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Modelling Seed System Networks in Mali to Improve Farmers Seed Supply

Author

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  • Coulibaly, Harouna
  • Bazile, Didier
  • Sidibe, Amadou

Abstract

Food security remains a constant source of concern in Mali, where over 75% of the population derives their living from agriculture. Despite the huge theoretical need, the production and use of improved seeds remain very limited. Concurrently, genetic erosion and the disappearance of certain local varieties have been observed. The dual need to preserve agricultural biodiversity as a factor of resilience for production systems while disseminating improved varieties as a means to increase production raises questions regarding what type or types of organization could best respond to these agricultural challenges. The farmer seed network in Mali is based on the self-production of pearl millet and sorghum seeds and operates through non-commercial, community-based exchanges. The formal seed sector distributes certified seeds through cooperatives, with cost-effectiveness the main priority. The joining of these two seed networks could allow agro-biodiversity to be considered in such a way that genetic diversity can be maintained. The various pearl millet and sorghum seed exchange networks often are considered to be in opposition, with the formal network pitted against the informal one. By highlighting points where the two systems could come together, the proposed model allows a new perspective on seed flows and agro-biodiversity management. The global seed network that could emerge from this would, on one hand, remedy the failure of the state seed system inspired by a Western model in which seed production and distribution is disconnected from agricultural production, and, on the other, compensate for shortcomings in the traditional farmer seed system to increase productivity and sustainably manage farmer pearl millet and sorghum varieties while continuously introducing new genetic resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Coulibaly, Harouna & Bazile, Didier & Sidibe, Amadou, 2014. "Modelling Seed System Networks in Mali to Improve Farmers Seed Supply," Sustainable Agriculture Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 3(4).
  • Handle: RePEc:ags:ccsesa:230500
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.230500
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Otieno, Gloria Atieno & Reynolds, Travis W. & Karasapan, Altinay & Noriega, Isabel Lopez, 2017. "Implications of Seed Policies for On-Farm Agro-Biodiversity in Ethiopia and Uganda," Sustainable Agriculture Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 6(4), November.
    2. Mamadou Sissoko & Melinda Smale & Annick Castiaux & Veronique Theriault, 2019. "Adoption of New Sorghum Varieties in Mali Through a Participatory Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(17), pages 1-15, September.
    3. Coomes, Oliver T. & McGuire, Shawn J. & Garine, Eric & Caillon, Sophie & McKey, Doyle & Demeulenaere, Elise & Jarvis, Devra & Aistara, Guntra & Barnaud, Adeline & Clouvel, Pascal & Emperaire, Laure & , 2015. "Farmer seed networks make a limited contribution to agriculture? Four common misconceptions," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 41-50.
    4. Fred Rattunde & Eva Weltzien & Mamourou Sidibé & Abdoulaye Diallo & Bocar Diallo & Kirsten vom Brocke & Baloua Nebié & Aboubacar Touré & Yalaly Traoré & Amadou Sidibé & Chiaka Diallo & Soriba Diakité , 2021. "Transforming a traditional commons-based seed system through collaborative networks of farmer seed-cooperatives and public breeding programs: the case of sorghum in Mali," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 38(2), pages 561-578, June.

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    Keywords

    Farm Management;

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