Dialogue on maize seeds: Are smallholder farmers’ voices heard in building climate-resilient food systems?
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction From April 3 to 5, 2025, I was very fortunate to attend the scientific days organized by the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Lubumbashi, under the theme “Food Diversification and Agricultural Innovation as a Foundation for Food Independence in Haut-Katanga Province” (translated from the original title in French as shown in Figure 1). Two distinctive features made this event particularly interesting. First, it brought together key stakeholders in local food systems, including officials from the local agriculture inspectorate, scientists, agronomy students, farmer organizations, and major certified suppliers of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and seeds. Second, the event’s location at the Kasapa Experimental Farm of the University of Lubumbashi added special relevance. At this site, various improved seed varieties of maize, beans, and soybeans—provided by seed stakeholders such as UNILU, Seed Co, and AFriseed—are currently being tested (see Figure 2). The objective of these trials is to evaluate the agronomic performance and adaptability of improved crop varieties under local environmental conditions, in order to select the best ones to introduce to farmers. . . .
Author: Arsenet Balasha
Institution: University of Lubumbashi
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $500
OpenAlex ID: W4415826837