbabwe because of the economic turn down experienced in the last decade, producers have also become processors and traders, even retailers (Dhewa, 2017). There have been a lot of integration in all directions, that is, both vertical and horizontal. Manufacturers have moved forward to be retailers, whilst at the same time taking over, merging with other businesses and venturing into new businesses. Seed companies have merged, creating stronger businesses and benefiting from each other’s strengths and opportunities, as a strategy to survive the economic environment. These and other private sector companies focus on crops and products that
have high returns and will only venture into forage seed if they find it profitable. Traders, wholesalers and retailers also follow suit to survive in the business environment.
2.11.4 Traders and marketers
Furthermore, wholesalers have been observed to operate in urban centres as they focus on bulk material (USAID, 2008) whilst traders and retailers go the extra mile to be in touch with the farmers in their localities.
However, not much information is available on how much private seed companies and seed stockists are involved in forage seed marketing (Wanyama et al., 2011).
2.11.5 Consumers
Seed is utilised by farmers as an input to produce the crop or multiply seed. Livestock farmers are also seed consumers as they plant to produce feed. Good quality seed will ensure production of good quality livestock feed. Farmers need to access seed or planting material as and when they require it. Robust infrastructure development and support services should be in place for this to happen (Adejobi and Kassli, 2013). As consumers of seed, farmers need quality seed which will produce a good crop and expected yields.
2.11.6 Research and extension services (including development partners)
Extension services, research, NGOs and private should have the mandate to venture new areas and bridge the gap between favourable and unfavourable environments and increase geographical coverage (Aw-Hassan et al., 2008). Uzomma and Qijie (2013) and Tsado, Ojo and Ajayi (2014) also assert that more trainings should be conducted for farmers so that they adopt technologies and the more the extension agents in an area, the more farmers are served. However, extension agents and research institutes in most African countries lack resources to reach out to many farmers.
Non-governmental organisations have the potential to improve adoption of improved forage varieties and produce more seed as they develop the strategies and implementable modalities in their development work (Beyene, 2010). Service providers should be able to capacitate and enhance farmers’ skills for improved market participation and negotiate better prices (Beyene, 2010).