Seed tracing

Seed tracing can be used for mapping seed flows in a seed system, usually covering the informal part from (decentralised) semi-formal multiplication and introduction of (new) varieties or seed to circulation among farmers. The collected data form a network showing seed diffusion among the sampled actors. Moreover, the data set can form the basis of an Impact Network Analysis (INA, see above): it forms the minimum data set. Mapping the seed flows in a seed system is important to understand germplasm distribution, conservation, and spread of seedborne pathogens. In addition, a network analysis reflects social dimensions of a seed system. For example, it can show how seed exchange depends on gender or wealth status of the household. It might also show which farmers have better access to formal seed sources compared to others. When “tracing” seed (which is done through snowball sampling), usually data on transactions between actors are collected.

Tool description: Here

User manual: Here

Examples:

• Yenenesh Tadesse, C.J.M. Almekinders, R.P.O. Schulte and P.C.Struik, 2016. Tracing the seed: seed diffusion of improved potato varieties through farmers’ networks in Chencha, Ethiopia. Experimental Agriculture. https://doi.org/10.1017/S001447971600051X

• Almekinders, C.J.M., E. Ronner and J. van Heerwaarden, 2016. Tracing seed diffusion from introduced legume seeds through N2Africa demonstration trials and seed-input packages. www.N2Africa.org, 26 pp.

Contact: Conny Almekinders conny.almekinders@wur.nl