African Legal Philosophy and Theory (Law/Philosophy crossover) | 28 July 2000

Climate-Resilient Seed Varieties and Market Access for Central African Smallholder Farmers: A Triennial Comparative Study in Morocco

A, h, m, e, d, A, l, a, m, i

Abstract

Climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity in Central African countries, particularly for smallholder farmers who rely on traditional seed varieties that are less resilient to extreme weather events. A triennial comparative study involving interviews, focus groups, and field observations was conducted among smallholder farmers across different regions of Morocco to assess the impact of climate-resilient seed varieties on productivity and market integration. The analysis revealed that climate-resilient seed varieties led to a 20% increase in crop yields compared to traditional seeds, with over half of farmers reporting improved access to markets due to higher production levels. This study underscores the potential of climate-resilient seed varieties as an effective strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity and market integration among smallholder farmers in Morocco. Government policies should prioritise the promotion and distribution of climate-resilient seeds, along with support for farmer training programmes to maximise their benefits.