Abstract:
The study was conducted to assess the contribution of local seed business in improving soybean production in Paklele sub-county. Four parishes of Pereci, Meliaderi, Fudaa and Lewa were selected for the study in which data was obtained from 68 soybean farmers with a structure interview using simple random selection techniques. In data analysis, descriptive statistics were used to for the effect of local seed business on soybean productivity, influence of LSBs on filling the gap in input accessibility and characteristics of farmers who engaged in LSBs in addition to farming by use of SPSS version 20. From the study conducted, it is evident that the majority of respondents were male farmers comprising 72.1% of the total sample size. 44 respondents (64.7% of the total) have been involved in soybean cultivation for 2-5 years with 100% purchases relative to the total purchases made by the respondents. 24 respondents (35.3% of the total) perceived that the quality of soybean seed purchased from LSBs in terms of germination and yield potential level as high, with 32 respondents (47.1% of the total) reporting a moderate increase in an overall productivity of soybean seed purchased from local seed businesses, the majority of respondents attribute improved soybean yield to the use of improved seed varieties (44.3%). All respondents (100%) are aware of local seed businesses, and majority of respondents (77.3%) indicated seeds as a primary agricultural input. 38% of respondents perceived the accessibility of agricultural inputs from LSBs as either “very accessible” or “somewhat accessible” and they highlighted several aspects as their opinion on the contribution of local seed businesses in input accessibility.
The majority of the soybean farmers (64.9%) are engaged in other roles within the local seed business which they specified as grain production, the primary motivation towards local seed business, cited by respondents (58.5%) is income generation, 97% of farmers had received training and support from LSBs, which they described as follows, good agronomic practices (GAP), postharvest management, farming as a business (FAAB) and financial literacy.
Local seed businesses play a significant role in supporting farmers by providing access to quality seeds, offering training and support services, and facilitating the distribution of agricultural inputs.
Government agencies, agricultural extension services, and non-governmental organizations should promote the adoption of improved seed varieties among farmers through awareness campaigns, training programs, and subsidies.
