Farmer-managed seed systems play a crucial role in providing access to seed for less market-oriented crops, particularly those that are self-pollinating or vegetatively propagated. Common crops include small grains, root and tuber crops, and local vegetables—many of which are well-suited to on-farm seed production. In these systems, farmers save, exchange, and sell seed from improved, recycled, or local varieties. For many smallholders, farm-saved or informally sourced seed remains the primary option, especially where formal seed systems are unaffordable or inaccessible. Across much of Africa and Asia, farmer-managed seed systems—including seed obtained from local markets—continue to serve as the dominant source of planting material (Sperling et al., 2020). These systems are also central to the concept of seed sovereignty, empowering communities to maintain control over their genetic resources, cultural practices, and food systems in the face of growing pressure from commercial and regulatory frameworks (AFSA et al., 2023).

Seed sector development: significance, definitions and approaches