Collective action and seed production in Uttar Pradesh, India: A pathway for women's empowerment and community seed security

Abstract

CONTEXT

Seed production and distribution of quality varieties require innovative approaches in order to reach smallholder farmers that are outside of formal distribution networks. Many development interventions aim to empower women and ensure food security. Interventions to achieve both women's empowerment and seed security through community-based seed production may contribute to both goals. Building on many years working to empower women through self-help groups (SHGs), Rajiv Gandhi Mahila Vikas Pariyojana (RGMVP) sought to increase seed security by incorporating a rice and wheat seed production program, in which 800+ women became seed producers.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed how a layered self-help group/seed production program contributed to women's empowerment and seed security. Specific objectives were to assess: i) how becoming seed producers changed women's resources, agency, and achievement; and ii) women's perspectives on how seed security changed within the community.

METHODS

In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 SHG seed producer members and 18 non-seed producer members from Uttar Pradesh, India. Grounded theory and an extensive literature review of empowerment were used to analyze the data for emergent themes. Descriptive summaries were written for each theme to understand trends and note cross-sectional themes.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The seed production program within the SHGs empowered seed-producing women. Their resources, agency, and achievement were positively impacted through collective action. Meaningful choice was introduced through participatory variety selection of rice and wheat varieties, and the actualization of that choice was demonstrated through increased decision-making and seed production. Women reported being more respected for their provision of quality seed, which became available at the community level and beyond for barter or purchase, providing evidence of increased seed security across SHG networks. The integrated seed sector program implemented by RGMVP - where improved foundation seed was multiplied by women seed producers at the local level – served as a mechanism for strengthening the availability and affordability of improved rice and wheat cultivars.

SIGNIFICANCE

RGMVP worked with 2 million women members across 40 districts and the seed production program was piloted in just 2 districts. 47,000 farmers gaining access to rice and wheat seed through the program. There are 9 million SHGs in India. With gender responsive community engagement, there is potential for adapting the program to new contexts and generating positive change in women's lives and their households, while enhancing the capacity of the seed sector to support community seed security.