Accelerated variety turnover for open-pollinated crops in Tanzania - Phase 1 Key Findings

Ochieng, J.; Rubyogo, J.C.; Birachi, E..; Radegunda, K..; Masimane, J.; Mbugua, M.; Odhiambo, W.; Mutua, M.; Kitoto, V.; Steinke, J.; Munguatosha, N.; Daudi, H.; Shida, N.; Mwenda, E.; Mbiu, J.; Ndunguru, A.; Kibaraza, A.; Marenya, P.; Rutsaert, P.; van Etten, J.; Kalemera, S.; Kasubiri, F.S.; Ojiewo, C. (2023) Accelerated variety turnover for open-pollinated crops in Tanzania - Phase 1 Key Findings. Arusha (Tanzania): International Center for Tropical Agriculture. 8 p.

Open-pollinated varieties (OPVs), such as beans, sorghum, and groundnuts, are important for increased income, job creation, food security, and nutrition of both urban and rural households in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, the main constraint is underdeveloped seed systems, which contribute substantially to dwindling productivity among small-scale farmers due to limited access to reliable and quality planting materials. ACCELERATE is expected to accelerate varietal adoption and turnover in Tanzania by tapping into the power of large/small-scale or marketplace traders, and institutional seed buyers.