Table 3 The respondents rating of changes to access to seed between 2016 and 2019
Statement | Dodoma | Reason for rating | Arusha | Reason for rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Seed is currently easily accessible | Agree | Farmer seed producers are located within the communities and seed is easily accessible | Agree | The emergence of agro-dealers locally, improving seed accessibility |
Seed is of better quality compared to 2016 | Not sure | Seed users agreed that seed is of better quality now, while seed producers disagreed, citing increased seed recycling and lack of quality assurance | Agree | Increased knowledge and skills in seed production, processing, and good agricultural practices |
Seed is cheaper and affordable compared to 2016 | Agree | Consumers buy seed from within their communities, and it is cheaper due to local availability | Disagree | Seed producers do not sell seed locally, so farmers buy from agro-dealers at prevailing prices |
Most farmers can produce quality seed | Agree | Vegetable growers gained knowledge on the value of quality seed, and applied positive selection to produce their seed | Disagree | Seed production is done on contract, only by farmers trained and contracted by seed companies |
There is access to sufficient quantities of seed | Agree | There are many seed producers, hence it is possible to obtain enough seed locally | Disagree | Local agro-dealers do not have sufficient quantities and also lack variety |
Seed is obtainable within a reasonable proximity | Agree | Seed producers are found locally | Agree | There is an emergence of local agro-dealer shops within reach of farmers |
Seed is available in time for critical sowing periods | Agree | Seed is available locally, and users can access it even on credit to cushion cash flow challenges at critical sowing times | Disagree | Farmers still have to buy seed from agro-dealers and sometimes they lack cash at the time of sowing |
There is increased demand for AIV seed | Agree | Awareness of the value of quality seed increased demand for seed | Agree | Awareness of the value of quality seed increased demand for seed |