ACIAR TREES FOR FOOD SECURITY PROJECT

SEED AND SEEDLING STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP IN RWANDA

Jonathan Muriuki, Ruth Kinuthia, Evelyne Kiptot, Athanase Mukularinda, Amini Mutaganda,

Catherine Muthuri

NOVEMBER 2014

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Table of Contents List of Acronyms ......................................................................................................................................... iii

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 4

Overview of seeds and seedlings system and link to extension .................................................................... 4

Studies on tree seeds and seedlings systems ................................................................................................. 6

Seeds and seedlings supply system in Malawi .............................................................................................. 8

Issues and options on seeds and seedlings supply in Cameroun ................................................................... 9

Crop seed system in Rwanda ...................................................................................................................... 11

Group discussions ....................................................................................................................................... 12

Feedback from the groups’ discussions ...................................................................................................... 12

Plenary Discussion Questions ..................................................................................................................... 16

List of participants ...................................................................................................................................... 17

Workshop programme ................................................................................................................................ 18

List of Tables Table 1: Level of quality seeds that we desire to reach small holder farmers ............................................ 13

Table 2: Roles of different actors ................................................................................................................ 14

List of figures Figure 1: Ways through which trees can be established on farms ................................................................ 5

Figure 2: Small holder Seed System ............................................................................................................. 6

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List of Acronyms

ACIAR Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

AFSP Agroforestry Food Security Programme

CATS Community Agroforestry Tree Seedlings bank

FFS Farmer Field Schools

FMNR Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration programme

ICRAF World Agroforestry Centre

NGO Non- Governmental Organizations

OECD Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

RAB Rwanda Agricultural Board

RRC Rural Resource Center

SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

TFS Trees for Food Security

TSC Trees Seeds Centre

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Introduction

The ‘Trees for Food Security’1 (TFS) project funded by the Australian Centre for International

Agricultural Research (ACIAR) aims at enhancing food security for resource-poor rural people

in Eastern Africa through research that underpins national programmes to scale up the use of

trees within farming systems. Pilot implementation is in Ethiopia and Rwanda followed by

scaling out of successes to relevant agro-ecological zones in Uganda and Burundi. Large-scale

adoption of farm trees requires addressing barriers to adoption and will therefore depend on

understanding the policy, socio-economic and institutional factors required for farmers to

integrate trees on their farms. While factors affecting these decisions are identified, it is also

important to understand the predominant factors in specific contexts and how best they can be

addressed. The existence of functioning and sustainable tree seed and seedling systems that

supply the right tree species for the right agro-ecological context is a requisite for large-scale

adoption of technologies involving integration of trees in farms.

The project has the establishment of, and improving access to, sources of high-quality tree

planting materials2 as part of its objectives. This includes analysis of national seed and seedling

subsectors analyzed at the characterization stage and establishment of rural resource centers and

other feasible systems of seed and seedling distribution suited to national context. The

characterization phase includes farm surveys, tree nursery surveys, key informant interviews

with national stakeholders in the sector (all these constituting background studies) and seeds and

seedlings stakeholder workshops to dialogue on the most appropriate seed and seedling systems

to enable the communities in each country to access quality tree germplasm. This document

reports on the proceedings of the seed and seedling stakeholder workshop held in Rwanda. It

begins by laying a background on the need for quality tree germplasm then goes on to report on

the status of seed and seedling supply system in the country and ends by presenting notes by

discussion groups on possible interventions to improve the sector.

Overview of seeds and seedlings system and link to extension

Jonathan Muriuki – ICRAF Nairobi

In his presentation, Jonathan Muriuki begun by comparing advantages of trees on farm vis-à-vis

trees in forests. Trees on farms were indicated to be more feasible and attractive to the farmers

due to low cost, low labour input and high potential returns. They provide inputs where markets

are imperfect or costs are high for products such as fruits, fences, fodder, soil nutrients and

construction materials. Furthermore, trees add stability to system productivity and income; and

they are durable non-depreciating assets whose value increases with age. Additionally they are

safer from diseases and theft and can be produced under varied climatic conditions.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, farmers prefer fast growing trees with high product

prices. Other qualities sought for include: high quality timber, availability of fruits in all seasons,

provision of fuel wood, less competition with crops and resilience. Poor genetic and

physiological quality of seeds however limits the potential of growth and performance of trees,

thereby making the trees undesirable to farmers. Genetic quality depends on site/ species

