Kenya’s push for purely formal seed system could be bad for farmers

A maize farm in Kitale. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NMG

Kenya’s government wants farmers to grow crops from licensed seeds only. These are hybrid seeds that are certified free of various seed-borne pests and diseases.

The Seeds and Plant Varieties Act makes it a crime to plant and exchange uncertified seeds. But many small-scale farmers rely on informal exchanges of seeds with their neighbours to secure their food supply.

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