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Revitalization Community Based Traditional Seed in Yemen:
Experience of the outreach Seed Program AREA.
(A Success Story)
By
Dr. Mohammad N. Sallam
Eng. Quaid Y. Salah
Eng. Mohammad A. Ali
January 2008
2
CONTENTS
Page
Abbreviations.................................................................................................................3
1- Introduction ...............................................................................................................4
2- The Global Partnership Program (GPP): “Linking Farmers to Markets” .................5
3-Purpose of the Success Story…..................................................................................6
4. Agricultural System in Yemen..................................................................................7
4.1Agricultural Research System in Yemen…..........................................................7
4.2Agricultural Sector Policy.....................................................................................8
4.3Marketing Policies…. ...........................................................................................8
4.4National Seed Policy and Laws…. ...................................................................... 9
4.5Seeds and Fertilizer Production Policies….........................................................10
5. The Rural Civil Society Organizations…................................................................11
6.The Role of Formal Organizations in Seed Production and Supply in Yemen… ....14
7. Agricultural Research in Seed Crop Improvement..................................................15
7.1Seed Processing, Cleaning and Storage….. ......................................................154
7.2Seed Marketing and Distribution…....................................................................16
7.3 Constraints in the Seed Sector ...........................................................................17
8.Improving Traditional Seed Systems in Yemen (the Success Story)… ...................17
8.1Justifications…. ..................................................................................................17
8.2Objectives of the Outreach Program…...............................................................18
8.3Approaches in Implementing the Outreach Program…......................................19
8.4Main Activities of the Outreach Program….......................................................22
8.Main Achievements of the Outreach Program…......................................................27
9.The Main Constraints of the Program…...................................................................32
10.Important Conclusions and Lessons Learnt.. ..........................................................32
Consulted References...................................................................................................35
Annex 1 Characterization of Best Practices and Successes within Chosen Cases as a
Foundation for Regional Activities..............................................................................36
Annex 2 Leading Partners and Institutions for Each Region.......................................37
3
Abbreviations
AOAD Arab Organization for Agricultural Development
ARA Agricultural Research Authority
AREA Agricultural Research and Extension Authority
ASP Agricultural Services Project
CBRDP Community-Based Regional Development Program of the UNDP
CDAs Community-Development Associations
DRE Department of Research and Extension
EEC European Economic Community
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
GPP Global Partnership Program
GSMC General Seed Multiplication Corporation
LFM Linking Farmers to Markets
MAWR Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources
NSB National Seed Board
NSC National Seed Center
NSMC National Seed Multiplication Center
PSC Potato Seed Company
PSP Potato Seed Project
SASP Seed and Agricultural Services Project
SMP Seed Multiplication Project
UNDP United Nation Development Program
VSC Vegetables Seed Company
4
1- Introduction
The republic of Yemen lies in the southwest corner of the Arabian Peninsula. The
total area is estimated at 555,000 Km2 (55.5 million hectares) of which only about 3
(1.7 million hectare) could be cultivated with the rest of deserts, mountainous and
urban areas (64) and pasture and woodlands (33). The population is presently
estimated at approximately 21 million, which is expected to double in the next twenty
years. The rural population dominates the country and constitutes approximately 77 of
the total population, with two thirds of all agricultural holdings smaller than one
hectare. Thus, most people are dependent on agriculture for both subsistence and
income. Agriculture in Yemen is therefore an important sector of the economy,
contributing approximately 15 of GDP and providing more than half of all
employment opportunities.
Most of the agricultural areas (65) depend on rainfall with two main rainy seasons, i.e.
the spring season which is suitable for sorghum and millet, and the summer season
which is suitable for many crops such as wheat, barley, pulsed and some vegetables in
the central and northern highlands and cereals, vegetables and fodders in eastern
plateau and southern uplands. Sorghum is still the main stable food in the country
covering an area of more than 300,000 ha.
The seed industry in Yemen consists of formal and informal seed systems. The formal
seed system that is actively involved in certified seed production comprises of public
and parastatal seed corporations and companies with little involvement of the private
seed companies. While the informal seed system comprises of farmers who produce
and use their own seeds from one season to another and sell or exchange seeds with
other farmers.
Although the Formal Seed System of seed multiplication was started only 25 years
ago, yet up to date traditional varieties cover more than 90 of cereal, legume and oil
crops. However, during the past 10 years, farmers in the mountainous and mainly
rain-fed areas face many production constraints particularly in cereal and legume
crops as many gave up production because they can't do all the manual work of
5
planting, threshing and harvesting. Low production was also faced due to loss of
grains and low quality of seed produced as threshing and seed maintenance is poor.
The problem was worsened due to continuous movement of labor force from rural
areas to urban areas and to work abroad.
This paper presents an outstanding experience of community based seed systems
improvement which was marked by the implementation of an outreach program
during the years 2003-2005. The paper focuses on the way this program was planned
and implemented, how its objectives were achieved, what are the most important
lessons and success stories drawn from this experience, and how these achievements
and lessons learnt could be utilized for future improvements.
2- The Global Partnership Program (GPP): “Linking Farmers to
Markets”
The Global Partnership Program (GPP): “Linking Farmers to Markets” is a global
initiative aimed to help small farmers successfully link to markets by fostering mutual
learning and sharing knowledge which build and adds value to successful experiences,
market oriented research, innovations and investment initiatives.
Harnessing the potential of small-holder farmers and entrepreneurs will be achieved
by:
• Contributing to achieve an enabling policy and institutional environment
conductive to successful linkages of farmers and entrepreneurs to markets.
• Offering appropriate and targeted information tools and methods for catalyzing
6
farmers’ and entrepreneurs’ linkages to markets.
• Strengthening the capacities of producers, farmer organizations, market chain
actors and researchers, to respond to market opportunities.
Linking Farmers to Market (LFM) is a major aim of GPP. The growing number of
small farms and declining average size of operational holdings indicate the weakness
in their access to critical production resources. Therefore, they are operating at a
lower equilibrium. Several studies indicate that small farmers encounter entirely
different set of problems in both input and output markets due to their unique
characteristics. The input markets include, land, labor, credit, information and
technology and purchased inputs. They also face the consumption market in addition
to the output market. To bring them to a high level of equilibrium, we need to
understand the constraints in various markets.
