Seed packaging and distribution to smallholder farmers: The Mini-pack case By Esther Karanja

WHAT IS MINI-PACK

Objectives Introduce commercialization aspects in seed distribution Meet the expanding demands for seed by poor resource farmers Increase the affordability of seed by small scale farmers Increase the level of adoption by small scale farmers Increase establishment of on-farm nurseries

Why Mini-pack Most customers require small amounts of seed due to diminishing land sizesMost customers require small amounts of seed due to diminishing land sizes Increases affordability for small-scale and poor farmersIncreases affordability for small-scale and poor farmers Reduces risk during the trial periodReduces risk during the trial period Gives a chance of trying the new technology with many and at low costGives a chance of trying the new technology with many and at low cost To enhance participation from the private sectorTo enhance participation from the private sector

How was it done? Engaged a casual worker to pack the seedEngaged a casual worker to pack the seed Seed packed in 10gms packages which was sold at US $ (ksh.10)Seed packed in 10gms packages which was sold at US $ (ksh.10) The packet gives about 300 seedlings and a farmer needs two seasons to get about 500 shrubs that are recommended for a dairy cowThe packet gives about 300 seedlings and a farmer needs two seasons to get about 500 shrubs that are recommended for a dairy cow Distribution was through different channelsDistribution was through different channels

Distribution strategies Ministry of agriculture through field days and trade fare exhibitionsMinistry of agriculture through field days and trade fare exhibitions Farm input stockistsFarm input stockists Direct sale through farmer-to-farmer dissemination methodDirect sale through farmer-to-farmer dissemination method Faith-based organizationsFaith-based organizations Seed dealersSeed dealers Non governmental organizations (NGOs) e.g. FIPSNon governmental organizations (NGOs) e.g. FIPS

Packaging Requirements of good packagingRequirements of good packaging –Appropriately designed for the target market –Eye-catching –Suitable to product –Compliant with retailers' requirements –Promotes image of enterprise –Distinguishable from competitors' products –Strong, convenient, well-designed

Information on the mini-packs Botanical & local names of the speciesBotanical & local names of the species Date of collectionDate of collection Seed sourceSeed source Seed quantitySeed quantity Method of pre sowing treatmentMethod of pre sowing treatment PricePrice

Some of the approaches used  Farmer- to- farmer  MOA staff to farmers e.g. focal area extension approach of MOA and MOLD  Farmer groups  Trade fares - Nairobi international trade fare, provincial and district agricultural shows  Field days, farmer meetings, etc  Seed dealers Association

Recent Developments Formation of KATRESNO to ensure sustainability in the seed distribution systemsFormation of KATRESNO to ensure sustainability in the seed distribution systems Use of Media to create public awareness on potential benefits from fodder shrubsUse of Media to create public awareness on potential benefits from fodder shrubs Increased linkages among the stake holdersIncreased linkages among the stake holders Many members of KATRESNO derive reasonable incomes from seed and seedlings distributionMany members of KATRESNO derive reasonable incomes from seed and seedlings distribution Improved livelihoods of farmers who adopt fodder shrub technologiesImproved livelihoods of farmers who adopt fodder shrub technologies

Successes/Achievement Formation of a seed dealers associationFormation of a seed dealers association Introduction of commercialised seed distribution systemIntroduction of commercialised seed distribution system Increased awareness on fodder shrubs through the media and dairy cooperativesIncreased awareness on fodder shrubs through the media and dairy cooperatives Improved seed production and supply systems due to increased linkages between seed demand and supply sidesImproved seed production and supply systems due to increased linkages between seed demand and supply sides Improved packagingImproved packaging

Limitations Some individuals didn’t surrender cash collected from sales of seed in mini-pack projectSome individuals didn’t surrender cash collected from sales of seed in mini-pack project Lack of resources for seed distribution in mini-pack projectLack of resources for seed distribution in mini-pack project Limited knowledge on potential benefits of planting fodder shrubs; thus less demand of seedLimited knowledge on potential benefits of planting fodder shrubs; thus less demand of seed Insufficient sources of quality seedInsufficient sources of quality seed

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