Grain legumes are nutritionally important components of smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Unfortunately, limited access to quality seed of improved varieties at affordable prices due to inadequate seed systems has reduced their contribution to improving nutrition and reducing poverty in these regions. This paper analyses four seed systems case studies: chickpea in Ethiopia and Myanmar; cowpea in Nigeria; and tropical grain legumes in Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda highlighting outcomes, lessons learned, and the enabling factors which supported the successful innovations. All four case studies highlighted at least some of the following outcomes: increased adoption of improved varieties and area planted; increased productivity and income to farmers; improved market access and growth; and significant national economic benefits. Important lessons were learned including the value of small seed packets to reach many farmers; the value of innovative partnerships; capacity building of value chain actors; and continuity and coherence of funding through Tropical Legumes projects II and III and the recently funded Accelerated Varietal Improvement and Seed Delivery of Legumes and Cereals in Africa (AVISA) project. Successful adoption of innovations depends not just on the right technologies but also on the enabling environment. The case studies clearly showed that market demand was correctly identified, establishment of successful partners and institutional linkages overcame constraints in production and delivery of improved seed to smallholders, and fostered conducive policies supported national seed systems. All were integral to seed system viability and sustainability. It is hoped that these examples will provide potential models for future grain legume seed systems efforts. In addition, the analysis identified a number of areas that require further research.

中文翻译：

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小农谷物豆类种子系统：成功创新的前景

谷物豆类是撒哈拉以南非洲和亚洲小农农业系统的重要营养成分。不幸的是，由于种子系统不完善，以负担得起的价格获得优质改良品种种子的机会有限，这减少了它们对改善这些地区营养和减少贫困​​的贡献。本文分析了四个种子系统案例研究：埃塞俄比亚和缅甸的鹰嘴豆；尼日利亚豇豆；以及尼日利亚、坦桑尼亚和乌干达的热带谷物豆类，重点介绍了支持成功创新的成果、经验教训和有利因素。所有四个案例研究都至少强调了以下结果中的一些：增加采用改良品种和种植面积；提高农民的生产力和收入；改善市场准入和增长；和显着的国家经济效益。吸取了重要的经验教训，包括小种子包对许多农民的价值；创新伙伴关系的价值；价值链参与者的能力建设；以及通过热带豆类项目 II 和 III 以及最近资助的非洲豆类和谷物加速品种改良和种子交付 (AVISA) 项目提供资金的连续性和一致性。创新的成功采用不仅取决于正确的技术，还取决于有利的环境。案例研究清楚地表明，市场需求得到了正确识别，成功的合作伙伴和机构联系的建立克服了生产和向小农提供改良种子的限制，并促进了支持国家种子系统的有利政策。所有这些都是种子系统活力和可持续性不可或缺的一部分。希望这些例子将为未来的谷物豆类种子系统工作提供潜在的模型。此外，分析确定了一些需要进一步研究的领域。