1 Trees for food security is the short form for ‘Improving Sustainable Productivity in Farming Systems and

Enhanced Livelihoods through Adoption of Evergreen Agriculture in Eastern Africa’ project 2 Tree planting materials include seeds, seedlings and vegetative propagules although only the first two categories

may be frequently mentioned in this report

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matching and genetic potential of the planted trees to perform on the desirable attribute. Poor

genetic quality is evidenced through slow growth rate of trees and vulnerability to attack by pests

and diseases. Retarded growth and low survival rates of tree seedlings can be attributed to poor

physiological quality. Jonathan further described various ways in which tree seeds and seedlings

can be established on farms (Figure 1). Among the nursery practices that enhance seedling

physical quality include substrate quality (fertility, porosity), use of containers, proper watering

and shading, maintenance of nursery hygiene and seedling sorting.

Figure 1: Ways through which trees can be established on farms

Tree seed distribution system is either centralized – through either the government or NGOs or

decentralized. Many farmers however prefer to source for seedlings rather than seeds for their

farms because they plant only a few trees per season. Farmers source their seedlings from tree

nurseries that can be central government and project nurseries, on-farm nurseries (group and

individual) or as wildlings from farms and forests. A well-functioning seeds and seedlings

system requires meeting the requirements of farmers. Therefore, efficient information flows

between seed distributors and the farmers should be established. Involvement of all stakeholders

is also critical in tree seeds and seedlings system. Varied needs of different actors should be

considered within the systems to enhance synergy and ensure a well-functioning system as

illustrated in Figure 2. Farmers require technical skills on the management aspects of trees on

their farms. The government, NGOs and nursery operators can provide these skills through

trainings and demonstration activities.

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Figure 2: Small holder Seed System

In his concluding remarks, Jonathan emphasized on the need for efficient seed and seedling

supply system. He gave various highlights on how this can be achieved viz., considering tree

farming as part of a commercial commodity chain in a market where the operations of small

competitive seed and seedling dealers are facilitated; support of development products through

research; discontinuation of free tree seeds and seedlings distribution systems; development of

markets at the local and regional level; provision of ‘good norms’ and finally supplying inputs to

support the public breeding and conservation programmes.

Studies on tree seeds and seedlings systems

Jonathan Muriuki - ICRAF Nairobi and David Twagirayezu –National University of Rwanda

Three separate studies have been conducted in Rwanda on seeds and seedlings systems under the

Trees for food security project:

1) Household baseline survey. Questions on tree seeds and seedlings systems formed part of

the household baseline survey. The main objective was to determine trees planted on

farms in the three years before the survey, trees maintained on farms for more than three

years, protection of naturally protected trees and sources of tree germplasm.

The survey interviewed 644 farmers three quarters (73%) of who reported to have planted

at least one tree species within the preceeding three years. Up to 47 different tree species

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had been planted with most of the tree seedlings sourced from the Ministry of Agriculture

(19%). Other sources of seedlings include neighbours (18%), own farm (18%), purchase

from market (7%), NGOs (6%), and Ministry of Forestry (2%). Only a small proportion

(1%) reported to obtain seedlings from Forestry and wildlife enterprises, nurseries and

naturally regenerated trees. A total of 43 different tree species were reported to be

protected (naturally regenerated) as they are beneficial for timber, fuel, fruit, and shade

and in improving soil fertility. Of the 10 mostly protected tree species, 9 were found in

Bugesera and only 5 were found in Gishwati. Markhamia platycalyx, Vernonia

amygdalina, Ficus thonningii, Eucalyptus spp and Erythrina abyssinica were protected in

Gishwati. In Bugesera, Vernonia amygdalina was the most protected species.

2) Key informants’ survey. This survey aimed at mapping out the tree seeds and seedlings

supply system in the country in order to establish the role of the government and Non-

Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the systems, assessing the quality of the

germplasm as mapped out in seed sourcing, collection/ procurement and distribution and

ultimately seedling production; identifying organizations and individuals dealing with

tree seeds and seedlings, their roles, supply channels, support given to tree seed dealers

and nursery operators.

The key informants interviewed comprised of: Rwanda Agricultural Board (RAB) head

of tree seeds programme, district agronomists and foresters, forest and agricultural

officers (at both district and sector level), nursery operators (private contracted seed

growers, farmers etc.), Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration programme (FMNR)

Coordinator from World Vision and representatives of farmer cooperatives. Findings

from the key informant interviews show that seeds and seedlings system is largely

controlled by the government through RAB. Seeds are collected by farmers or

cooperatives contracted by RAB who are trained on collection techniques before

undertaking the process. After collection, RAB tests for seeds quality prior to their

distribution. Additionally seed management guidelines are provided during distribution.

