Securing the local seed systems: The journey of Farmer's seed clubs in Vietnam

This documentation of the seed club experience shows how the role of farmers in the seed supply system can be enhanced in order to improve access of farming communities to affordable, locally adaptable and good quality seeds. It explores how these seed clubs have evolved and became established and reliable providers of good quality seeds in the Mekong Delta Region of Vietnam. This report attempts to answer three basic questions: 1. What effective capacity development can release and tap farmers’ inherent potential to achieve household and community seed security? 2. How can local institutions, which are mandated to provide agricultural support, be more effective and efficient in supporting farmers to have a more sustainable and resilient seed systems? 3. How can policies and legislation support and strengthen farmers’ initiatives in seed development, production, and distribution? It is hoped that by sharing the Mekong Delta farmers’ seed club experience, this document may contribute to the recognition of the key role of smallholder farmers and lead to providing genuine and appropriate support to the farmer seed systems.