Farmers through development pass by four stages:
1- Subsistence Stage: Individual small-scale farmers selling surplus into market
2- Early stage: small-scale farmers organized to sell the produce collectively
3- Developing stage: small-scale farmers organized and adding value, diversifying
products
4- Mature Stage: small-scale farmers organized and fully integrated into a supply
chain
3- Purpose of the Success Story
1. Describe the success story of intervention that successfully linked small
producers to markets. It will allow understanding what are the current
tendencies, challenges and approaches used in the region to successfully link
small producers to markets.
2. Identify and describe those best practices that lead to the successful linkage of
small producers to markets.
3. Critically review the selected case to:
a. Identify those elements that enhance success.
b. Identify those elements that represent the greater opportunity for
7
replication regionally and globally.
c. Identify the feasibility of scaling up and funding for those elements that
enhance success.
4. Agricultural System in Yemen
4.1 Agricultural Research System in Yemen
Agricultural research (AR) activities in Yemen date back to the forties when the
British Colonial Government (which ruled South Yemen until 1967) introduced
the "Lambert type" of cotton from Sudan in the Abyan coastal area. El-Kod
Research Station was established in 1955 in this region (50 km from Aden), and
research activities were expanded to other field crops. Seiyun Research Center
was established in Wadi Hadramout in 1972 to cover the mid-altitude region of
South Yemen.
Research activities were later developed in most parts of the country, especially
through numerous projects supported by UNDP/FAO and IDA. They were
introduced in North Yemen starting in 1970, later developing into a central AR
station in Taiz in 1978. In 1980, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform
of South Yemen created the Department of Research and Extension (DRE), based
at Aden, which was transformed in 1986 to the Directorate of Research and
Extension. This Directorate was responsible for research and executed only
technical control of extension units. At the same time, the Agricultural Research
Authority (ARA) was established in Dhamar in North Yemen for conducting
research and applied studies to improve agricultural production.
In 1990, after the unification of North and South Yemen, the Agricultural
Research and Extension Authority (AREA) was formed by merging DRE and
ARA and their respective research centers and stations. The Extension
Department of the General Directorate of Extension and Training (GDET) was
transferred to AREA in 1990 and was mandated with the tasks of technical
backstopping and strengthening linkages between research and extension.
Extension systems, however, are still under different authorities within the
8
Ministry of Agriculture.
Agricultural higher education (AHE), with some related AR activities, started with
the foundation of an agriculture institute at Aden in 1975, which became in 1978
the Faculty of Agriculture of Aden University. In 1984, the Faculty of Agriculture
of Sana’a University was opened. The Faculty of Agriculture of the University of
Ibb and the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Science of the University of
Dhamar were established in 1996.
Research on fisheries started with the inception of the Marine Sciences and
Resources Research Center at Aden in 1986.
4.2 Agricultural Sector Policy
The Government gives special focus to the agricultural sector. In 1996, it initiated a
needs assessment of agricultural inputs and improves its delivery system. In addition,
it established an irrigation department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation
for better utilization of water resources available in the country.
The government encourages the agricultural sector and gives priority to:
1. Transform from subsistence to commercial farming through provision of inputs
2. Stabilize the price of agricultural inputs
3. Improve the irrigation system and provision of equipment
4. Implement new strategies in research and seed production
5. Provision of credit to farmers cooperatives, etc
6. Reduce import of vegetables and fruits
4.3 Marketing Policies1
1. Follow marketing policies that correspond to the government orientation
towards liberalizing trade, which is in keeping with international economic
changes, and which work based on a market economy.
1 Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation. Aden Agenda- part 1&2 . Sana'a, Yemen. 2000.
9
2. Undertake marketing studies and research and improve the efficiency of
marketing extension that is directed to reduce post harvest losses and to
introduce modern marketing techniques.
3. Improve and upgrade the efficiency of the marketing information system to
contribute to making it accessible to the beneficiaries, and to assist decision-
makers in drawing up policies and in making the appropriate marketing
decisions.
4. Development of agricultural exports, making them more competitive in world
markets.
5. Reinforce quality control, specifications and standards and to enforce them
with respect to agricultural products.
6. Improve and prepare the legislation and laws related to the regulation of
marketing activities.
7. Motivate and direct investments by agricultural cooperative in the areas of
marketing and preparing exports and food manufacturing as much as possible.
4.4 National Seed Policy and Laws
In 1995, the agricultural inputs assessment study was conducted which initiated the
Seed and Agricultural Services Project (SASP) and the reform of the national seed
program. The reorganization of the national seed sector in 1997 led to: 2
1. Establishment of three seed enterprises:
(i) General Seed Multiplication Corporation (GSMC),
(ii) Potato Seed Company (PSC), and
(iii) Vegetables Seed Company (VSC).
2. Establishment of Quality Control Unit
3. Enactment of the national Seed Law
4. Formation of National Seed Board
2Al-Tashi, Kamal Mohammed Hussein and Wadie Abdul-Habib, Focus on Seed
Programs The Yemen Seed Industry. General Seed Multiplication Corporation. Yemen
10
In 1998, the Seed and Agriculture Fertilizer Law. (Law No 20 of 1998) was enacted
with the main objective to improve the agricultural sector. The law aims at enabling
farmers to have better access and use of agricultural inputs and includes the following
elements:
• Registration of new varieties and plant variety protection
• Organizing production and marketing of certified seed
• Organizing import/export of seed and fertilizers
• Encourage private sector investment in seed
• Remove restrictions on source of breeder seed
• Monitoring impacts of fertilizer on environment
The law makes provisions for the establishment of Consultative Council for Seeds
and Seedlings. At present there is a National Seed Board (NSB) under the
chairmanship of the Minster of Agriculture and Irrigation. The members of the Board
include the representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (Minister,
Under Secretary and Assistant under Secretary for Agricultural Affairs), agricultural
research, public and private seed companies and agricultural cooperatives.
The law requires the establishment of a national registry for seeds and seedlings.
Plant variety protection will be granted to breeders for varieties registered in the
protected plant varieties registry.
4.5 Seeds and Fertilizer Production Policies3
1. Increase agriculture output through the exploitation of the natural resources by
the methods that will lead to conservation of natural resources, and that will
ensure their continuity, by means of upgrading the productive capacity of one
unit area, quantitatively and qualitatively, with the participation of the
beneficiaries to ensure the efficient use of the natural resources available.
