Work

Analysis of sorghum social seed network in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Proper understanding of the nature of seed exchange among farming communities is fundamental to achieving a sustainable seed system and maintaining crop genetic resources. The objective of this study was to investigate sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) seed sources and analyse their network flow among farmers in Tigray in Northern Ethiopia. A survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire, involving 153 sorghum household farmers selected randomly from six villages; namely Gezaadara, Medabe, Gezameker, Waekel, Munira and Gandostela. Farmers who plaid major roles in the sorghum seed exchange network were identified using social seed network analysis. Results showed that bartering and own-saved seeds were the dominant sources of sorghum seed for farmers throughout the study area; and sorghum seed flow was more confined within villages than beyond. Social capital such as cultural norms, trust and farmers’ desire to increase sorghum production in the communities were the fundamental drivers for farmer sorghum seed exchange. Individuals distinguished as nodal farmers who had high bridging roles could also act as entry points for improved sorghum seed exchange interventions in Tigray.

Source: African Crop Science Journal

DOI: 10.4314/acsj.v31i3.6

Authors: S. Welderufael, F. Abay, A. Ayana, T. Amede

Institutions: Mekelle University, Institute for Sustainable Development, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

Language: English

Topic: Agricultural Innovations and Practices

Subfield: General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, No poverty

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Mekelle University