Farmers’ willingness to participate in alternative delivery channels of improved bean seed

Abstract

The conventional seed delivery channels have mainly delivered improved seed of hybrid varieties and vegetables and little of the open-pollinated varieties such as common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). The pan-African bean research alliance (PABRA), the international center for tropical agriculture (CIAT) and national agricultural research organization (NARO) led an initiative that involved the provision of foundation seed to local seed producers for onward multiplication and sale. This study set out to ascertain the accessibility of existing bean seed sources and the affordability of the seed they provide. In addition, the factors that influence farmers’ willingness to participate as buyers and producers of improved bean seed were examined. Multi-stage random sampling was employed to select 263 households, eight agroinput dealer shops were purposively sampled and interviewed and five focus group discussions (FDGs) held with local seed producers. A contingent valuation approach was used to elicit farmers’ willingness to participate as buyers and producers. Regular probit and seemingly unrelated bivariate probit models were estimated. No farmer was found to have obtained bean seed directly from local seed producers. Local shops and own-saved stocks were the most important sources of beans seed for farm households. Improved bean seed provided by agroinput dealer shops was unaffordable to the average farmer, whereas that provided by local seed producers was found to be affordable. Agro-input dealer shops were found to be a source of bean seed for highly endowed households. Further, female-headed households were found to disproportionately depend on own-saved grain stocks for seed. Eighty seven percent and 88 percent of the bean farmers were willing to pay for improved bean seed provided by agro-input dealer shops and local seed producers respectively whereas eighty three percent of the bean farming households were willing to participate in bean seed production. Farmer group membership positively influenced willingness to participate in the production of improved bean seed whereas perceived importance of improved seed positively influenced farmers’ willingness to buy improved bean seed from both agro-input dealer shops and local seed producers. Local seed producers ought to be promoted to enhance broader access to improved seed, and targeting existing farmer groups is a useful scale-up strategy. Women-inclusive improved seed promotional campaigns will reduce reliance on seed recycling in this segment. A follow-up study on the pro-poor accessibility of seed sources is recommended.