Dr. Rachel Mkandawire and Dr. Mkhabela representing the Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), led a high-impact a Stakeholder Engagement Event in Masia Village, Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province, in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). Held alongside the Agro-Processing Exhibition Event, the engagement provided a platform for experts, policymakers, researchers, farmers, and private sector representatives to validate key findings from a study on seed systems in South Africa and discuss ways to strengthen policy reforms.
During the discussions, farmers and stakeholders highlighted several barriers that hinder smallholder and marginalized farmers from actively participating in seed production. A key concern was the steep cost of entering the formal seed market, to serve the interest of small-holder farmers. Additionally, strict certification requirements pose a significant challenge, as many smallholder farmers struggle to meet the technical and financial demands necessary for compliance.
A major concern was the exclusion of informal seed systems, which serve as a lifeline for rural communities by providing locally adapted, affordable seeds that enhance agri-food systems resilience. However, the informal seed systems remain unrecognized within formal policy and regulatory frameworks, limiting their contribution to agricultural sustainability and food security. Lastly, restrictive seed laws disproportionately favor large multinational companies, creating an uneven playing field that marginalizes local seed producers. The combination of these barriers makes it difficult for smallholder farmers to participate meaningfully in the seed sector, further reinforcing inequalities in the agricultural value chain.
The Policy Dialogue underscored the urgent need for bold policy reforms, greater investment in local seed enterprises, and formal recognition of informal seed systems. Stakeholders engaged in meaningful discussions on aligning South Africa’s seed policies with regional and international best practices, while also identifying pathways to improve seed access for smallholder and marginalized farmers.
A key takeaway from the session was the strong commitment from stakeholders to support marginalized farmers, highlighting the need for policy reforms, investment in local seed production, and strengthening institutional frameworks. The dialogue reinforced a shared commitment to an inclusive seed system, ensuring farmers have access to high-quality, climate-resilient seeds, laying the foundation for a more productive and food-secure South Africa.