Some challenges faced by the various actors in the sector: farmers, government and

NGOs are presented below as well as some early recommendations that could be drawn

from this survey.

3) Nursery practices survey. David Twagirayezu conducted this survey for his MSc

research. The objective of the study was to assess the status of seed and seedling supply

systems in three districts in Rwanda: Nyabihu, Rubavu and Bugesera, in order to identify

opportunities and challenges for developing sustainable supply systems for agroforestry

development.

Preliminary findings showed that government nurseries have been established in all

sectors, either through contracted farmers or cooperatives. The government supports the

nurseries through provision of seeds and training of nursery operators. NGOs and other

organizations such as the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) also assist in the provision

of materials and technical support. It was also noted that individual seed collection is not

encouraged by the government to avoid compromising on quality. Despite this, both

individuals and cooperatives were found to be involved in local seed collection mainly to

meet the high demand for tree seedlings.

Challenges faced by the government and other organizations in seeds and seedlings supply

Inadequate seeds and seedlings to meet farmers’ demand for particular tree species such

as Alnus acuminata and Eucalyptus spp.

Shortage of land for nursery establishment and tree planting

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Lack of knowledge about tree utilities and ecological suitability of trees, thus more

preference for trees with high market value

Poor quality seeds especially among informal tree seed dealers

Inadequate government funding which impedes tree sourcing and processing operations

Challenges faced by farmers

Poor seed quality due to lack of technical skills on seed source identification and

collection methods

Lack of appropriate and adequate nursery materials such as polythene tubes

Tree nurseries are located far from the farmers thereby discouraging them from

collecting the seedlings

Unfavourable weather conditions such as shortage of rain or drought especially in

Bugesera

Theft of seedlings from the nurseries

Destruction of seeds by termites

Poor markets for the seedlings

To counter these challenges, some early recommendations include:

Development of a national strategy for germplasm supply through dialogues involving

various actors such as the government, NGOs and the private sector

Improve efficiency of seed supply and seedling establishment activities.

Provision of sufficient technical skills to produce and distribute quality tree germplasm

Enhance tree species diversity in the landscape especially in the humid site

Increased support by the government and NGOs for follow-up of seedlings establishment

after planting.

Seeds and seedlings supply system in Malawi

Simon Mng’omba – ICRAF Malawi

Simon Mng’omba reported that seeds and seedlings supply system had been a major component

of the Agroforestry Food Security Programme (AFSP), a four-year project implemented in three

districts of Malawi. He further noted that seed sources in the country are mainly centralized. The

Forestry Research Institute of Malawi (FRIM) and the Land Resources Centre (LRC) are the

major seed suppliers and approximately 73 tons of seeds were distributed between 2007 and

2010. FRIM sources seeds from its orchards while farmers mainly collect and supply the seeds

distributed by LRC. ICRAF also distributes seeds but in low quantities, these seeds are sourced

from orchards and individual farmers. Major challenges associated with the centralized seed

supply system include:

Limited seed supply

Most tree species have not been certified (only Gliricidia spp, Eucalyptus spp, Pinus spp

from FRIM have been certified)

High seed demand which has compromised seed quality requirements

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Inadequate seed documentation – Information on seed viability, germination and

pretreatment is limited.

In order to counter the challenges mentioned above and also drawing from lessons learnt from

AFSP–I, a proposal on implementation of decentralized seed supply system as opposed to

centralized system was made. The decentralized system was preferred due to: low costs, local

engagement, local sustainability, ease of engagement and reduced transport costs.

Decentralization would also enhance building farmers’ capacity on seed supply thus meeting

rural demand of the agroforestry tree seeds. In a bid to further promote adoption of agroforestry,

Community Agroforestry Tree Seedlings (CATS) bank was introduced in 2009 in Malawi and

Mozambique. The bank idea had the objective as providing a supply avenue for agroforestry

seeds as well as improving structures, capacities and institutions for agroforestry seed supply and

distribution.

