Farming and seed systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: evidence from Tanzania and Uganda

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the seed systems of two East African countries (Tanzania and Uganda). The purpose of the study is to study seed systems and the current state of regulation of the seed sector in order to establish mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of breeding and seed production of economically important crops cultivated both in the Russian Federation and in African countries. The current state of production of four agricultural crops cultivated in the countries under consideration is described: cereals (corn and wheat) and oilseeds (sunflower and soybeans). The theoretical basis of seed systems in Sub-Saharan African countries is considered, where seed production is represented by three parallel functioning systems: formal, informal and intermediate, also known as the Quality Declared Seed System or QDS system. A comparative analysis of national legislation on regulation, measures to support and promote quality seeds in Tanzania and Uganda has been carried out. It was found that in both countries laws and regulations concerning seeds are directly related to the creation of seed certification institutions, approval of seed categories, introduction of a Quality Declared Seed system, establishment of variety testing periods. The conducted analysis has made it possible to formulate key positions on the current state of regulation and functioning of seed production in East African countries. Firstly, official implementation of an intermediate system or a QDS system allows farmers to be integrated into interaction with research institutions within the framework of producing seeds of improved varieties that meet minimum standards for variety purity and germination. Secondly, improvement of national legislation on seed production is a response to participation of these countries in regional economic unions. Thirdly, the experience of Tanzania and Uganda shows that flexibility and adaptability of the African seed system lies in complementarity and interrelation of all three systems.