Vulnerability in farmer seed systems: Farmer practices for coping with seed insecurity for sorghum in Eastern Ethiopia

McGuire, Shawn J. (2007) Vulnerability in farmer seed systems: Farmer practices for coping with seed insecurity for sorghum in Eastern Ethiopia. Economic Botany, 61 (3). pp. 211-222. ISSN 0013-0001

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Abstract

Many interventions try to address farmers’ seed insecurity, though few assess the causes of farmers’ vulnerability or understand their coping strategies. This paper analyzes farmers’ practices for maintaining sorghum seed security in a specific season (1998–99) in Ethiopia, which provides a richer picture of coping strategies than accounts of “general” practices, as it shows how responses reflect events unfolding over time and household-specific situations. High seeding rates ensure against environmental uncertainty, but not everyone has sufficient seed for repeated sowing should stands fail to establish. Off-farm seed fills this gap, though payment is usually required for substantial quantities; only 20% of seed from other farmers came for free in 1998. Differences between seed suppliers and recipients suggest indicators for chronic seed insecurity. The discussion explores implications for supporting farmers’ coping strategies. Helping the poorest farmers access off-farm seed, from other farmers or from merchants, can reduce their vulnerability.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	mid:14141 dc:rights:Copyright clearance pending dc:ueastatus:post-print formatted dc:ueahesastaffidentifier:0211170000338
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Global Development (formerly School of International Development)
Depositing User:	Vishal Gautam
Date Deposited:	01 Sep 2007
Last Modified:	09 Aug 2023 15:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/16345
DOI:	10.1663/0013-0001(2007)61[211:VIFSSF]2.0.CO;2

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