Abstract:

Improving agriculture in the Teso-Karamoja sub-region, in particular crop productivity started with implementation of a comprehensive three year program of revitalizing a seed system by involving: Training and equipping farmers and other seed stakeholders with the practical knowledge of producing; quality control and marketing of pure quality seeds in a sustainable venture. Farmers (25 farmers from each farming community) were mobilized in groups for effective practical training and collective action in production. Initially the first farmers group (Lokere farmers) was situated in Komutulunyo village, Apietolim-Parish, Matany subcounty in Napak District; the second group (Lobulio farmers) was situated in Kawachi Village, Namalu sub-county, Nakapiripirit District. The third group is situated in Naitakwai village, Nadunget subcounty, Moroto District. These farmer groups were well-mobilized and commenced group commercial production of quality declared seeds (QDS) after receiving hands-on training in production, quality assurance of high pure quality seeds (PQS). The system of seed production revitalization program was organized under nucleus farms (about 5 acres) for farmer practical training through a perspective of Farmer Field School (FFS). Thereafter, upon improvement in basic and applied seed quality production, then individual households started growing seeds on individual household land as a business venture.
Currently, the project registered the following benefits including five established farmer field schools producing quality declared seeds (QDS); functional multi stakeholder Innovation Platform (MSIP); Farmers with knowledge of seed production 62.5% (717 maize seed growers), 28.2% (sorghum seed growers) and 9.2% (beans seed growers); with considerable tonnages of produced (62.5MT of maize, 25.7MT of sorghum and 15.1MT of beans) and commercialized (45.5MT of maize, 19.0MT of sorghum and 12.8MT of beans) seeds in Nabuin zone. Presently growers have knowledge of seed production and access to pure quality seeds. This seed venture has enabled trained farmers transformation from use of food grains for seeds to use pure quality seeds in increasing productivity. The values and benefits of using pure quality seeds are well understood by seed growers. Project continuity will enable more farmers adopt the technology hence making Nabuin zone a reliable area for seed production then seed import.