Challenges and opportunities for hybrid and improved forages: A seed market study in Kenya and East Africa
In East Africa and especially Kenya, forage is a primary food source for dairy cattle. Producers have traditionally used local forage varieties, but in recent years, there has been a notable increase in the adoption of hybrid and improved forages. The objective of this study is to analyze the dynami...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Poster |
| Language: | Inglés |
| Published: |
2024
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://hdl.handle.net/10568/159502 |
| _version_ | 1855538991139389440 |
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| author | Florez, Fernando Karimi, Peggy Junca, John Jairo Triana Ángel, Natalia Burkart, Stefan |
| author_browse | Burkart, Stefan Florez, Fernando Junca, John Jairo Karimi, Peggy Triana Ángel, Natalia |
| author_facet | Florez, Fernando Karimi, Peggy Junca, John Jairo Triana Ángel, Natalia Burkart, Stefan |
| author_sort | Florez, Fernando |
| collection | Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace) |
| description | In East Africa and especially Kenya, forage is a primary food source for dairy cattle. Producers have traditionally used local forage varieties, but in recent years, there has been a notable increase in the adoption of hybrid and improved forages. The objective of this study is to analyze the dynamics of the hybrid and improved forage seed market in Kenya and other East African countries in recent years. Additionally, it aims to conduct a forward-looking analysis of the market's evolution over the next decade, identifying challenges and opportunities for improvement. We conducted 46 key informant interviews. We found a sustained growth in the improved forage seed market in recent years. The main challenges for further growth are high seed prices, regulatory difficulties, and limited farmer knowledge regarding forage selection and cultivation. Our findings reveal a virtuous cycle that could accelerate the adoption of hybrid and improved forages in East Africa: Research institutions are committed to the continuous improvement of existing varieties and the introduction of new strains through seed breeding and selection initiatives. Seed companies seek to increase their supply, while governments and development entities show interest in maintaining financial support and promoting the adoption of these forages. Alliances between producer associations and seed companies are emerging, aiming to offer seeds at more affordable prices to farmers. Finally, dairy farmers are interested in hybrid and improved forages due to their potential to increase milk production, optimize the use of farm space, and reduce vulnerability to climate change. |
| format | Poster |
| id | CGSpace159502 |
| institution | CGIAR Consortium |
| language | Inglés |
| publishDate | 2024 |
| publishDateRange | 2024 |
| publishDateSort | 2024 |
| record_format | dspace |
| spelling | CGSpace1595022025-11-05T12:35:34Z Challenges and opportunities for hybrid and improved forages: A seed market study in Kenya and East Africa Florez, Fernando Karimi, Peggy Junca, John Jairo Triana Ángel, Natalia Burkart, Stefan market research interviews dairy cattle investigación de mercados adopción de la innovacion innovation scaling improved germplasm germoplasma mejorado entrevista ganado de leche In East Africa and especially Kenya, forage is a primary food source for dairy cattle. Producers have traditionally used local forage varieties, but in recent years, there has been a notable increase in the adoption of hybrid and improved forages. The objective of this study is to analyze the dynamics of the hybrid and improved forage seed market in Kenya and other East African countries in recent years. Additionally, it aims to conduct a forward-looking analysis of the market's evolution over the next decade, identifying challenges and opportunities for improvement. We conducted 46 key informant interviews. We found a sustained growth in the improved forage seed market in recent years. The main challenges for further growth are high seed prices, regulatory difficulties, and limited farmer knowledge regarding forage selection and cultivation. Our findings reveal a virtuous cycle that could accelerate the adoption of hybrid and improved forages in East Africa: Research institutions are committed to the continuous improvement of existing varieties and the introduction of new strains through seed breeding and selection initiatives. Seed companies seek to increase their supply, while governments and development entities show interest in maintaining financial support and promoting the adoption of these forages. Alliances between producer associations and seed companies are emerging, aiming to offer seeds at more affordable prices to farmers. Finally, dairy farmers are interested in hybrid and improved forages due to their potential to increase milk production, optimize the use of farm space, and reduce vulnerability to climate change. 2024-10 2024-11-11T11:55:32Z 2024-11-11T11:55:32Z Poster https://hdl.handle.net/10568/159502 en Open Access application/pdf Florez, F.; Karimi, P.; Junca, J.J.; Triana Ángel, N.; Burkart, S. (2024) Challenges and opportunities for hybrid and improved forages: A seed market study in Kenya and East Africa. 1 p. |
| spellingShingle | market research interviews dairy cattle investigación de mercados adopción de la innovacion innovation scaling improved germplasm germoplasma mejorado entrevista ganado de leche Florez, Fernando Karimi, Peggy Junca, John Jairo Triana Ángel, Natalia Burkart, Stefan Challenges and opportunities for hybrid and improved forages: A seed market study in Kenya and East Africa |
| title | Challenges and opportunities for hybrid and improved forages: A seed market study in Kenya and East Africa |
| title_full | Challenges and opportunities for hybrid and improved forages: A seed market study in Kenya and East Africa |
| title_fullStr | Challenges and opportunities for hybrid and improved forages: A seed market study in Kenya and East Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | Challenges and opportunities for hybrid and improved forages: A seed market study in Kenya and East Africa |
| title_short | Challenges and opportunities for hybrid and improved forages: A seed market study in Kenya and East Africa |
| title_sort | challenges and opportunities for hybrid and improved forages a seed market study in kenya and east africa |
| topic | market research interviews dairy cattle investigación de mercados adopción de la innovacion innovation scaling improved germplasm germoplasma mejorado entrevista ganado de leche |
| url | https://hdl.handle.net/10568/159502 |
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