Noel Templer (ELP 2024) | Specialist, Seed Systems Development in Africa & Asia, International Maize, and Wheat Improvement Centre,  Kenya

Seed Systems, Climate Change, and Their Interplay

Climate change and agriculture are deeply intertwined. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become unpredictable, traditional farming practices are increasingly failing farmers. This scenario is evident in regions like East and Southern Africa, where smallholder farmers struggle to adapt. In Muhoroni, Kenya, for instance, farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture(World Bank), but the challenging black cotton soils often hinder proper crop production. "These soils are good with moisture but crack when dry or get too waterlogged when wet," says a local farmer. Similarly, in Mponela, Malawi, farmers grapple with selecting the right crops to avoid pests and diseases. Root rot-tolerant beans intercropped with early-maturing maize offer some hope, but broader climate action is needed.

Traditional development programs often focus on technology and yield increases, overlooking the importance of resilience. Seed systems are central to building this resilience. As climate change introduces new challenges, traditional seed varieties may no longer suffice. Varietal turnover refers to the rate at which new varieties replace older ones. In Africa, the average varietal age of maize is over 15 years! Developing and disseminating climate-resilient seeds—those that can withstand drought, resist pests, and adapt to shorter growing seasons—is crucial. However, these seeds must be supported by robust seed systems and standardized resilience metrics to ensure they reach farmers and perform as expected.

Making a Case for Standardized Resilience Metrics

Seed is a critical input in farming systems. While many initiatives aim to enhance agricultural resilience, the lack of standardized metrics remains a barrier. The absence of a common framework makes it difficult to compare results across regions or track progress over time. Standardized resilience metrics could provide this framework, enabling a shared understanding of resilience in agricultural systems. Such metrics might include crop yield stability under stress, adoption rates of new seed varieties, and long-term impacts on food security. By establishing this common ground, stakeholders can better coordinate efforts and allocate resources where they are most needed.

Data-Driven Decisions Empower Farmers

Standardized resilience metrics can empower farmers to make informed choices about what to plant and how to manage their land. For example, if farmers in Mponela had access to reliable data on which crop varieties performed best under local conditions, they could optimize their planting decisions and reduce the risk of crop failure. The slower varietal turnover rate in Africa has important implications for agricultural productivity and climate resilience. This data-driven approach is crucial in regions with limited access to agricultural advice. By participating in resilience measurement programs, farmers contribute to a broader understanding of what works in their specific contexts, creating a feedback loop that accelerates the adoption of climate-smart practices.

Looking Forward: Scaling Resilience in Seed Systems

Building resilient agricultural systems requires more than technological innovations. It demands a concerted effort to measure, understand, and enhance resilience at every level—from individual farms to entire ecosystems. Standardized resilience metrics are vital in this process, providing the tools to evaluate and improve resilience effectively. By empowering farming communities with the knowledge and resources they need, we can ensure that the innovations developed today will have a lasting impact. In conclusion, the challenges of climate change demand a comprehensive approach to resilience, including standardized metrics, farmer participation, and a focus on seed systems. As we refine these tools, we must remain committed to empowering farming communities to thrive in an uncertain world.

Blog photo provided by the blog author, Noel Templer.