2. Meet local requirements of improved seeds and appropriate fertilizers.
3. Preparation of the regulations for handling agricultural seeds and fertilizers.
4. Set up an effective mechanism for coordination among the relevant entities in
the production of seeds and fertilizers.
3 Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation. Aden Agenda- part 1. ob.cit
11
5. Vitalize the role of the quality control unit and coordination of its activities in
accordance with international and domestic standards in effect.
6. Continuation of the research in the production of original breed seeds and
drought resistant seeds.
7. Provision of technical research information for the beneficiaries.
8. Improve technical awareness and training of human resources of the
beneficiaries in producing and handling seeds and agricultural fertilizers.
9. Support the establishment of specialized associations for the producing and
supplying seeds and agricultural fertilizers in the different agricultural regions.
10. Upgrade the efficiency of control of fertilizers and seeds at the entry points.
5. The Rural Civil Society Organizations
A rapid survey of the existing rural organizations revealed that outside the traditional
tribal structure, organizations of rural people of interest for agricultural and
productive activities belong to one of the three following types: 4
o Agricultural cooperatives
o Community-development associations
o Informal community and farmer self-help groups
The agricultural cooperatives, which are members of the Agricultural Cooperative
Union have often been established at the initiative of a few influential individuals to
obtain government subsidies through ACU. Most of them have been established in
favorable areas (i.e. where a possibility for irrigation exists) and thus rural people in
rainfed areas, often do not have access to the services of a cooperative. In addition,
many of them are ineffective, plagued as they are with poorly performing governing
bodies and the non observance of cooperative law and regulations. As a result,
members have walked away from them. Where they exist, rural people tend to prefer
adhering to the Community-Development Associations (CDAs) which have been
established with the support of the Community-Based Regional Development
4 TFESSD Mobilizing Rural Institutions for Sustainable Livelihoods and Equitable Development - Proposal for a Country Case Study. YEMEN
12
Program (CBRDP) of the UNDP. Unfortunately, only a few districts benefited from
this very intensive capacity-building project (mostly in Al-Mahweet Governorate).
Finally, informal (not registered) community and farmers’ Groups have been
established by the Social Fund for Development, CARE and/or IDAS (GTZ funded
project) for the purpose of implementing their projects with targeted communities.
The objective of the Social Fund groups in rural areas is to provide basic public
infrastructure and social services: few of them are for productive activities. CARE
groups are for both private collective and public goods. IDAS targets productive rural
activities and encourages the informal self-help groups to register as formal CDAs,
but as for the UNDP project, the IDAS project does not operate in all governorates.
In all districts, there are also charitable associations. As their name indicates, these are
not established for productive purposes but mainly to assist very poor families in
times of needs. Also, local councils established under the Law of decentralization play
an increasing role at the local level to promote the provision of basic infrastructure
and services, which are needed to enhance agricultural production and marketing.
Finally, in each governorate, there is at least one service NGO, either international or
local: Care, Abs Women Social Charitable Association and the National Micro-
finance Foundation (active in most of the districts).
In summary, the rapid analysis carried out in preparation for the project revealed that
people’s perception towards collective action is not very positive due to previous
experiences, with agricultural cooperatives in particular, plagued, as mentioned
above, with many problems. The problem with donor or project-induced informal
groups is that because they have been promoted to deliver services for a particular
project, they tend not to be sustainable as soon as donor support is gone. There is also
the tribal structure, which is still an effective framework to organize collective action
in some areas, although it is undermined by the recent evolution towards the
utilization of the tribal system for political clienteles. The CDAs where they exist are
likely to 2TFESSD Mobilizing Rural Institutions for Sustainable Livelihoods and
Equitable Development be the most sustainable with least governance problems,
though the extent of their capacity to undertake collective productive action remain to
be assessed.
13
14
6. The Role of Formal Organizations in Seed Production and Supply
in Yemen
Before the reunification in 1990, there were four formal organizations dealing with seed
production and supply in the South and North Yemen. These organizations were
supported by different donors to produce and supply seed of major agricultural crops in
the country. These organizations and projects were:5
Seed Multiplication Project: The Seed Multiplication Project (SMP) was established in
1979 with the assistance of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(FAO), and later supported by the European Economic Community (EEC) in northern
governorates to multiply and distribute seed of improved cereal varieties.
Potato Seed Project: The Potato Seed Project (PSP) was started in 1977 through the
support of the Government of The Netherlands to introduce, produce and distribute seed
potato of imported varieties.
National Seed Center: The National Seed Center (NSC) was established in 1975 with the
assistance of the FAO and United Nation Development Program (UNDP) in the southern
governorates to produce improved seed of cereals, cotton and potato.
Onion Seed Project: The Onion Seed Project was initiated with the assistance from Arab
Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) in Hadramout governorate.
After the reunification of Yemen in 1990, the Seed Multiplication Project (SMP) and the
National Seed Center (NSC) were merged into a new entity called the National Seed
Multiplication Center (NSMC) under the General Directorate of Plant Production in the
Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources (MAWR) for an overall coordination of the
seed activities except potatoes.
Later on under the Seed and Agricultural Services Project (SASP), the World Bank
provided financial assistance (over USD $2 million) to implement the reform of the seed
program and commercialize its operations. The National Seed Multiplication Center was
5 Al-Tashi, Kamal Mohammed Hussein and Wadie Abdul-Habib. Ob.cit
15
reorganized which includes:
1. Reducing its workforce from 237 to 117
2. Reducing the NSMC branches from 11 to 5
3. Restructuring the seed farms as independent and self-supporting units
4. Reducing the financial deficit and dependence on government support
5. Improving the management and control of its assets and revenues
6. Encouraging local seed production systems
7. Encouraging testing of varieties for rainfed agriculture
7. Agricultural Research in Seed Crop Improvement
Agricultural research started in the 1950s in Al Koad Research Station handling
agricultural and horticultural crops. Initially variety development was carried out on
cotton where long staple varieties were evaluated for their adaptation and performance. In
the 1970s additional agricultural research stations were established in Seiyun and Taiz. At
present, the Agricultural Research and Extension Authority (AREA) is the main
organization responsible for generation and transfer of agricultural technology.
