The CGIAR Seed Equal Initiative under Work Package 6 on scaling equitable access to quality seed, led by Ranjitha Puskur, partnered with The Africa Seed Access Index (TASAI Inc.) and convened a 3-day stakeholder validation workshop to present and receive feedback on the proposed set of indicators and data collection tools for measuring inclusive access to seeds. Organized from May 30 to June 01, 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya, the workshop was attended by 31 seed experts from Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and India, representing private seed companies, seed producer organizations, national seed trade associations, national gene banks, national and regional agricultural research institutions, and universities. At the end of the workshop, the participants assessed the set of indicators and proposed additional indicators to include affordability, willingness to pay for improved seed, access to finance/credit, access to land for planting, degree of engagement in community groups, proximity to agro-dealer or seed seller, and proximity to or access to a model farmer.
Work Package 6 partnered with TASAI Inc. to develop a measurement tool to track the level of inclusive access in the seed sector. The team reviewed existing frameworks, measurement tools, and related concepts that provided context. The workshop supported the development of metrics on inclusive access to quality seed from which a set of indicators were developed.
Seed Equal is an initiative by the CGIAR, a global partnership that seeks to address the challenges associated with food, land, and water systems. Work Package 6 on scaling equitable access to quality seed, is coordinated by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and seeks to increase access to improved seed for women, youth, and other marginalized smallholder farmers.
