Impacts of an improved seed policy environment in Eastern and Central Africa

This discussion paper assesses the impacts of an improved seed policy environment in the Eastern and Central Africa (ECA) region using a case study of formal trade in seed maize in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania that employs a spatial equilibrium model (SEM). The data used in this study was derived from a regional survey of key informants undertaken in August 2009. It is complimented by secondary data on seed production, consumption, prices and elasticity parameter estimates that were derived from various sources. The quantification of the trade and welfare impacts of seed policy harmonization involved a before and after comparative analysis. The paper commences by reviewing the progress made in the harmonization of seed policies in ECA region with regard to five thematic areas agreed for harmonization.