Seed Systems and Agricultural Resilience
Summary
Seed systems encompass the full suite of activities and institutions that enable the development, multiplication, distribution and use of crop varieties. They comprise both formal channels—public and private breeding programmes, certified seed production and regulated distribution—and informal networks, where farmers save, exchange and sell seed within local communities. Robust seed systems underpin agricultural resilience by ensuring timely access to diverse, high-quality planting material that can withstand biotic and abiotic stresses. In the face of climate change, market fluctuations and emerging pests and diseases, rapid varietal turnover and inclusive governance mechanisms are essential to equip farmers with the traits they need. Integrating formal and informal seed pathways, reinforcing community seed banks and streamlining regulatory frameworks can enhance seed security, support smallholder livelihoods and safeguard global food systems.
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Seed Systems and Agricultural Resilience publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in seed systems and agricultural resilience across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Seed system: The network of activities and institutions involved in breeding, producing, distributing and using seed.
Formal seed system: Regulated framework of public and private organisations that develop, certify and market improved seed varieties.
Informal seed system: Farmer-managed practices of saving, exchanging and selling seed outside formal certification channels.
Varietal turnover: The process of replacing older crop varieties with newer releases to maintain or improve agronomic performance.
Seed governance: Policies, regulations and institutional arrangements guiding variety release, intellectual property and seed quality standards.
References
- Navigating toward resilient and inclusive seed systems. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (2023).
- Legume seed system performance in sub-Saharan Africa: barriers, opportunities, and scaling options. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development (2024).
- Varietal turn-over and their effect on yield and food security – Evidence from 20 years of household surveys in Kenya. Global Food Security (2023).
- Rapid breeding and varietal replacement are critical to adaptation of cropping systems in the developing world to climate change. Global Food Security (2017).
- Seed systems smallholder farmers use. Food Security (2016).
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