Final version of Tropical Legumes II Project Report for Phase 1 - icrisat

Improved access to markets
Improved market linkages have encouraged seed producers to improve and increase seed production
to supply a growing market. The project has demonstrated that community production of improved
varieties can be successful, but its sustainability depends on development of successful seed associations,
cooperatives with links to the formal seed sector and market.
Market development for soybean resulted in increased production and sales of soybean making
significant contribution to improving livelihood and poverty reduction. This market is now established
paying good prices. In the last three years over 405 MT of soybean has been produced by seed producers.
Of this amount, 386 MT was sold as a result of market outlet. Similarly, 125 MT of Foundation Seeds
have been produced over the last three years.
Awareness creation of improved varieties
Awareness creation to popularize improved varieties through field days, TV, Radio programs and
newspaper reports has been carried out. Over the last three years, 34 field days, 10 TV programs, 14
radio programs, and 9 newspaper articles have been held.
Increased capacity of partners
The project, having recognized the significance of capacity building of its partners to achieve its
objectives, organized and facilitated capacity development activities for its partners. Their capacities
have been strengthened through training and subsequent applications; participation in national and
international scientific conferences and meetings; research opportunities for higher degrees based on
TL II activities as well as improved access to information and new knowledge.
Strengthening of extension agents and community-based organizations, in particular the farmer groups
and associations, through technical training in many aspects of soybean productionreinforced with
post-harvest processing, storage, distribution and marketing. Over the last three years 480 extension
agents and 4998 farmers have been trained on soybean seed production technology and general
agronomic practices in the project countries. Two students were registered for MSc program to read
seed technology in Malawi and Niger Republic.
Project administration
The project held a major planning workshop for all collaborators in the project countries to develop
action plan for the implantation of the soybean seed systems. Subsequently, each country organized a
planning meeting to harmonize their action plan in all the five participating project countries and used
to formulate strategies for Foundation Seed production in the project countries. This report details TL II’s
achievements over the last three years.
Major outputs and outcomes
Progress in Foundation and Certified Seed production
Over the last three years, a total of 125.7 MT of Foundation Seeds of diverse varieties of soybean
have been produced for sales to community seed growers in the project countries. Of this quantity,
Nigeria produced 23.8 MT, Kenya, produced 38.3 MT, Malawi produced 27.6 MT, and Mozambique
produced 36 MT (Table 11-29). All the countries produced in excess of the annual target of 15 MT
per year in 2010 except Nigeria.
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Engaging Smallholder Farmers | Tropical Legumes II Project