Project Briefs

Markets for Quality Seed in Northern Uganda Skilling local seed businesses to competitively sell their seed

Introduction

The best way for farmers to market quality seed is to collectively bulk seed and sell as a group. This enables farmers to reach bigger markets, better control quality, negotiate prices and save on transport costs.

Local seed businesses (LSBs) in Uganda have experienced a number of setbacks in marketing quality seed. Challenges included poor pricing, over production of seed and inappropriate seed packaging. In the initial stages, LSBs did not conduct market research in order to understand the target market, varieties demanded, competitors and market seed price. They were also not able to match demand with supply and provide appropriate seed packaging. After LSBs received training, coaching and exchange visits on participatory market research, customer analysis and developing appropriate marketing strategies to address these problems, LSBs’ perception on marketing changed.