Access to Seeds Index
The Access to Seeds Index measures and compares the efforts of the world’s leading seed companies to enhance the productivity of smallholder farmers.
Aim
The Access to Seeds Index evaluates and compares seed companies according to their efforts to improve access to quality seeds of improved varieties for smallholder farmers. The Index seeks primarily to identify leadership and good practices, providing an evidence base for the discussion on where and how the seed industry can step up its efforts.
Private sector engagement is at the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. By creating a better understanding of the seed industry’s performance, the Index aims to contribute to the achievement of these goals.
Hunger is a daily reality for almost one billion people around the world. The global population is expected to grow by a further two billion in the coming decades, precisely in those regions that are currently considered food insecure. Improving access to seeds for farmers in those regions is key to meeting future food demands. This is where the seed industry can play a crucial role.
Milestones
-
Publication - Global
January 2019
-
Publication - Eastern and Southern Africa
February 2019
-
Publication - Western and Central Africa
April 2019
-
Regional landscaping report
November 2020
-
Draft methodology for consultation
December 2020
-
Regional landscaping reports
February 2021
-
Methodology
February 2021
-
Benchmark publication at the UN Food Systems Summit
September 2021
Two indexes have been published so far with high and increasing participation by companies, significant media attention globally and a growing stakeholder group.
Go to publicationsMethodology
Based on how important stakeholders – farmers, governments, scientists, NGOs and the industry itself – view the role and responsibility of the seed industry, a methodology was developed with clearly defined criteria. After publication of each Index the methodology is reviewed and updated. Using this iterative approach, the Index aims to monitor progress over time.
Go to our 2021 methodology
Get involved
As we build our work, we continue to engage with stakeholders across the globe through targeted communications with key organisations and representatives. We also encourage meaningful and constructive feedback.
