Lessons learned from seed distribution in Nepal

Complex emergency situation in Nepal particularly affected by political instability and natural calamities led to food insecurity. Dependency on the food import led this country affected by soaring global food prices in 2007/2008. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) responded with distribution of improved variety of seeds along with capacity building program and technical assistant to small rural farmers in Nepal from 2009 to 2011. This paper reviewed the factors affecting the efficacy of the seed distribution to improve food security based on the surveys on beneficiaries carried out before and after the intervention, crop cutting assessment and group discussions. It was concluded that seed aid was an effective way to improve food security of small family in the remote area of Nepal under subsets of condition, unless it will harm the existing seed supply chain and ultimately incurring losses to farmers. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.