Examining the role of community seed banks in the livelihood of smallholder farmers in Zambia

Bc. Beenzu Munkombwe Muzyamba

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

Despite the rapid development of seed supply chains over the past few decades, informal seed systems remain the primary source of seed for most smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Zambia. Nevertheless, continuous increasing reliance of farming households on commercial seed systems has raised concerns about declining seed sovereignty, reduced agrobiodiversity, degradation of local food systems and growing vulnerability to climate and market risks. Community seed banks (CSBs) have emerged as a grassroots response to these challenges, yet empirical evidence on their role in supporting farmer livelihoods remains limited, especially in Zambia, a country with diverse agroecological zones. This study aimed to assess seed sovereignty practices, CSB use, motivation for joining, seed diversity, farmer satisfaction with seeds and seed selection decisions among smallholder farmers in selected agroecological regions of Zambia. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative data from 141 smallholder farmers with qualitative insights from key informant interviews with CSB and government officials. Quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS and R, including Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, Ordinal Logistic Regression (ORL), Latent Class Analysis (LCA), while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings indicate that CSBs are widely accessed, with the majority of farmers using them every season. Seed sovereignty practices such as influencing CSB decisions were significantly associated with more frequent CSB access. Regional differences in crop diversity were observed, high levels of satisfaction with CSB seeds were reported and seed selection was heterogeneous, with notable differences across agroecological zones. The study concluded that CSBs play a critical role among smallholder farmers by enhancing access to indigenous seeds, supporting agrobiodiversity and promoting farmer autonomy. However, their effectiveness is constrained by limited policy recognition. The findings indicated the need for more inclusive seed policies that integrate community-based seed systems and support the conservation and use of indigenous genetic resources as part of climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural development.

Keywords

Sustainability, Informal Seed Systems, Agricultural Policies, Smallholders, Participation, Farmer-Managed Institutions, Major Crops, Minor Crops

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 24. 4. 2026

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 1. 6. 2026
• Vedoucí: doc. Ing. Vladimír Verner, Ph.D.
• Oponent: Anne MacKinnon, externi

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Fakulta tropického zemědělství

Magisterský studijní program:
International Development and Agricultural Economics