The role of international agricultural research centers in supporting the seed sector

International agricultural research centers (IARCs) have been successful in developing new varieties in partnership with national agricultural research systems (NARS). However, adoption of these varieties has been low, particularly in Africa, where seed production and distribution systems are generally inadequate. IARCs have much of the infrastructure and staff needed to help improve the seed sector, but historically have focused on their core area of competence-research-rather than on development work (extension, seed production). These priorities are unlikely to change, in view of recent and continuing budget cuts. This paper discusses efforts made by six IARCs (CIAT, ICARDA, ICRISAT, IITA, ILRI, WARDA) to support the seed sector in their respective mandate regions. ICARDA is the only IARC with a currently functional seed unit. However, all IARCs participate in seed sector improvement in various ways, e.g., production of small quantities of breeder/basic seed; technical advice on seed production to NARS, public and private companies, NGOs, and farmers' cooperatives; monitoring adoption and seed production of released varieties; assessing constraints to seed multiplication and marketing; training of seed sector staff; information dissemination through brochures and seed production manuals; and provision of policy advice to governments.