New varieties and methods boost maize production in Tanzania |
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| Improved maize seed systems to meet farmers' needs in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania and similar high potential areas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
New strategies are improving the quality and yield of maize to benefit poor people in the southern highlands of Tanzania. Two new varieties - which are highly resistant to important maize diseases, among other attractive attributes - were tested and validated by farmers and other stakeholders. Improved management approaches were developed and promoted through leaflets in English and in Kiswahili. To ensure regular supply of quality seed, a public-private partnership for certified seed production and distribution was put in place. Farmers, scientists, extension services, seed companies, NGOs and stockists in at least 60 villages in Tanzania's southern highlands are using the new strategies and materials. Project Ref: CPP01:
Research Programmes: Crop Protection Programme Relevant Research Projects:
Institutional Partners:
Maize is a key crop in Tanzania as in much of Africa. However, unavailability, lack of confidence in and high price of seed of quality disease-resistant varieties hinder smallholders in maize-based cropping systems. Project outputs include strategies to reduce the impact of disease and improve quality and yield of maize in high potential cropping systems for the benefit of poor people validated in the Southern Highlands (SH) of Tanzania: (1) Disease resistant maize varieties validated by farmers and other stakeholders Two new maize hybrids, UH615, UH6303, and associated agronomic management options (2001-2006), were validated by various stakeholders, while value was added to UH6303 by breeding in resistance to Maize streak virus (MSV). The two maize hybrids are highly resistant to Grey Leaf Spot, one of the most serious foliar diseases of maize worldwide. In addition, they are tolerant of rust and turcicum blight, two other foliar diseases which can severely limit maize grain yield. Other desirable attributes include a fast rate of dry matter accumulation and a semi-flint grain as preferred by farmers and other consumers in Tanzania. These hybrids are earlier maturing (160-165 days at 1800 m.a.s.l.) than many other cultivars. Tanzania and East Africa as a whole, is experiencing a significantly altered rainfall pattern, often having a shorter rainfall period, hence the need for earlier maturing cultivars. These two hybrids have a high grain yield potential [8-9 t/ha and 9-10 t/ha for UH615 and UH6303, respectively], and yield well in localities ranging from 1000 - 2000 m.a.s.l. UH6303 is one of the few MSV-resistant, high altitude maize cultivars. (2) Improved management approaches for maize cultivars validated and promoted Maize production and disease management leaflets in English and in Kiswahili, the latter serving as a quick reference for farmers, were developed, tested and promoted. Training materials for management of open-pollinated varieties were developed. (3) Sustainable systems for quality seed supply Improvements to certified seed, quality declared seed and farmer-saved/locally-traded seed systems were identified by a range of stakeholders. A public-private partnership between ARI-Uyole and private sector seed companies was established so as to improve certified seed production and distribution for the SH. District and zonal maize promotional strategies were developed by key stakeholders.
Main commodity: Maize Lessons learnt could be applied to working with farmers and other stakeholders on seed systems of a wide range of field and horticultural crops. However, the crop-based technical information and outputs provided here are specific to maize and to medium and high altitude areas of Tanzania.
(i) Outputs of R8422 added value to R8220 through improving farmers' and other stakeholders' access to information, training and products in maize systems in the S. Highlands. Further added value may be gained from R8428/R8349 on improving communications strategies in Tanzania (ii) Outputs of maize production projects offer added value to: maize grey leaf spot management (R8453/ R7588), MSV management (R7429, R6642), promoting integrated pest and soil management for lowland maize systems in Tanzania (R8452/R8215) and the Lake Victoria basin (R8449/R8212) as well as projects R7034/ R8179 on post-harvest protection of grain. (iii) Outputs of R8415 add value to R8220, through experience sharing, given the importance of beans under mixed, inter-and mono-cropping systems in high potential production systems of the Southern Highlands. (iv) Smallholders have limited resources to buy inputs, so the experience of projects R8219, R7405 (mini-packs of fertilizers and seeds and learning protocols) is valuable; joint activities have already been initiated in the S. Highlands. (v) Links have already been established with the Good Seed Initiative (R8480) and there would be added value to mutually improving farmer seed management. (vi) Increase in yield arising from adopting better varieties and husbandry will generate surplus maize for sale requiring the outputs on market information tools generated by projects R8250 and R7494. (vii) The two varieties UH615 and UH6303 are "stay green", the stover remaining succulent even after crop harvest. Succulent stover fed to dairy cattle benefits milk