The role of NGOs in crop improvement and seed multiplication

World Vision International (WVI) operates in 28 countries in Africa, with over 5000 staff. Significant adoption and productivity gains have been obtained in a number of countries by obtaining seed of improved, adapted varieties from national and international research centers, testing them widely (both on-station and on-farm) in food- and seed-deficient areas, and facilitating the multiplication and distribution of farmer-selected varieties. WVI focuses on resource-poor smallholder farmers, providing support in various ways-training in seed selection, multiplication and storage, seed distribution in emergency situations, technical support to farmers able to experiment with new varieties, and facilitation of seed multiplication and exchange or small-scale trade through producer associations and farmers' groups. WVI conducted a survey to identify the factors that contribute to the success of seed programs. The results show that diploma-level staff, i.e., those directly involved in seed multiplication and on-farm trials, are the most critical component in such programs. The presence of at least one qualified scientist within the program, and interaction with national and international research centers were also important factors.