Regional Markets

Regional Markets for Local Development
The FoSHoL system is very different as can be seen in Figure 3.2. Compared to the
long supply chain in which farmers have little control, in FoSHoL’s chain control is
exercised at the level of farmers groups. The system is reversed, i.e. availability and quality
are now in the hands of the end consumers of the seeds—the smallholder farmers.
Impact of the intervention
Pro-poor development
FoSHoL focused on those most in need: all of the participating smallholders own less
than 0.2 hectares or have no land of their own. The FoSHoL seed initiative generated
additional incomes for all stakeholders in the intervention area, including seed growers,
processors and traders. The production and marketing of quality rice has directly
improved incomes for the farmers who purchase and use FoSHoL seeds for rice cultivation.
Through its other actions, the project promoted diversification of livelihood
sources (like fish ponds) and the upgrading of the skills needed to expand production
of already existing livelihoods (like livestock and poultry). These activities provided
both direct food sources and additional commercial products to be sold on local spot
markets (ActionAid 2011).
In addition to the economic benefits, the success of the FoSHoL project helped boost
the confidence of smallholder farmers. They realised that by coming together they can
achieve greater food security through improved rice production. The Farmers Alliance
provided a viable alternative to the seed dealers and companies, which used to charge
high prices for sub-standard seeds. Their empowerment was most prominently displayed
when they challenged the established political structures by seeking to obtain
union council posts at the local elections.
Gender
Looking at rice cultivation, the gender roles are almost evenly split according to time
spent. Men are primarily involved in planting and harvesting the crop as well as the
marketing. While the women do much of the work of winnowing/cleaning seeds,
threshing, drying and packaging. Often they perform these tasks as wage labourers,
thus providing additional income for their families. Through FoSHoL, women are
employed both at the local seed production and at the central seed processing stages.
The women of the community are also more active in additional productive activities,
like cultivating crops in the homestead gardens or preparing organic fertilisers
for rice.
Direct participation alongside the men in the seed enterprise, biodiversity centres
and union livestock service centres has increased the women’s self-esteem. They enjoy
greater respect in their families and the community as a whole. They are also able to
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