production so outputs of R8220 add value to those of project R5188 addressing straw quality for smallholder milk production. How the outputs were validated: Project outputs were validated through the core team engaging with key stakeholders at all stages of the projects, including the following:(i) A situation analysis by trans-disciplinary teams (public sector researchers and extensionists, NGO trainers) informed project partners about farmers' knowledge, perceptions and practices regarding maize, with particular emphasis on access to and management of quality seed/cultivars in the target area. This provided an entry point to identify farmers interested in participating in project activities, ensuring relevance of maize cultivars and accompanying agronomic options. (ii) Validation of new cultivars focused on collaborative (farmer-researcher-extension) on-farm maize variety demonstrations/trials. These were done in 16 villages in each of 4 districts. In collaboration with researchers (ARI Uyole leading) and village extension officers, 5 farmers (all belonging to a farmer group) in each of the 16 villages planted demonstration trials. Each demonstration/trial consisted of up to 6 new cultivars undergoing validation, a local check and a standard commercial hybrid or OPV variety. Trials were done for 3 seasons, for a total of 240 trial/demonstration sites. The farmer groups generally had a 3:2 male:female ratio . (iii) Farmer group strengthening to improve capacity to influence the research process, including validation, was facilitated primarily by the NGO INADES Formation Tanzania (IFTz). (iv) A collaborative monitoring and evaluation approach (involving farmer groups, researchers, NGOs and later the private seed sector) assessed the maize cultivars during the 3 seasons of field demonstrations. In addition, field days were carried out at selected sites, attracting further farmers, as well as political leaders and administrators from village to regional level. (v) Collaborative public-private partnership trials between ARI-Uyole and private sector seed companies in Mbeya, Moshi (Northern Tanzania) and FICA-Seeds (Uganda) validated private sector demand for the new hybrids. (vi) Training tools, largely in the form of leaflets were developed through an iterative process involving farmer groups as well as individual farmers in selected villages within the four target districts. Farmers scrutinized the first drafts. Tools were further revised and validated during farmer seminars and subsequent project workshops in which researchers, village and district extension officers, NGOs and other stakeholders participated. (vii) Options for improving certified seed, quality declared seed and farmer-saved/locally-traded seed systems were identified and partially validated through the situation analysis, collaborative M and E, a consultation survey of non-farmer stakeholders interested in maize in the SH and various workshops with public and private sector stakeholders. Validation of the outputs involved male and female farmers who largely were low income, moderate-poor members of farming communities in the SH of Tanzania. Increase in maize grain yield during the validation phase varied, with some farmers harvesting up to thirty 100 kg-bags of maize grain per acre from their own fields, using the improved cultivars plus the recommended management package, in comparison with 7-10 100kg-bags from unimproved local maize cultivars. Where the Outputs were Validated: Validation was done in the Southern Highlands (SH) of Tanzania (a zone made up of 22 districts) by stakeholders in 8 districts (Mbeya Urban, Mbeya Rural, Mbozi, Mbarali, Njombe, Iringa Rural, Kilolo and Rungwe), from March 2003 to June 2006. These areas are in the high potential production system of the SH. The predominant farming system in this area is smallholder, rain-fed highland, characterized by small maize fields (0.5-1.5ha of maize per household), under monocropped, intercropped or mixed cropping systems. Beans, rice, potatoes, wheat, bananas are other food crops; however, maize is the staple food. Most maize is planted from mid December to early January under monomodal rainfall. In some high altitude areas, maize is planted between June and August using residual moisture such that anthesis coincides with the start of the main rains in November-December. The project identified improvements in seed systems ranging from certified seed to quality declared seed to farmer-saved/locally-traded, thereby addressing the needs of a wide range of social groups growing and consuming maize. The hybrids are primarily directly targeting smallholders that may be described as moderately poor with potential indirect benefits to consumers and the wider economy. The learning tools were developed for a wider target group potentially including any maize producers or intermediaries who are able make use of written materials (currently in Kiswahili and English) directly or indirectly. In Northern Tanzania (Kilimanjaro region), an emerging local seed company (Mbegu Technologies Inc) validated the new hybrids in the Moshi rural district during the 2005/06 season. In Uganda, the two hybrids were validated through village demonstrations organized by FICA, a Ugandan company, in Kapchorwa, Kasese, Kabarole and Kabale districts between February and July, 2006. All the aforementioned districts represent high potential smallholder rain-fed intermediate to highland environments. Who are the Users?