Community Agroforestry Tree Seedlings (CATS) banks were found to be effective in increasing

farmers’ incomes through increased sales. Since most of the seeds supplied were for fertilizer

tree species, three quarters (75%) of participating farmers had more months of food security than

non-participating farmers due to improved soil fertility, which increased crop yields. Moreover,

firewood availability among CATS Bank participating farmers was increased due to improved

agroforestry seed supply, distribution and agroforestry adoption. The banks faced several

challenges that were mainly due to poorly structured market systems. This called for evaluation

of marketing systems for the national agroforestry seed sector to ensure that supply did not

exceed demand.

Simon emphasized on the need to ensure seed certification in order to improve the quality of

seeds distributed to farmers and/or organizations. Strengthening partnerships with FRIM, LRC

and other organizations will enhance efficiency in the system. He added that the CATS bank

model is promising, but it can be improved by introducing new agroforestry varieties known to

the farmers.

Overview of Fruit Tree Planting Materials in AFSP I (2007 – 2010)

The total number of fruit tree seedlings distributed from centralized nurseries during AFSP I

(2007–2010) was estimated at 249,992. Distribution of seedlings was done in partnership with

research stations such as ICRAF, Bunda college and LRC. High transport costs and damage of

planting materials during transportation were cited as the main challenges faced during

distribution.

Between 2009 and 2010 centralized and community nurseries adopted a new approach that

involved grafting of fruit trees. Centralized nurseries trained communities on grafting and

budding fruit trees based on the set quality standards. Only vegetative propagated fruit trees were

raised in the centralized nurseries with a few grafted trees being raised in the community

nurseries. Legislative certification was preferred to voluntary certification and was conducted by

the inspectors introduced for this purpose. The already existing Fruit Tree Nursery Association

met the costs of the certification exercise.

Issues and options on seeds and seedlings supply in Cameroun

Sammy Carsan - ICRAF Nairobi

In his introductory remarks, Sammy Carsan highlighted some attributes that characterized seeds

and seedlings supply system in the region viz., planting of untested seeds by most farmers;

susceptibility of saturation of the trees in the markets; emphasis on tree quantity as opposed to

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seed quality by most farmers; and, low priority given to tree issues in policy formulation. Tree

propagules - seeds, seedlings, clones, wildings and transplanted wildings, are sourced from

farms, nurseries (group, individual, central), neighbouring farms, forests, NGOs/ projects and

seed dealers.

The following factors should be considered when determining an appropriate model for seed and

seedlings supply system:

Number of seed users

Size of demand

Number of species in demand

Ecological variation

Size of the country

Infrastructure

National capacity e.g. financial and administration departments

ICRAF–West and Central Africa has tested the concept of Rural Resource Centers (RRC) in

Cameroon, DRC and Nigeria for the last seven years premised at enhancing dissemination of

agroforestry innovations. The major goal of RRCs is to ensure appropriate supply and

distribution of tree germplasm to farmers. This concept emerged from experiences on

participatory domestication approaches tried in western Africa. Rural Resource Centers are geared towards supporting low input domestication, and improved seed/seedlings exchange and

delivery to farmers. It is expected that through the RRCs, farmers’ demand for seeds and

seedlings will be met, seedlings will be procured on time, farmer trainings will be supported and

seedlings can be temporarily stored at the facilities. Some of the activities undertaken in RRCs

are demonstrated below.

Farmers participating in study visits in Cameroun Exchanging planting material in the RRC

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Experimenting vegetative propagation techniques

Most farmers in Cameroon have the perception that major activities in the RRCs such as training,

sensitization, provision of inputs and planting materials are responsibilities of men. Women on

the other hand are responsible for accompaniment/ backstopping. Women and youths were

however found to be more efficient in follow-ups and innovativeness respectively. More than

50% of the respondents were found to be satisfied with RRCs activities comprising information

delivery, technical backstopping and training.

Results from a cost benefit analysis of RRCs done in Cameroon show that there was a gradual

increase in benefits from 2004 and 2012 (these benefits were calculated not taking public

investments into account). RRCs can generate revenues of up to 5 – 10 million FCFA (7500 –

15,000 €) per year. However, the set-up of a RRC requires major investments upfront, which

needs an external source of capital that cannot be recovered in less than 10 years. RRCs are

financed by sales of products (seedlings, medicinal plants, honey, processing of food stuff, etc.),

service provision fee, gifts and subventions.

In conclusion Sammy noted that RRCs are a successful approach of diffusing agroforestry

innovations to farmer groups. He added that continuous training, coaching, research and

collaboration between the public and private sector is necessary in improving performance of the

RRCs.