AREA has established regional agriculture research centers in different parts of the
country to cover various crops and agro ecological zones of the country. AREA maintains
close collaboration with national and international research centers such as CIMMYT,
ICARDA, ICRISAT, etc. In addition, some universities are also involved in agricultural
research.
7.1 Seed Processing, Cleaning and Storage
Seed processing is carried out at five seed centers located in Dhamar, Hadramout,
Marib, Taiz, Yarim and Zabid. In addition, there are also separate processing centers
for potato and onion in Dahamar and Wadi Hadramout, respectively. The seed plants
have nominal capacities ranging from 1 to 2 tonnes/hour (actual capacity of 0.5 to 1.5
tons/h)
Roeber 100 and 200 machines are used for seed cleaning; and each machine is
16
equipped with air screen, indented cylinder and a treater, the cleaning loss is about
10-12%.
Wheat and barley seed is treated with Vitavax 200 (carboxin + thiram). Maize,
sorghum and millet are treated with actellic (pirimiphos-methyl) against storage pests.
Seed is packaged in 40kg bags.
Each branch has seed storage facilities. All wheat and other cereal seed are stored in
the highlands where storage is not a problem because of low temperature and
humidity. Unconditioned storage in lowland coastal region leads to rapid deterioration
of seed.
7.2 Seed Marketing and Distribution
The General Seed Multiplication Corporation (GSMC), Potato Seed Company (PSC)
and Vegetables Seed Company (VSC) are officially responsible for seed marketing
and distribution of their mandate crops. Moreover seed is also distributed through
various branches and sub-branches as well as agricultural offices, extension services
and cooperatives. The private sector is involved in marketing and distribution of
imported vegetable seed, and some locally produced seed. However, farmer-to-farmer
diffusion continues to play an important role.
The public sector pays a premium to contract seed growers based on the quality of
seed produced. For example, GSMC pays a premium of over 20% and provides seed
and other inputs to seed growers including farm machinery and equipment.
It also provides technical advice and supervises seed growers. Almost 75% of seed
produced by growers is purchased by GSMC and PSC.
The price of cereal seed covers only half the actual cost of production whereas the
government subsidizes the remaining cost.
Potato and onion seed production and marketing is based on profitability. The
cooperatives play a major role in providing subsidy to the farmers by supporting grain
selling prices. For example the cooperatives pay 20% more than market price for
17
grain determined at harvesting time.
In the past (1992 - 1994) the raw and cleaned seed price for wheat seed remains the
same. However, since 1995 the cleaned seed price is about 30% more than raw seed
purchase price.
7.3 Constraints in the Seed Sector
Some constraints of the national program in variety development and release, seed
production and distribution are listed below:
1. Lack of well-organized plant breeding programs to develop new high
yielding varieties
2. Lack of variety maintenance leading to quick deterioration of released
varieties
3. Lack of released varieties suitable for rainfed agriculture
4. Small land holding, traditional production techniques, limited irrigation
water and inputs leading to high production costs
5. Lack of infrastructure particularly in southern and eastern governorates
6. Lack of technically qualified staff in the seed sector
7. Inefficient extension services linking agricultural research and farming
communities
8. Improving Traditional Seed Systems in Yemen (the Success Story)
8.1 Justifications
Through out history, the Yemeni farmers are producing their own seed for
planting. Despite the introduction of formal seed sector 25 years ago, yet
traditional varieties still cover more than 90% of cereal, legume and oilseed crops.
A pilot outreach program was designed to sustain and improve the long tradition
of community seed production and was implemented by the Agricultural Research
and Extension Authority (AREA), in collaboration with General Seed
18
Multiplication Corporation (GSMC).
As one of the main components of the Seed and Agricultural Services Project
(SASP), which was funded by the World Bank and implemented by AREA, in
coordination with the General Seed Multiplication Corporation, the outreach
program for community based seed improvement was designed as a pilot
operation to sustain the long tradition of community seed production in Yemen.
The program has started in January 2003 and was executed within two Years
ending in March 2005. The main long-term goal of the outreach program was to
improve agricultural productivity of rain fed cereal and legume crops such as
sorghum, millet, wheat, barley, maize, lentils, and cowpea through the
development of sustainable traditional seed systems.
The pilot project was started in December 2002 and completed in June 2004. In
the long-term, the program is expected to improve agricultural productivity of
rainfed crops such as wheat, barley, maize, sorghum and millet by strengthening
sustainable traditional seed systems.
The approach to improve the traditional seed system was based on the results of
survey from ten governorates which generated the basic information and the
communities recommended implementing a pilot program in five primarily
rainfed localities in the country: Qa'a Balasan (Dhamar), Shamat (Mahweet),
Turaibah (Zabeed), De-sufal (Ibb) and Al-Araes (Lahj). (see Map 1) The success
achieved in these localities will be extended to other areas in the country.
8.2 Objectives of the Outreach Program
The overall development objectives of the outreach program was to improve
agricultural productivity of rain fed crops such as sorghum, millet, and maize
through the development of sustainable traditional seed systems.
The Immediate objectives could be summarized as follows:
• Preparation of local communities to handle seed production of their
19
indigenous landraces, ecotypes and local materials. This aspect includes
training of local communities on simple variety selection procedures, bulking
and seed production methods, recognition of off types, harvesting techniques
for avoiding mechanical damage, cleaning, storage and treatment methods.
• Assistance of local groups with simple devices for cleaning, storage,
packaging, treatment and assessment of seed quality attributes.
• Diffusion and access to information leading to betterment of handling seeds at
village levels.
• Encouragement of sustainable activities related to farmers groups while
documenting their practices
8.3 Approaches in Implementing the Outreach Program
AREA was awarded a contract by the World Bank to implement the program. A
special task force was appointed to promote the idea of village seed production
with emphasis on:
The implemented activities by the outreach program include:
- Formation of local communities at all localities of the 5 pilot areas including
the formation of farmers' leadership or those who have pioneered in
20
community transformation.
- Selection of extension staff at various sites that provide assistance in the initial
implementation and facilitating the exchange of local knowledge and
experience among local communities.
- Conducting, with collaboration of farmers, intensive field practices for
improvement and purification of farmers own local landraces. This is done by
random selection of field planted by farmers without previous intervention.
- Introduction of local varieties which has been collected from communications
after initial testing of ecotypes and purification of seeds by AREA and
universities.