Where the outputs have been used: Varieties UH615 and UH6303 (i) In 6 districts in the SH of Tanzania (Mbeya Urban, Mbozi, Mbarali, Njombe, Iringa Rural, Kilolo), areas where the varieties were tested, validated and promoted. (ii) Songwe Prison and Uyole Training Institute Farms in Mbeya; District Development Trust Farm at Matanana, Njombe, Laela Agricultural School Farm at Laela (Rukwa Region). (iii) **In Ruvuma region where UH615 seed is sold through the Songea District Extension Office (10 tonnes in 2004/5), and in Mbinga District (5 tonnes sold in the 2004/05 season). (iv) **In Sumbwanga district (Rukwa region) (12 tonnes of seed sold through the district extension office during the 2004/05 season). (v) In Northern Tanzania (Arusha/Mbulu/Moshi) where Mbegu Technologies Inc. in 2005 and 2006 made a few farmers aware through collaborative testing and validation. (vi) In Uganda, FICA seed company has raised interest with farmers to plant the two hybrids, especially UH6303, if seed is available for the 2007 cropping season. (vii) Unconfirmed reports say the seed has crossed borders (unofficially) to Zambia and Malawi. ** Despite high demand from farmers, it was not possible to supply these two regions with any seed during the 2004/05 season due to limited seed supply. For Ruvuma region, some limited quantities of UH6303 were made available during the 2005/06 season; however, none was supplied to Rukwa region, again due to limited seed supply. Training tools are mainly being used in the SH of Tanzania. Scale of Current Use: At local level, outputs are being used in at least 60 villages in 8 districts in the SH. Interest in hybrids UH615 and UH6303 is rising for both main and off-season planting. Production of UH615 certified seed (tonnes) was 112 in 2002, 202 in 2003 but only 133 in 2004 due to production problems and due to unavailability of foundation seed and bad weather, production of UH615 fell to 15 tonnes in 2005. Only 32 tonnes of UH6303 were available to the farming community in 2005. All seed produced has so far been sold to farmers and demand is estimated to be much greater. 110 tonnes of UH6303 and 125 tonnes of UH615 will be available by early November, 2006, to coincide with the 2006/07 season. However, this quantity is expected to be sold quickly, with demand estimated at over 600 tonnes for the SH zone alone. Regionally, the varieties have been released in Uganda, No seed was made available to farmers in 2006, however, at least 70 tonnes should be available for the highlands of Uganda in 2007. Demand for UH6303 is expected to be significantly higher from 2008, according to FICA Seed company in Uganda. Learning tools: the 6,500 units of leaflets/ posters produced in the past 3 years have been distributed to farmers and intermediaries (eg extensionists, stockists) primarily in the SH of Tanzania. Many more are in demand, perhaps an indication that usage of these outputs is also spreading. Policy and Institutional Structures, and Key Components for Success: Programmes The projects were primarily funded by CPP, working alongside a CPHP project in the final year. Platforms Within the SH, the lead organization ARI Uyole is strategically placed as the Southern Highlands Zonal Agricultural Research Centre. It hosts the office of the Zonal Research and Extension Liaison Officer (ZRELO), linking with district agricultural extension services (in Mbozi, Mbarali, Njombe and Iringa) and NGOs which provide a promotional platform in the zone. Working with farmer groups provided greater opportunities for farmers to influence the research and promotion process. ARI Uyole also links with input stockists, distributors and seed supply companies in the SH (Highland Seed Growers) and beyond, in the Northern Zone (Mbegu Technologies) and Uganda (FICA Seed Company). Policy The policy environment has created opportunities and challenges. Liberalisation of input and output markets (since late 1980s/ early 1990s) has resulted in a wide range of players entering the market, but input use by farmers has declined following the removal of input price subsidies, declining real grain prices and a loss of confidence in seed from seed suppliers. Decentralisation has made it easier for various actors in the zone to form linkages and partnerships with minimal bureaucracy. Seed policy has been recently reviewed, breeder's rights are now recognised which has had an impact on hybrid seed development. Production of Quality Declared Seed (QDS) of open pollinated varieties by trained village based farmers is formally recognised, and financially supported by DANIDA ASPS, enhancing local ownership & management of seed and improving access to seed for farmers in remote areas. Regional harmonization of seed regulation amongst East African countries facilitated the release of varieties in Uganda. Public-private sector partnerships are being encouraged by the Tanzania government and donors and loans are available to support the initial stages of these partnerships eg between breeders and seed companies. Subsidising transport costs for basic inputs, (in particular seed and fertilizers) has been re-introduced recently; this needs to be monitored to assess who is benefiting and how. Infrastructure: ICTs eg mobile phones and internet were crucial in making easy and fast communication between the various actors. Lessons Learned and Uptake Pathways Promotion of Outputs: In Tanzania, promotion is taking place in 60 villages in 8 districts (Iringa, Kilolo, Mufindi, Njombe, Mbarali, Mbozi, Mbeya Rural and Songea) in collaboration with the district extension services. Some NGOs, including ADP-Mbozi Trust Fund, INADES Formation, Njombe District Development Trust Fund and Ileje Rural Development Corporation are promoting these outputs. Two field days were organized this year in Iringa (Ihemi village, June 22nd); and Mbeya (Inyala village, 4th May) attracting 385 farmers (202 women). Additionally, farmer group representatives from 4 neighboring districts (Mbeya Rural, Kyela, Mbarali, Mbozi) participated. Training tools (leaflets and charts) were distributed to each participant after a plenary session. Zonal and district maize promotion strategies have been prepared by district/zonal stakeholders. The two hybrids are being promoted in Tanzania by Highland Seed Growers and by Mbegu Technologies and, in Uganda, by FICA Seeds Ltd. In Uganda, promotion started in 2005 in Kapchorwa district, followed by Kapchorwa, Kasese, Kabarole and Kabale districts between February and July, 2006, In addition to demonstrations, farmers were provided with seed samples of UH615 and UH6303. According to FICA, this strategy has created a high demand and they have made seed production plans in collaboration with Highland Seed Growers in Tanzania. Potential Barriers Preventing Adoption of Outputs: a. Farmers' situation and perceptions
b. Low certified seed production capacity
c. Poor seed distribution network.
