Table 7 SWOT analysis of AIV seed sector regulation
Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
- Abundance of genetic resources - Existing regulations for germplasm management, research and development, seed production and marketing, phytosanitary and biosafety measures are in place - Available variety catalogues - National public and private and international actors are available - Significant untapped vegetable market in-country, region and internationally | - Insufficient research on genetic resources - Limited development of improved varieties - Seed regulations need to be updated to make them more adaptable for vegetable seeds - Lack of agricultural data on production, cultivated areas, commercialization and consumption - Seed quality challenges (purity, poor germination) - Need for updated online Variety Catalogues |
Opportunities | Threats |
|---|---|
- Updating regional policy documents: There is an opportunity to update seed policy regulations to accommodate different seed classes including farmer’s varieties, quality declared seed, and internationally recognized certified seed scheme - Regional and continental trade: Taking advantage of regional and continental free trade areas, there is potential to facilitate trade by allowing certain quantities of AIV seed from the informal sector to be traded in the formal sector through the implantation of appropriate phytosanitary tests - Registration of seed companies: Creating regulations that enable farmer’s and small seed companies to enter into seed business will promote increased participation and competition in the market - Development of a diversified or integrated seed systems: Training of and capacity building initiatives can be implemented to enhance the knowledge and skills of actors involved in informal seed systems, leading to the development of more diverse and integrated seed system - Diversification and promotion of value added products: Raising awareness about the potential value added products and benefits from developed seed products can stimulate interest and demand, promoting diversification and added value to the AIV seed sector - Harmonization of AIV seed regulations. There is an opportunity to harmonize seed regulations specific to AIVs across different regions, enabling smother trade and collaboration while ensuring consistent quality and standards | - Inadequate seed regulations for vegetable and AIVs: The existing seed regulations have primarily been derived from field crops, overlooking the unique attributes of vegetable and AIV seeds - Insufficient integration of formal and informal seed systems: lack of effective integration in policy development hinders the potential for a more holistic and inclusive approach - Recognition of Farmer’s rights. The rights of farmers, especially in terms of seed saving, exchange, and use may not be adequately recognized and protected within the existing regulatory framework - Limited or low participation of farmers in seed policy development: this result in policies that may not fully address their needs and interests - Limited capacity of National Seed Authorities - Incomplete adoption of UPOV guidelines: Not all countries have ceded to the international union, which creates disparities in intellectual property rights and seed regulations among different countries - Climate change, new pest and diseases: The impacts of climate change, as well as the emergence of new pest, and diseases, pose threats to the productivity, necessitating adaptation and resilience –building measures |