Crop seed system in Rwanda

Aimable Icyimpaye – Rwanda Agriculture Board

Aimable Icyimpaye, RAB seeds production specialist noted that seed is a major factor pre-

determining success in investments on any plant production system. Accordingly, meeting seeds’

demand is a requisite for various intensification schemes in different agro-bio-climatic regions of

the country. Development of high yielding varieties and establishment of efficient seed supply

systems are the major determinants of sustainable productivity. It is within this framework that

the National Seed Policy was established, with a mandate to facilitate the emergency of a strong

and efficient private sector that can integrate seed production, distribution and marketing

activities. The government encourages collaboration between national and regional research

institutes in capacity building, coordination, regulation, quality control and seed certification.

In Rwanda seeds have been classified into four categories: foundation (Pre basic) Seeds, basic

seeds, quality declared seeds and certified seeds. Promoting the role of private sector in seed

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production fuels the seed commodity chain. Several seed varieties have been developed through

research programs. After seeds are produced, they are inspected for certification after which they

are processed for marketing and distribution to farmers.

Group discussions

Participants formed three groups to conduct an analysis of the tree seed and seedlings system

distribution system in Rwanda. Each group discussed a SWOT analysis of the system then went

on to discuss an aspect of the system as guided by the questions below (one per group). They

were then asked to suggest two research interventions that could be conducted in the Trees for

Food Security project to achieve the specific question handled by each group.

Guiding questions for the group discussion

1) What level of quality would you want to see in seeds used by at least 50% of smallholder

farmers (certified, quality declared, quality unknown)?

2) How can farmers be made to appreciate seedling quality so that demand can be increased?

3) How can we improve smallholder farmers, nursery operators and seed dealers’ participation

in the tree seed sourcing, collection and distribution processes?

Due to time constraints and the need to release participants early no plenary session could be

held for group reporting and feedback. All groups were requested to record their discussion and

submit to the facilitators for record. There is an observation from the group reports produced

below that some issues were not clear in the discussions although facilitators endeavored to

spend time in the groups to clarify.

Feedback from the groups’ discussions

SWOT Analysis on the seed and seedling supply system in Rwanda (combined results from all

groups)

Strengths

Availability of germplasm

Availability of basic infrastructure e.g. Laboratory, National gene Bank, Germination

cabinets etc

Research conducted on tree seeds and seedlings system

Qualified staff

Experience on Seedling delivery at country and regional level

Existing cooperatives that participate in collection and handling of tree seeds

Weaknesses

Poor quality seeds supplied in most cases

Poor institutional arrangements supporting the seed and seedling system

Poor research on tree seeds and propagation methods

Centralized tree seed centers and seed supply system generally

Low tree species diversity

Insufficient human resources

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Lack of adequate germplasm

Lack of involvement of private sector, agro-dealers etc in the system

Standard of tree seeds not diversified/elaborate

Weak collaboration between tree seed centers (regional and international)

Opportunities

Political willingness to improve agricultural productivity with tree involvement

Rising demand for tree seeds and seedlings

High demand for biomass energy

Willingness to pay more for high quality seeds

Favorable environment conditions

Existence of extension services at each sector

Agro-Ecological zoning in the country

Private sector engagement

Existing forest law and policy

Membership of OECD

Recognized need to increase tree cover and species diversity

Increase in tree products contribution to the National GDP

Recognized need to improve trees services (CC mitigation, soil erosion management, soil

fertility enhancement, and protection of rivers etc.)

Threats

Poor management of existing Tree Seed Centre (TSC)

High cost of high quality seeds

Climate change and variability

Pest and diseases incidences

Diminishing land sizes

Untimely order of tree seeds

Phenological problems with some species

Insufficient funds allocated to tree seeds and seedlings supply

Group 1 specific issue: What level of quality would you want to see in seeds used by at least

50% of smallholder farmers (certified, quality declared, quality unknown)?

Table 1: Level of quality seeds that we desire to reach small holder farmers

Quality Certified Quality Declared Unknown Quality

40% 55% 5%

The above quality standard can be achieved in 10 YEARS

How can this be achieved?