d. Weak infrastructure.
e. Low crop prices.
f. Social exclusion
g. Institutional issues
h. Capacity of stakeholders and systems.
How to Overcome Barriers to Adoption of Outputs:
Lessons Learned:
Poverty Impact Studies: No impact studies on poverty have been undertaken with respect to this project. The following reports provide some indications of potential implications for impact on poverty: ARI Uyole/ NRI (2003) Situation analysis of maize growers in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania with particular emphasis on access to and management of seed. ARI-Uyole, Mbeya, Tanzania. Stathers, T., Lyimo, N., Lamboll, R., Temu, A. and Gibson, R. (2004). Improving Maize Seed Systems to Meet Farmers' Needs in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania: Report of a Stakeholder Workshop on 29th -31st July in Iringa, Tanzania. Working Paper for DFID project R8220. ARI-Uyole, Mbeya, Tanzania. Lamboll, R., Nsemwa, L.T.H. and Stathers, T. (2006) Survey of service providers to get feedback on influence of DIFID CPP/CPHP on improved capacity, effectiveness and morale. ARI Uyole, Mbeya, Tanzania. Stathers, T., Nsemwa, L.T.H., Gondwe, B., and Lamboll, R. (2006) A survey of farmers and stockists' access to and demand for maize information, training and products in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. ARI Uyole, Mbeya, Tanzania. pp 150 + ix. How the Poor have Benefited (including gender and other poverty groups): Product At local level, outputs are being used in at least 60 villages in 8 districts in the SH. Total production of UH615 certified seed since 2002 has been 462 tonnes together with 32 tonnes of UH6303 in 2005. All seed produced has so far been sold. Assuming: 400 tonnes were purchased by smallholders; each smallholder planted 1 hectare of hybrid seed; and a planting rate of 20 kg / hectare then up to 20,000 smallholders may have benefited. The incremental net benefit will depend on a range of factors including: individual farmer's previous practice, the changes in costs of production, the actual changes in yields, and use of maize outputs. Increase in maize grain yield during the validation phase varied, with some farmers harvesting up to three tonnes of maize grain per acre (7 tonnes/ hectare) from their own fields, using the improved cultivars plus the recommended management package, in comparison with 700 kg-1 tonne (1.7 -2.4 tonnes/ hectare) from unimproved local maize cultivars. Process A small number of farmers ie those in farmer research groups and others who participated in various learning activities have benefited directly through improved capacity to manage their maize systems. Those in the research groups also benefited indirectly through an enhanced capacity to influence the maize research and development process. One group from Mbarali district were trained in open pollinated variety seed production and are planning to produce QDS seed to sell to their neighbours. Key indicators which needs to be measured include: productivity (labour and capital, as well as land), farmer incomes and food security, equity (who is benefiting?) and sustainability [1]. Impact on poverty to date
[1] Based on Melinda Smale and Thom Jayne (2003) Maize in eastern and southern Africa: seeds of success in retrospect. EPTD Discussion paper No. 97 IRPRI Washington DC, USA. Direct and Indirect Environmental Benefits: Improving farmers' capacity to manage maize may have positive or negative implications for the environment. Increased use of external inputs may have negative consequences on eg biodiversity of farming landscapes. Alternatively improving knowledge may result in a reduction in use of inputs. More intensive farming should result in less pressure to expand into previously uncultivated areas. The use of disease resistant maize varieties eliminates the need for chemicals for disease control, therefore contributing to a healthy environment Adverse Environmental Impacts: Improving farmers' capacity to manage maize may have positive or negative implications for the environment. Increased use of external inputs may have negative consequences on eg biodiversity of farming landscapes. Coping with the Effects of Climate Change, or Risk from Natural Disasters: The outputs can contribute as follows:
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Relevant Research Projects,
with links to the
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For relevant research projects, with links to further information
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