Draft methodology for the Access to Seeds Index

Achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger requires enabling farmers to produce more food, particularly in regions of the world’s that lack food security. Insufficient access to quality seeds of improved crop varieties is still one of the many constraints smallholder farmers face in diversifying crops and increasing their productivity and income. Improving smallholder farmers’ access to seeds is thus an essential part of the solution to global food and nutrition insecurity.

The Access to Seeds Index is designed to create a better understanding of how seed companies are improving access to quality seeds and, in turn, contributing to achieving the SDGs. Two indexes have been published so far, in 2016 and 2019. After each edition of the published index, the methodology is reviewed based on stakeholders’ feedback and addresses new developments. These discussions provide input for a thorough review of the previous indexing methodology. For the 2021 Access to Seeds Index methodology review, there is a greater focus on simplifying the methodology by reducing the number of indicators and aligning with the Food and Agriculture Benchmark.

From 16 December 2020 to 31 January 2021, the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) is holding a public consultation on the draft methodology. With this publication, we seek additional input from stakeholders on the methodology for the benchmark.

The draft methodology details the proposed indicators (topic-specific outcomes expected of the company), rationale (how the seed industry can contribute to the topic) and elements (what the index will be assessing companies against for the respective indicator) for each measurement area for the 2021 Access to Seeds Index.

Register for our online consultations

As a cornerstone of the WBA’s approach is actively listening and responding to stakeholders, we are also holding online public consultations during the following days:

Tuesday 19 January | Focus on South and Southeast Asia
10:30am CET / 4pm ICT (EU/Africa/Asia):
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvf-yurj4jEtbKHTVBrH9GxviTPzFGO3k-

Thursday 21 January | Focus on Eastern and Southern Africa
1pm CET (EU, Africa):
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEtc–qqjMuHtG-BXZhJ6W-O5KvbnL2Qn6A

Tuesday 26 January | Focus on Western and Central Africa
1pm CET:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYld-uupzsjHdWcl4J-fEA1gXXx8VWSGCOW