Demand characteristics for rice, cowpea and maize seeds in Nigeria

Abstract

Demand patterns for improved seed vary significantly among individual farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa because of the different capacity of farmers to overcome various constraints. Understanding these differences is crucial for speeding up the adoption by farmers of improved seed varieties. Although researchers have identified certain factors that explain regional demand differences in Sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about which of those factors apply to Nigeria, and how empirical research can fill the knowledge gap. This brief summarizes key characteristics of the demand for seed among rice, cowpea and maize producers in Nigeria. It also recommends improvements to Nigeria�s seed distribution system that might help farmers obtain improved varieties on a timely basis.