- Planning of major crop varieties under rain fed condition as when and where
appropriate using farmer's method for planting.
- In comparison some of the introduced improved varieties to the region were
also used under traditional systems and improved methods of fertilizer
application. Major planting dates under rain-fed conditions in various targeted
areas are: Mahweet (in May) followed by Ibb (in June), Dhamar/ Qa'a Balsan
(in July), Zabeed/ AI-Turaiba (in July), and Lahj (in September).
- Introduction of appropriate technologies that help farmers maintain their own
traditional seed systems. These technologies include agricultural inputs,
threshers, seed cleaning and sieving tools and equipment, seed treatment and
seed quality testing tools, and seed storage facilities.
- Participatory on-the-spot monitoring and evaluation of field practices such as
crop husbandry, rouging, and selection is done through regular visits paid to
all sites.
- Training of extension staff who will be working with various communities.
- Training of individual communities at their premise with the participation of
extension agents on the importance of improving traditional seed systems and
on the activities expected to be implemented.
- Production of various extension materials, e.g. leaflets, posters and video
training shots, about each variety and practice being handled by local
communities.
- Conducting short training sessions, traveling workshops and field days, with
the presence of researchers and extension agents, in order to give local
communities chance to evaluate the performance of introduced
21
varieties/technologies.
- Documentation, by means of video shots and photographs, of all activities
implemented at village level.
- Follow up of preparation of appropriate technologies, which will be used
during the program.
At the same time GSMC, designated a team for follow up of all activities under
contract with AREA. This team was responsible for monitoring and evaluation of
the level of implementation. The project personnel discuss comments and
monitoring reports on regular basis.
Table (1) provides details about number of local landraces and improved varieties
used by the outreach program within the two years of the project. In order to
minimize any failures in implementation, about 3-5 locations/farmers were
selected for each variety. A total number of about 143 plots/locations were used
during the two years of the program.
Table (1)
Important Crops Used by the Program
Crop Existing local
Landraces
Introduced Local
and Improved
Varieties
Remarks
Sorghum 5 10
Millet 1 4
Wheat 2 5
Lentils 1 1
Total 9 20
The overall development approach used in this program was a combination of
different methods concentrating on a multiple system approach in order to reach a
two-handed strategy which focus on providing direct support to targeted farmer
leaders through training and persuasion on one hand and strengthening the
capacity of extension workers on aspects related to communication, improvement
22
of local seed systems, and monitoring and evaluation of development programs on
the other hand. This approach was combined with the use of a variety of improved
extension materials and the creation of informal networks that link the program
team members, farmers, and extension workers. Production of leaflets, posters and
video shots, exchange of visits among farmers, the use of short training courses
and afternoon sessions, and the introduction of appropriate technology are all
amongst the different extension methods that were used in the pilot areas.
Flexibility in changing extension methods based on new circumstances and socio-
economic conditions also was followed. In some areas like Mahweet, group
approach was followed especially where farmers show willingness to share ideas
and cost. In other areas, individual arrangements were made with farmers who
preferred to be dealt with individually particularly in the use of improved
technologies.
8.4 Main Activities of the Outreach Program
The implemented activities by the outreach program include:
a. Formation of Farmers' Groups
Formation of local communities at all localities of the 5 pilot areas including
the formation of farmers’ leadership or those who have pioneered in
community transformation.
b. Selection of Extension Staff
These were followed by selection of extension staff to provide assistance in
project implementation and facilitate exchange of local knowledge and
experience among communities. The local varieties, initially collected from
the communities were reintroduced to the farmers, after initial testing of the
ecotypes by AREA and the universities.
c. Organizing Demonstration Plots
- Conducting, with collaboration of farmers, intensive field practices for
improvement and purification of farmers own local landraces. This is
23
done by random selection of field planted by farmers without previous
intervention.
- Introduction of local varieties, which has been collected from
communities after initial testing of ecotypes and purification of seeds by
AREA and universities.
- Planting of major crop varieties under rain fed condition as when and
where appropriate using farmer’s method for planting.
- In comparison some of the introduced improved varieties to the region
were also used under traditional systems and improved methods of
fertilizer application.
- The crop varieties were planted under rain-fed conditions when and
where appropriate using farmer's practices.
- Regular visits were made to all sites and basic crop husbandry
techniques were applied.
d. Training Farmers and Extension Staff
Training of extension staff was conducted to enable them work with various
communities. Later on the communities were trained on their premises with
the participation of the extension staff. The training was focused on the
importance and practices of improving traditional seed systems and on the
activities to be implemented to ensure sustainability. Several extension
materials were produced (e.g. leaflets, posters and video training shots)
about each variety and practices being used by local communities.
24
e. Introducing Appropriate Technologies
Appropriate technologies that help farmers maintain their own traditional
seed systems were introduced. These technologies include provision of
agricultural inputs and equipment such as threshers, seed drying, seed
cleaning, seed treatment, seed quality testing tools, and storage facilities.
AREA in its efforts to overcome the production constraints in the rain-fed
areas, has developed the idea of small and local thresher machine that is run
by motor engine and can be lifted by 2-3 persons. The capacity of the
machine varied between 300-350 kg/hr depending on the different crops
threshed. The machine was designed to be used in the highlands areas and
particularly by small farmers. The idea was then transferred to a local
workshop where the intended machine could be produced on contract with
AREA. After making the first prototype machine, it was tested in different
areas and was modified until the farmers were satisfied with its performance.
25
T
h
e
t
h
r
esher machine was introduced as part of an outreach program funded by the
World Bank in 5 pilot areas. AREA, in coordination with the General Seed
Multiplication Corporation, has introduced the improved thresher to the
targeted areas where farmers contributed to the cost of the machine. A
package of improved technologies such as improved seeds, improved
cultural practices, and storage and seed testing equipment was associated
with this improved threshing machine. The program was implemented
within two years, i.e. 2003-2005. The machine was made to be suitable for
threshing more than 5 different cereal and legume crops including wheat,
sorghum, maize, millet, and lintels, as different sieves or screening plates
could be changed to fit different crops. This means that the machine
combined the work of more than three different separate imported machines
that were previously introduced by other projects for different crop
categories such as wheat-Barley, sorghum, and maize.
f. Extension Campaigns And Evaluation
- In order to make a real
success in implementing
this outreach program, a
combination of different
methods concentrating on a
multiple approach in order
to reach two-handed
strategy which implies
26
providing direct training to targeted farmers and farmer groups on one
hand and strengthening the capacity of extension workers on aspects
related to communication, improvement of local seed systems, and
monitoring and evaluation of development programs on the other hand.
