Ian Barker, Syngenta Foundation
One of the main challenges small farmers in developing countries face is the lack of high quality production inputs. Ian Barker from the Syngenta Foundation described the situation of Kenyan farmers. Where low harvest is caused by low access to good quality seeds. Potatoes are the second most important crop in Kenya, after Maize. Though the production area of this crop has increased steadily, the yield is only1/3 of its potential.
The project started out with one large Kenyan farm that was keen to not only increase its yields but also to create positive change within its community. The Syngenta Foundation provided the necessary know-how for the farm to grow potato seeds. Growing high quality potato seeds is complex and know-how intensive. It is best done by larger agricultural entities. The seeds are then sold to secondary, smaller neighborhood farmers who multiply the seed stock by growing seeds again on their farm plots. These seeds are sold to farmers to grow potatoes, or to the village youth who act as a third level distribution actor: selling the seeds in smaller quantities to farmers. – The renewal of the seed quality happens every third season. When the large farm inputs fresh and strong seeds into the cycle.
The project demonstrated how maximizing profits of the big player can have a trickle-down effect for the entire community. Smaller farms seize the opportunity and enter the newly created market. They too are businesses! See page 12 of Ian’s presentation:
Though this example shows how the production increase of big agribusiness can have positive effect on its small farm neighbors, Ian points out the fact, that the large farm wasn’t in it so much for the money:
You can also download Ian’s presentation here.
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