Farmer-to-farmer seed movements in Zimbabwe: Issues arising

This paper reviews the structure and performance of village seed markets in southern Zimbabwe. There is limited private sector interest in multiplying and selling seed of open-pollinated varieties of such crops as sorghum and pearl miller. The village market represents an important alternative seed supply channel. Seed distribution under drought relief programs offers new seed stocks; local markets can maintain and further distribute this stock. In the case of sorghum and pearl millet, small-scale farmers will generally select seen from their previous harvest. Seed shortages are resolved through seed trade between farm households. Most of these transactions are fi ee of charge. This limits the feasibility of investment in localized seed multiplication and sale. Suggestions that seed distribution under drought relief programs have wiped out local varieties ar-e incorrect. Despite multiple years of drought and over 4 years of free seed distribution, most households continue to plant an array of traditional varieties. Several recommendations are offered for improving the village seed market.