Seed packaging and distribution to smallholder farmers: The Mini-pack case

1. Seed packaging and distribution to smallholder farmers: The Mini-pack case By Esther Karanja

2. WHAT IS MINI-PACK

3. Objectives • Introduce commercialization aspects in seed distribution • Meet the expanding demands for seed by poor resource farmers • Increase the affordability of seed by small scale farmers • Increase the level of adoption by small scale farmers • Increase establishment of on-farm nurseries

4. Why Mini-pack • Most customers require small amounts of seed due to diminishing land sizes • Increases affordability for small-scale and poor farmers • Reduces risk during the trial period • Gives a chance of trying the new technology with many and at low cost • To enhance participation from the private sector

5. How was it done? • Engaged a casual worker to pack the seed • Seed packed in 10gms packages which was sold at US $ 0. 14 (ksh.10) • The packet gives about 300 seedlings and a farmer needs two seasons to get about 500 shrubs that are recommended for a dairy cow • Distribution was through different channels

6. Distribution strategies • Ministry of agriculture through field days and trade fare exhibitions • Farm input stockists • Direct sale through farmer-to-farmer dissemination method • Faith-based organizations • Seed dealers • Non governmental organizations (NGOs) e.g. FIPS

7. Packaging • Requirements of good packaging • Appropriately designed for the target market • Eye-catching • Suitable to product • Compliant with retailers' requirements • Promotes image of enterprise • Distinguishable from competitors' products • Strong, convenient, well-designed

8. Information on the mini-packs • Botanical & local names of the species • Date of collection • Seed source • Seed quantity • Method of pre sowing treatment • Price

9. Some of the approaches used • Farmer- to- farmer • MOA staff to farmers e.g. focal area extension approach of MOA and MOLD • Farmer groups • Trade fares - Nairobi international trade fare, provincial and district agricultural shows • Field days, farmer meetings, etc • Seed dealers Association

10. Recent Developments • Formation of KATRESNO to ensure sustainability in the seed distribution systems • Use of Media to create public awareness on potential benefits from fodder shrubs • Increased linkages among the stake holders • Many members of KATRESNO derive reasonable incomes from seed and seedlings distribution • Improved livelihoods of farmers who adopt fodder shrub technologies

11. Successes/Achievement • Formation of a seed dealers association • Introduction of commercialised seed distribution system • Increased awareness on fodder shrubs through the media and dairy cooperatives • Improved seed production and supply systems due to increased linkages between seed demand and supply sides • Improved packaging

12. Limitations • Some individuals didn’t surrender cash collected from sales of seed in mini-pack project • Lack of resources for seed distribution in mini-pack project • Limited knowledge on potential benefits of planting fodder shrubs; thus less demand of seed • Insufficient sources of quality seed

13. Thanks for listening