- This approach was combined with the use of a variety of improved
extension materials and the creation of informal networks that link the
program team members, farmers, extension workers, and the private
sector. Production of leaflets and posters, exchange of visits among
farmers, the use of short training courses and afternoon sessions, and
the introduction of appropriate technology are all amongst the different
extension methods that were used in the pilot areas.
.
Field day in sorghum demonstration
- Most of the training provided for extension agents, researchers, and
farmers were on communication skills, participatory approaches,
simple variety selection procedures, bulking and seed production
methods, recognition of off types, harvesting techniques for avoiding
mechanical damage, cleaning, storage and treatment methods. Training
of equipment and input suppliers is still needed maybe on business
management, marketing skills, and other technical aspects.
g. Monitoring and Evaluation
Participatory on-the-spot monitoring and evaluation of field practices such
as crop husbandry, rouging, and selection is done through regular visits paid
27
to all sites.
8. Main Achievements of the Outreach Program
Due to the short period since the implementation of the outreach program and the
variations in draught situation during the two years, it is difficult to measure the real
impact of the program. However, some indications could be drawn from the available
results.
Regarding productivity improvement, it could be indicated that within local landraces
there was an increase of yield as differences between purified and non-purified local
landraces (see table 2 and figure1). Concerning improved varieties introduced by
research stations, differences in yield, as compared to local check landraces, were
noticed in some crops, such as millet, lintels, and some wheat varieties (see table 3
and figure 2). To measure variations in yield between introduced varieties or purified
seed and farmers' own local landraces, two samples of 2 square meters were taken
from each location by the extension agents during harvest. The average yield of some
selected crops in the two seasons was calculated as shown in tables 2 and 3 below.
Table (2)
Comparison of Yield Between Purified and Non-Purified Local Varieties
Yield (Mt/ha) Area Crop Variety
Purified Non-
Purified
Remarks
Mahweet Sorghum Mursalah 1.88 1.43
Zabeed Sorghum Qaira'a 1.29 074
Ibb Sorghum Qadasi 2 1.5
Lahj Sorghum Saif 1.2 085
Dhamar Wheat Arabi 2.1 1.85
28
Due to improvement of traditional seed systems, targeted farmers became as an
important sources of seed where farmers from nearby areas come to buy seed
from them. The increased demand for seeds was not only for local landraces
but also for the introduced new varieties that were proved to be suitable for
local conditions. A total of 41 local or improved varieties suitable for rain-fed areas
were improved or purified by the program. Although the project implementation
period was limited, farmers showed keen interest for the newly introduced varieties
and purified local varieties and seeds.
Table (3)
Average Yield of Some Improved Varieties on Farmers' Own Local Landraces
Yield (Mt/ha) Crop Improved
Variety Improved Check Local
Remarks
Wheat Shibam-8 1.8 1.2
Lentils Dhamar-2 1.8 0.9
Millet Zabeed
Compound
1.04 0.61
29
In the last year of the project, there were about 150 farmers in the pilot areas who
started using improved and purified seed produced by the contact farmers. After the
program was terminated, there was no a survey in the nearby areas to see the
increased area and the number of farmers that have adopted the new varieties and
purified seed. The quick survey was focused only on the farmers that were targeted by
the program. However, some of the contact farmers indicated that they started to sell
their seed of the new and purified varieties to other neighboring areas either in cash or
in kind (getting back seed in the next season).
In order to understand farmers' views on improved technologies in the targeted areas,
a quick evaluation survey was prepared by the program team and implemented by a
formed team from the GSMC. The survey showed clear improvements as indicated by
targeted farmers. The farmers were asked to rank their benefit from each of the
different introduced technologies and field practices. Most of the farmers scored
«very good» and «excellent» for most of the technologies and field practices they
have received.
When contact farmers were asked about the difference in seed price between
new/purified seed and non-purified seed they indicated an increase of 15-20%
particularly for wheat and sorghum. The area planted every year in the 5 pilot areas
for all crops is about 50 demonstration fields (an average of 3 fields for each
crop/variety) for improved varieties and about 30 fields for purification. The area of
30
each field is between 300-500 square meters. The share of sorghum in these fields is
about 40% and wheat about 20%, while the rest is for millet, maize, barley, lentils,
and cow pea. I could say that after the project the area planted with the new and
purified seed has been increased particularly in the targeted areas, but we have no idea
for how much.
Marketing information system for seed business is still weak. Farmers from the
neighboring areas pass by the fields of the contact farmers which are planted with the
new and purified seed and ask the contact farmers to reserve seed for them. The price
is decided mostly in comparison with the seed sold by the formal sector, i.e. the
General Seed Multiplication Corporation.
Concerning the appropriate technologies of seed production such as the threshing
machine, the seed cleaning and storage equipment, it could be indicated that the use of
locally available know how and materials to make the improved technologies is an
important achievement of the program. Here, local workshops were found to continue
in manufacturing the machines and equipment which made it convenient to the
farmers to buy new machines and equipment and repair the old ones.
The above improvements were achieved through the following efforts:
1) The establishment of the Seed and Agricultural Services Project (SASP) in 1997
as a Word Bank project funded by the International Development Agency. The
focus of the project was on the restructuring of seed industry in terms of
reorganisation of public seed supply systems and the development of seed
policies. On important step in this direction was the preparation and issuance of a
new seeds and agricultural fertiliser's law.
The new Seeds and Agricultural Fertilisers Law No. (20) of 1998 provided a new
ground of enabling farmers and seed investors to have a better access to the seed
and agricultural inputs market. It emphasises the registration of new varieties and
plant variety protection, the organisation of seed production and marketing, and
the promotion of private investment in seed. Other important issues were taken
31
into consideration in the new Law such as reducing monopoly of breeder seed
production, and promoting bio-safety measures on seed production.
