Kenya’s push for a purely formal seed system could be bad for farmers (The Conversation) 

The Conversation published an op-ed written by research fellow Oliver Kiptoo Kirui who described the debate Kenyans are having. Kenya’s government wants farmers to grow crops from licensed seeds only. These are hybrid seeds that are certified free of various seed-borne pests and diseases. The Seeds and Plant Varieties Act makes it a crime to plant and exchange uncertified seeds. But many small-scale farmers rely on informal exchanges of seeds with their neighbors to secure their food supply. Kenya is one of the leading countries in Africa when it comes to formal seed distribution. The second seed distribution channel is informal. This system is characterized by a lack of seed testing, formal registration or quality control. Informality makes it difficult to assess the quality of seeds in farms and their harvest potential. It can potentially spread contaminated seeds and plant diseases. It could also mean that farmers are continually planting seeds that have consistently low yields. Research fellow, Oliver Kiptoo Kirui says, “Kenya is one of the leading countries in Africa when it comes to formal seed distribution. The second seed distribution channel is informal. This largely involves the production and exchange of seeds among small-scale farmers.  He added, “I think the big fear with a fully formal system is that it would lead to the rise of monopolistic seed companies. The heated debates that followed the development of genetically modified and bioengineered seeds included concerns that major producers like Bayer and Corteva would limit how farmers can use the varieties they sell. Kirui concluded with this concern, “The other question to consider is how the government will implement this policy. It’s a very difficult thing to put into operation and monitor, and the government is unlikely to have the infrastructure to do so.”