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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 211-222 |
Journal | Economic Botany |
Volume | 61 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2007 |
Keywords
- relief seed
- diversity
- emergencies
- bicolor
- tools
- need