Developing a Community Seed Bank Model for Improving Seed Access Among Smallholder Farmers in Benue State

Unreliable access to quality planting seed is one of the most persistent constraints to smallholder crop productivity in Nigeria, and community-based seed bank models offer a decentralised and affordable solution adapted to local crop diversity and management capacity. This study developed a community seed bank model for improving seed access among smallholder farmers in Gboko, Katsina-Ala, and Ushongo LGAs of Benue State, North Central Nigeria. A model development methodology was applied, drawing on baseline seed system surveys with 80 farmers and structured interviews with 12 seed system specialists, 6 NGO community development practitioners, and 4 Benue State ADP seed programme officers. Survey results showed that 73.8 percent of farmers relied primarily on farm-saved seed of uncertain variety identity, and only 18.8 percent had purchased certified seed in the preceding cropping season. Yam, sorghum, and cowpea were the crops with the most critical seed access challenges. The model designed encompasses operational protocols for community seed collection, storage, quality testing and germination monitoring, variety maintenance, distribution systems, governance structures, record-keeping, and linkage to national seed certification. Gender equity provisions ensuring women's leadership in seed bank governance are specified. Expert review by nine seed system and community development specialists confirmed the model's technical and social feasibility. The study recommends piloting the model in six communities in Benue with 3-year operational support from ISSD Nigeria and FAO-funded seed system strengthening programming.

Keywords: community seed bank, seed access, smallholder farmers, Benue State, seed system