A cabinet decree No. (51) of 2001 for the bylaw of the new Seed and Fertilisers
Law was enacted. The bylaw specified the establishment and composition of the
National Seed and Fertilisers Advisory Council. The council is headed by the
Minister of Agriculture and composed of members from the Agricultural
Cooperative Union, AREA, a Dean of one agricultural collage, DGs of plant
protection, General Seed Multiplication Corporation, and plant production,
Secretariat of trading and industry in trade unions, 3 representatives of
agricultural cooperative associations working in production and marketing of
seeds and fertilisers, and 3 representatives of private companies working in
production and marketing of seeds and fertilisers. The prime task of the council is
to suggest policies and strategies for seeds, seedlings, and fertilisers. Also the
council could take other tasks and responsibilities as directed by the Minister of
Agriculture.
2) As part of the implementation of outreach program, training was provided for seed
producers and local communities on simple variety selection procedures, bulking
and seed production methods, recognition of off types, harvesting techniques for
avoiding mechanical damage, cleaning, and storage and treatment methods.
Training was also provided for extension agents on the importance of improving
traditional seed systems and on the activities expected to be implemented. Short
training sessions, traveling workshops and field days were conducted with the
presence of researchers and extension agents, in order to give local communities
chance to evaluate the performance of introduced technologies and exchange
experience from each other.
3) With regards to seed marketing information systems, no tangible activities were
implemented except some information on cereal production and seed distribution
provided through the General Directorate of Agricultural Statistics and the
General Directorate of Agricultural Marketing with the Ministry of Agriculture
and Irrigation. There is a need for establishing appropriate marketing information
system that strengthens the links of seed producers to the market. Training on
farmers and service providers on establishing marketing information systems is
32
required.
4) The Agricultural Research and Extension Authority has incorporated the tasks of
local seed improvement into its outreach programs within the General Directorate
of Technology Dissemination. Further efforts in strengthening this role are still
required.
9. The Main Constraints of the Program
The main constraints of the program are the low interest of the private sector in
establishing small-scale seed enterprises, shortage of rainfall in some of the pilot sites,
reluctance of small farmers to pay for some equipment (e.g. threshing machine)
delivered and limited timeframe allocated for its implementation.
The most important challenges are the need to create a local seed marketing system
for materials best suited to drier conditions. Moreover, capacity building of both
formal and informal groups to sustain their activities and compete in the market is
critical for further success of the program.
It is recommended to conduct a detailed marketing study to evaluate the effect of the
program on both the farmers in the project and the farmers in the areas around it.
10. Important Conclusions and Lessons Learnt
It is worth mentioning that the outreach program of traditional seed systems
improvement, during its short implementation period as a pilot activity, could
facilitate some important and tangible improvements of quality seed supply systems
within its limited areas of implementation. In this respect, some effects were clearly
noticed as local communities have shown interest on improved varieties and practices.
At the end of the year 2006 and beginning of the year 2007, the demand for the
introduced threshing machines started to grow, as many farmers started looking for
this machine. The farmers were happy with the new machine as it has saved a lot of
33
their efforts and money and improved their seeds and grain quality. This was clearly
indicated during an evaluation survey conducted by a neutral team from other
organizations. Also, it was noticed that some seed producers purchased the machine
and started their own seed production and renting the machine to other farmers. Now,
farmers in the rained areas are linked to local workshops where they can easily get a
new thresher machines. Also, some of them started selling seeds to other farmers.
As a result, some important conclusions and lessons were drawn as follows:
- Improved productivity of local landraces was clearly noticed due to several
reasons of which are seed purification and the introduction of appropriate seed
production technologies. About 30-74 increase in yield between purified and
non-purified landraces was calculated.
- Enhanced awareness of farmers about quality seed as a result of the
introduction of improved technologies and multiple communication channels.
- Strengthened partnership between different stakeholders, i.e. development
agencies, formal and informal farmer groups, and the private sector.
- Improved program effectiveness due to the use of mixed approach combining
formal and informal networks and the use of flexibility in changing
communication methods based on new circumstances and socio-economic
conditions. In some areas, group approach was followed especially where
farmers show willingness to share ideas and cost. In other areas, individual
arrangements were made with farmers who preferred to be dealt with
individually particularly in the use of improved technologies.
- The know-how and the materials to make the threshing machine locally
available and ensure sustainability of the project. Here, a local workshop was
found to continue in manufacturing the machine which made it convenient to
the farmers to buy new machines and repair the old ones. Also, an outreach
program for improvement of local seed systems was established in AREA’s
yearly plan to be implemented from the local budget.
- Flexibility in changing communication methods based on new circumstances
and socio-economic conditions. In some areas, group approach was followed
especially where farmers show willingness to share ideas and cost. In other
areas, individual arrangements were made with farmers who preferred to be
34
dealt with individually particularly in the use of improved technologies.
- The use of mixed approach combining formal and informal networks.
- Enhanced efficiency and equity due to the management of local resources to
the benefit of small farmers and rural women and the creation of a local
market seed supply system, which is in favor of the best-suited material to
drier conditions.
- Management of local resources to the benefit of small farmers.
- Creation of a local market seed supply system, which is in favor of the best-
suited material to drier conditions.
- Strengthened capacity building of both formal and informal groups and
farmers' associations made them able to sustain their activities and compete in
the market.
- Ensured sustainability of the program due to the use of locally available know
how and materials to make the improved technologies such as the threshing
machine, the seed cleaning and storage equipment.
- An outreach program for improvement of local seed systems was established
in AREA'S yearly plan to be implemented from the local budget.
35
Consulted References
- Al-Aghbary A. and Sattar W. (2001), Recent Development in the Yemen Seed
Industry and Implications for Small Farmers, Yemen, Dhamar, GSMC.
- AREA(2002), InceptionReportofthe Outreach Program on Seed Systems
Improvement in Rain-fed Areas, AREA, Dhamar, Yemen.
- AREA (2004), Annual Progress Report of the Outreach Program for the year
2003, AREA, Dhamar, Yemen.
- AREA (2005), Annual Progress Report of the Outreach Program for the year
2004, AREA, Dhamar, Yemen.
- AREA (2005), Terminal Report of the extended period of the Outreach Program,
AREA, Dhamar, Yemen.
- AREA (2006), the main findings of the post evaluation survey of the Outreach
Program in the targeted areas, Dhamar, AREA, Yemen.
