Analysis of the maize and groundnut seed value chains in central and northern Tanzania

Background Maize and groundnut are important crops in Tanzania; therefore, understanding their seed value chains (VCs) is critical for improving the seed systems. The study aimed at establishing key components for model maize and groundnut seed VCs by understanding the formal and informal seed VCs to provide relevant recommendations for; improving these value chains, propose interventions that would encourage more investment by seed companies, and improve access to quality seed by farmers. The study used data collected through survey, with a sample size of 252 and 162 seed producing households for maize and groundnut, respectively, conducted using structured questionnaire. VC actors including; seed companies, agricultural research institutions, agrodealers, seed regulatory authority, public seed production agency, extension staff and Ministry of Agriculture, were also interviewed. Porter’s value chain approach was applied to analyse the various components of the VC and identify the links between the key nodes and understand their operational functions. Results The maize seed producing households were dominated by men (71%) while for groundnut, women (69%) were engaged in seed production. Government agricultural extension services are the main source of information; 30% and 58%, for maize and groundnut, respectively. Seed companies were the main producers of maize seed (51.7%) while for groundnut, public research institutions were the main seed producers. Most of business enterprises were owned by men (83.3%). Compared to maize, the formal seed sector is weak for groundnut in Tanzania, with very few private seed companies being engaged in seed production and supply. Most groundnut seeds are accessed through agrodealers and seed associations that produce quality declared seed (QDS). Community seed banks were recognized as an efficient option for providing improved groundnut varieties to smallholder farmers. There are no prominent seed companies aggressively operating for both crops in central Tanzania. Excessive reliance on farm-saved seed by farmers was identified as one of the major factors negatively affecting the demand for certified seed. Stakeholder analysis of the seed production and supply chain showed that there was poor coordination between key stakeholders involved in the seed VC. Conclusion This study provides recommendations for strengthening the seed value chains in Tanzania by addressing identified gaps along the VC components. Future studies can build from the outcomes of this study and generate more information, especially on market and different seed systems, as these have great influence on demand and supply of seed.