The politics of seed: investigating the privatization and promotion of hybrid maize seed and their impacts on small scale maize farmer’s livelihood; the case of Moshi Rural District at Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania

Seed is considered a centre key issue in agricultural activity as it plays a significant role in the production process. Seed’s accessibility and supply to farmers are crucial, the shortage of seed can cause nationwide hunger and economic downfall. Due to the importance, Tanzania government together with other stakeholders such as private sectors and research institutes play an enormous role in its promotion. This study set to explore the politics of seed in Moshi Rural district in Northern Tanzania based on the role of the state in promoting hybrid maize seed in the area. This was done through interviewing essential stakeholders who are farmers, government official, extension officers, seed company representatives and agro-dealers. Also, the investigation of policies and regulation which influence the use, the supply of extension officers who work under the government was done. The adoption of hybrid maize seeds are influenced by the government through setting up of policy and regulations, seed companies through organising the trade fair and education to extension officers which in turn go and train agro-dealers and farmers. There is a significant increase in adoption rate in northern part of the country since the state privatised its seed sector in early 1990, with significant private players being multinational companies such as Monsanto and Pannar. These companies own the seeds intellectual properties, and hence smallholder farmers are forced to by the seeds from seed companies or their agents every season thus leads to household economy impact on their income and expenditure. Hence, regarding who loses and who gains, the seed companies win, and local farmers lose.