This study asks whether there is utility in knowing who sources soybean seed within the household and why when explaining variation in seed obtained from the formal versus informal sector. Survey data collected in Malawi in 2018 were used to explore the question. Results suggest that the identity of the person who sources seed has little to do with whether the seed was obtained from the formal sector. Instead, why the person sources soybean seed is the better predictor. As formal seed system actors mobilize to persuade more smallholder farmers to adopt improved varieties, understanding why people source seed may be key for targeting and when designing agricultural development interventions.

本研究询问在解释从正规部门与非正规部门获得的种子的差异时，了解家庭内谁采购大豆种子是否有用以及为什么。2018 年在马拉维收集的调查数据用于探讨这个问题。结果表明，种子来源者的身份与种子是否从正规部门获得几乎没有关系。相反，为什么该人采购大豆种子是更好的预测因素。随着正式种子系统参与者动员起来说服更多小农采用改良品种，了解人们为何采购种子可能是确定目标和设计农业发展干预措施的关键。