Improving seed security through market-based programming

This paper explains how to improve seed security in fragile and crisis-affected contexts by using market-based programming rather than repeated direct seed distributions.

It shows how emergency seed aid often undercuts local markets and delays long-term recovery, and it sets out practical ways to work with local seed sellers, multipliers, wholesalers, financial services, community groups and government bodies to rebuild a functioning seed system.

Most farmers already rely on informal and intermediary seed channels, so programme design needs to take into account these systems and strengthen them rather than replace them. The paper walks through interventions across three levels - from using markets for short-term relief to supporting market actors and ultimately facilitating system-wide change - and illustrates each with case examples from South Sudan, Nigeria, Uganda, Ethiopia and the DRC.

The paper is relevant for MSD practitioners, framing seed aid within MSD logic and offering guidance for systemic, sustainable, incentive-aligned interventions.