- AREA & GSMC (2001), the Traditional Systems of Seed production and Seed
Exchange in Yemen: the results of a study survey in ten selected areas,
Dhamar, Yemen.
- AI-Sakaf A. and Aziz A. (2003), National Seed Multiplication Programs, Current
Status and Future prospects, Yemen, Dhamar, GSMC.
- Al-Tashi, Kamal Mohammed Hussein and Wadie Abdul-Habib, Focus on Seed
Programs The Yemen Seed Industry. General Seed Multiplication
Corporation. Yemen
- Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation. Aden Agenda- part 1&2 . Sana'a, Yemen.
2000.
- Sallam M. N. (2005), Seed Policy and Regulatory Reforms in the Republic of
Yemen, introduced in a seed workshop in Aleppo- ICARDA, AREA,
Dhamar, Yemen.
- Seeds and Agricultural Services Project (SASP) (2000), Inception Report, Agri-
Systems Limited, UK.
- TFESSD Mobilizing Rural Institutions for Sustainable Livelihoods and Equitable
Development - Proposal for a Country Case Study. YEMEN
Ann
ex 1
Cha
ract
eriz
atio
n of
Bes
t Pra
ctic
es a
nd S
ucce
sses
wi
thin
Cho
sen
Cas
es a
s a
Fou
ndat
ion
for
Reg
iona
l Act
ivi
ties6
Item
S
ub-it
em
Pol
icie
s an
d In
stitu
tions
U
nder
stan
ding
M
arke
ts &
Val
ue
Cha
ins
Cap
acity
Bui
ldin
g:
Lear
ning
to
inno
vate
Cla
rifyi
ng
Not
es
1. E
lem
ents
dem
onst
ratin
g su
cces
s an
d be
st p
ract
ice
s7 1.
1 G
ettin
g th
e lo
cal
com
mun
ities
to p
artic
ipat
e in
a
colle
ctiv
e pr
ogr
am
Enc
oura
ge b
uild
ing
rela
tions
hip
betw
een
the
form
al a
nd in
form
al
seed
pro
duct
ion.
The
mar
ketin
g sy
stem
is n
ot
eval
uate
d fo
r th
is
proj
ect
Tra
inin
g of
lo
cal
com
mun
ities
on
si
mpl
e va
riety
se
lect
ion
proc
edu
res,
bu
lkin
g an
d se
ed
prod
uctio
n m
etho
ds,
reco
gniti
on
of
off
type
s,
har
vest
ing
tech
niqu
es
for
avoi
ding
m
ech
anic
al
dam
age
, cl
eani
ng,
an
d st
ora
ge
and
tr
eatm
ent m
etho
ds.
1.2
Enh
ance
do
cum
enta
tion
prac
tices
bet
we
en th
e fa
rmer
s
T
rain
ing
of e
xten
sion
st
aff w
as c
ondu
cted
to
ena
ble
them
wor
k w
ith v
ario
us
com
mun
ities
.
1.3
6
Thi
s ta
ble
ha
s to
be
com
ple
ted
for
each
ca
se th
at
ha
s b
een
cho
sen.
7
An
exa
mp
le w
oul
d b
e so
met
hin
g lik
e a
rese
arc
h p
rogr
am
me
und
er
sub
-ite
m a
nd n
atu
re,
out
put
s a
nd b
enef
icia
l res
ults
un
der
the
the
mes
37
2. Is
sues
and
inno
vatio
ns p
oten
tial f
or s
calin
g-up
2.
1 In
cre
asin
g th
e ar
ea
prod
ucin
g pu
rifie
d se
eds
The
Min
istr
y of
A
gric
ultu
re a
nd
Fis
herie
s h
as to
initi
ate
a bo
dy
to c
ertif
y th
e se
eds
prod
uced
by
the
part
icip
atin
g fa
rmer
s
2.
2 In
trod
uce
the
sam
e pr
oced
ures
for
oth
er t
ype
s of
cr
ops
2.
etc
3.W
ay F
orw
ard:
Sca
ling-
up a
nd s
calin
g ou
t
3.
1 S
prea
d th
e ex
perie
nce
to
othe
r fa
rmer
s in
the
regi
on a
nd
to s
imila
r re
gion
s
The
ext
ensi
on a
gent
s in
th
e M
inis
try
of
Agr
icul
ture
and
F
ishe
ries
hav
e to
sta
rt
prea
chin
g th
e n
ew
varie
ties.
3.2
3.3
4.
Par
tner
s fo
r fo
ster
ing
lear
ning
alli
ance
s8
4.
1 E
xten
sion
Ser
vice
in th
e M
inis
try
of A
gric
ultu
re a
nd
Fis
herie
s
4.2
4.3
8 4
,1 to
4.e
tc w
oul
d b
e na
me
s o
f par
tner
s; ti
ck u
nde
r th
em
atic
are
as
in c
olu
mn
s
38
Ann
ex 2
Lead
ing
Par
tner
s an
d In
stitu
tions
for
Eac
h R
egio
n
Pol
icy
and
Inst
itutio
ns
Und
erst
andi
ng m
arke
ts a
nd
valu
e ch
ains
B
uild
ing
capa
city
: lea
rnin
g to
in
nova
te
Fun
ding
Pos
sibi
litie
s
Inst
itutio
n /
Org
aniz
atio
n
Prim
ary
Con
tact
or
Res
earc
her
Inst
itutio
n /
Org
aniz
atio
n
Prim
ary
Con
tact
or
Res
earc
her
Inst
itutio
n an
d O
rgan
izat
ion
Prim
ary
Con
tact
or
Res
earc
her
Inst
itutio
n /
Org
aniz
atio
n
Prim
ary
Con
tact
or
Res
earc
her
G
ener
al S
eed
Mul
tiplic
atio
n C
orpo
ratio
n (G
SM
C)
- M
r. A
bd
ul B
aset
A
l-Agh
bar
i
- M
r. M
oh
amed
A
bd
u A
li
No
t A
vaila
ble
The
Agr
icul
tura
l R
esea
rch
and
Ext
ensi
on
Aut
horit
y
-Dr.
Ism
ail
Mu
har
ram
-D
r. M
oh
amed
N
. S
alla
m
-Mr.
Gye
d S
alla
h
The
Wor
ld
Ban
k M
r N
aji A
bu
H
atem