Provide support to well managed Nurseries

Inspect unknown tree seeds and seedlings for quality assessments

Training of local seeds dealers

Promote rural resources for community involvement

Decentralization of seed standardization center for quality certification and declaration

Privatization of seeds and seedling distribution system while considering seeds quality

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Table 2: Roles of different actors

Institutions Roles

Private sector Driving seeds and seedling distribution system from free

distribution system to cash oriented business,

Ensure seed quality certification and declaration when

distributing tree seed

Government Policies making on seeds and seedling quality standards

Mass mobilization,

Coordination and regulation for control of quality

RAB Training,

Search for funds,

Mobilization of smallholder farmers,

Certification of seeds produced by private sector and

Establish banks for certified germplasm,

NGO’s Mobilizing funds through private sector

Training of seeds dealers

Farmers Disseminate certified and quality declared seeds,

Facilitator of knowledge exchange on seed quality aspects

Donors Support training of smallholder farmers on quality seeds and

seedling production by their own rather than distribution of

free or subsidized seeds and seedlings by NGOs.

Research Interventions suggestion

1. Determine role and integration of private sector in production and distribution of certified

and quality declared seeds and seedlings.

2. Determine how to develop the capacity of smallholder famers to mitigate against

distribution of seeds and seedlings whose quality is unknown.

Group 2 specific issue: How can farmers be made to appreciate seedling quality so that

demand can be increased?

Capacity development to understand quality of seeds

Elaborate strategy and guidelines to meet market standards (seeds Certification)

Create market orientation to seeds and seedlings access and supply

Involve insurance companies to quarantine in case of disaster when high quality seeds are

used

What role the private sector can play for seeds and seedling distribution?

Seeds production,

Seed stands establishment and management

Facilitate the collection, storage and distribution

Investment for improving quality and quantity

What role for extension at RAB and local government?

Capacity development

Provide technical support in tree seed stands establishment, management, seeds

collection, storage and seedling production

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Role of RAB

Conduct research on tree seeds quality, collection, storage , seeds pre-treatments

Map on species adaptability zoning

Propagation methods

Market and value chain

Establishment of standards for seeds production

What existing policies support this orientation?

Forest policy

Land and environmental policy

Seed policy (Producer and supplier)

Group 3 specific issue: How can we improve smallholder farmers, nursery operators and

seed dealers’ participation in the tree seed sourcing, collection and distribution processes?

Role of Extension

Create awareness of farmers on quality of tree seeds

Establishment and management of seeds sources

Training of farmers on seeds collection and processing

Link farmers to tree seed sector operators

Role of Research Institutions

Assure quality standards for tree seed

Certification

Increase tree species diversity

Provision of technical information on tree seeds

Role of Government

Development of policy regarding of tree seed production, processing and marketing

Discontinue supply of free seeds and seedlings unless where extremely vital

Role of NGOs

Create awareness to farmers on tree seed quality

Establishment and management of seeds sources

Training of farmers on seeds collection and processing

Link farmers to tree seed sector operators

Discontinue supply of free seeds and seedlings unless where extremely vital

Support tree seeds operators

How can the RRC model be applied to achieve this?

Can help sensitizing and mobilization of farmers on seeds and seedlings

Lesson that can be learnt from crop seeds supply system

Strong involvement of private sector in crop seeds production and distribution

Research intervention

Tree improvement

Vegetative propagation, special indigenous and fruits trees

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Plenary Discussion Questions

Q: How can quality seed assurance be maintained when seed sources are mainly from farmlands?

A: Usually subsidies of public resources are present to collect quality seed, produce it and supply

free to farmers.

Further recommendation is to build the capacity of farmers to produce and supply good quality

seeds and raise their awareness on the importance of producing quality seeds. This could be done

through Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and also to make good quality seeds available at a cheaper

cost.

Q: How do we come up with a system that taps into all advantages of Seed Collection and

Distribution models (SCD)

A: Since it is complicated to figure out the benefits of a tree species verses how it will be used,

you must produce good quality seed that meets the majority of the needs that the farmer may

need it for so as to avoid failure and to meet varied needs. Therefore collection of good

phenotypes of seeds that have strong biomass to meet varied needs of farmers is necessary.

Q: Based on tree seed and seedling supply what has been observed as the criteria for farmers

selection of tree species?

A: Most farmers considered tree species vigor and species popularity

Q: How does Community Agroforestry Tree Seedling banks (CATS) ensure quality tree

seedlings?

A: Usually the quality of seed is assured by ICRAF. Despite the issue being raised on the

sustainability of the banks after the project ends; the tree seed center also provides support on

seed quality.

