Save

Tomato seed value chain analysis and seed conditioning among seed companies in Uganda

In: International Food and Agribusiness Management Review
Authors:
Sharon M. Tusiime Graduate student, Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University, 106 Horticulture, 2206 Osborn Drive, Ames, IA 50011-4009, USA.

Search for other papers by Sharon M. Tusiime in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Gail R. Nonnecke Morrill Professor and University Professor, Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University, 106 Horticulture, 2206 Osborn Drive, Ames, IA 50011-4009, USA.

Search for other papers by Gail R. Nonnecke in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Helen H. Jensen Professor Emerita, Department of Economics, Iowa State University, 578E Heady Hall, 518 Farm House Lane, Ames, IA 50011-1054, USA.

Search for other papers by Helen H. Jensen in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Open Access

Tomatoes increase nutritional food security and income among Ugandan smallholder farmers who have limited access to high quality seed. The objective of this study was to analyze the current tomato seed value chain for Uganda. Survey responses determined roles of key participants, including Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) for regulation and certification; National Agricultural Research Organization for breeding cultivars and seed multiplication; Makerere University for education and research; commercial seed companies for seed importation and conditioning; seed distributors for sales; and smallholder farmers as savers and end users of seed. Challenges included an inefficient domestic seed distribution system, technical constraints in seed production and conditioning by seed companies, inadequate networks and communication among the seed industry’s key participants, and partial regulation of the seed industry. Seed companies played a key role in seed conditioning processes. Companies imported all tomato seeds into Uganda and stated germination as their primary goal for quality. Challenges for seed companies included assistance from MAAIF to regulate and certify seed and access to improved technologies. Attaining high quality seed by commercial Uganda-parent companies will require additional investment and training of seed technologists for domestic testing and seed quality assurance.

Content Metrics

All Time Past 365 days Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 0 0 0
Full Text Views 242 152 8
PDF Views & Downloads 240 154 4