Market-driven transitions in the vegetable seed sector in sub-Saharan Africa

Quality vegetable seed has the potential to significantly impact nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa, as the region has the world's lowest per capita production and consumption of vegetables. Moreover, seed companies might have an important role to play, as in Asia, vegetable production and consumption increased rapidly following the expansion of the private seed sector. However, market-driven seed sector development remains contentious, with some celebrating technological advancements and others raising concerns. This paper contributes to seed systems literature by focusing on the role of vegetable crops and diversity within the private sector. It explores the heterogeneous character of the private sector by studying how different business models of leading vegetable seed companies jointly contribute to sector development in sub-Saharan Africa. Eighteen in-depth interviews were conducted with leading vegetable seed companies operating in the region. Qualitative tools were selected to translate individual company data into general findings; while thematic analysis was used to pinpoint a private sector perspective and ideal-type analysis was used to construct business model typologies. The results show that seed companies collectively view seed sector development as a linear trajectory involving public and private investments to enable farmers to adopt increasingly advanced seed types, especially hybrids. In this trajectory, different companies take on different roles based on specialization in seed system functions: variety development, seed production, seed dissemination, and seed use. The coexistence of and collaboration between different (private) actors in the vegetable seed sector contribute to plurality and interaction in line with an integrated approach to seed sector development. However, it is not a static condition as company roles evolve with expanding business models in terms of seed system functions and market segments. A general objective of (national) seed policies is to increase farmers' access and choice in terms of quality seed of improved varieties. Seed sector development interventions can enhance inclusivity by focusing on viable and innovative business models for niche markets in terms of farming systems and crop types. • Vegetable seed companies foresee a trajectory in which farmers adopt increasingly technologically advanced seed types. • Seed companies play complementary roles in this trajectory prioritizing different seed system functions or market segments. • Public and private investments are being made to support seed sector development with private actors focusing on hybrids. • Hybrid transitions in vegetable crops are being witnessed and anticipated by seed companies across sub-Saharan Africa. • Seed sector development interventions can enhance inclusivity by focusing on viable business models for niche markets.