It was also recommended that the community be strengthened in fruit tree nurseries so that the

market drive can allow for survival after the project ends.

Q: What are the linkages between centralized and decentralized nurseries in Malawi?

A: The centralized system has all the fruit tree varieties present but the decentralized system has

only a few. There is therefore a provision to buy scions from private operators allowing the

farmers to stand alone after the project ends due to the sense of ownership and accountability of

the success of the trees.

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List of participants

No Name Qualification/responsibility Organization/Institution

1 Athanase Mukuralinda Country Representative ICRAF Rwanda Office

2 Amini Mutaganda Researcher/ACIAR RAB

3 Nkinzingabo J.Dieu District Agronomist Bugesera District

Aimable Icyimpaye Seeds production Specialist Rwanda Agriculture Board

4 Mbarushimana Venerand Sector Agronomist Nyudo Sector

5 Byiringiro JMV Private Nusery Nyundo Sector

6 Olivier Rukundo Staff of World Vision Bugesera District

7

Nsengiyumva

J.Damascene Private nursery in Gishwati Rubavu District

8 Habiyakare Theoneste Private Nursery Karago Sector

9 Karangwa Thimothee Sector Agronomist Karago Sector

10 Gakwavu Thomas RAB Bugesera District

11 Habiyaremye Siriaque Private nursery Gashora Sector

12 Nzogiroshya Louis Private nursery Juru Sector

13 Karehe Bienfait Executive Secretary Karago Sector

14 Mugabire Daniel Sector Agronomist Gashora Sector

15 Mutabazi Alfred Sector Agronomist Rweru Sector

16 Ntakirutimana Salvator Sector Agronomist Juru Sector

17 Nzabonimpa Felix ACIAR/RAB Technician

RAB (Nyabihu &Rubavu

districts)

18 Mwungura Marc ACIAR/RAB Technician RAB Bugesera District

19 Iwacu Sylvie District environment officer Bugesera District

20 Munyaneza Jean Paul Finance & Administaration ICRAF-RWANDA

22 Ufitamahoro Marcelin Driver ICRAF

23 Nsabimana Samuel Driver RAB

24 Jonathan Muriuki Scientist ICRAF Nairobi

25 Evelyn Kiptot Scientist ICRAF Nairobi

26 Sammy Carsan Scientist ICRAF Nairobi

27 Simon Mngomba Scientist ICRAF Malawi

28 Clinton Muller Scientist ICRAF Nairobi

29 Wendy Mesi Scientist ICRAF Nairobi

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Workshop programme Day/Time Activity Facilitator/Presenter

0800 - 0830 Registration (new participants not in policy

dialogues)

Jean Paul Munyaneza

0830 - 0845 Meeting objectives and introductions - Athanase Mukuralinda

0845 - 0910 Seed and seedling systems overview and link to

extension systems

Jonathan Muriuki

0910 - 0930 Studies on seed and seedling systems in TFSP

Rwanda (baselines, KII and nursery surveys)

Jonathan Muriuki and David

Twagirayezu

0930 - 0950 Case study on crop seed systems in Rwanda

(includes policy on seeds)

Aimable Icyimpaye

0950 - 1000 Plenary discussions on presentations Amini Mutaganda

1000 - 1020 Health break

1020 - 1040 Guest presentation from Cameroon –

Agroforestry tree domestication: RRCs and other

networks for agroforestry germplasm supply in

Cameroon

– Bertin Takoutsing (presentation

given by Sammy Carsan)

1040 - 1100 Guest presentation from Malawi –Towards a

national strategy for agroforestry seed and

seedling supply: what is Malawi doing

- Simon Mngomba

1100 - 1120 Presentation from the private sector – Is there

scope for commercializing tree seed in Rwanda

Not done

1120 - 1200 Plenary discussions on presentations Leon

1200 - 1300 Group work - SWOT on seed and seedling

systems (national and site) - species diversity,

seed sources, private sector involvement, other

policy related constraints

Jonathan Muriuki and Amini

Mutaganda

1300 - 1400 Lunch

1400 - 1440 Group presentations and plenary discussions Evelyn Kiptot

0440 - 1600 Group work on Research questions and support

needed (includes Identification of possible

interventions – by the project, by the

government, by the private sector)

Jonathan Muriuki and Sammy

Carsan

1600 - 1620 Health break

1620 - 1700 Plenary prioritization of interventions – site

specific and across sites

Amini Mutaganda

1700 - 1730 Closing and departure