IJAAR 1 (2013) 7-13 Analysis of the seed system in Ghana Prince Maxwell Etwire*, Ibrahim D. K. Atokple, Samuel S. J. Buah, Alhassan L. Abdulai, Afia S. Karikari and Peter Asungre CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, P. O. Box TL 52, Tamale, Ghana. Article History ABSTRACT Received 4 February, 2013 Received in revised form 16 February, 2013 Accepted 19 February, 2013 Key words: Formal seed system, Constraints, Seed growers. Full Length Research Article The importance of seed to any crop-based production system cannot be overemphasized. It is the fundamental unit of any production system since it is the source of life. Two parallel seed systems exist in Ghana: A formal system established by the State and its technical partners and a traditional or informal system. The objective of the study was to provide an overview of the existing seed systems in Ghana. Stakeholders in the seed industry were interviewed with the aid of a questionnaire. Assessment of the two systems seems to suggest that the formal and informal systems have historically overlapped and there is potential for a hybrid system combining aspects of the two systems to emerge, with more relevance to the realities of smallholder farmers. ©2013 BluePen Journals Ltd. All rights reserved. INTRODUCTION The importance of seed to any crop-based production system cannot be overemphasized. It is the fundamental unit of any production system since it is the source of life. Improving the quality of seed of any preferred variety is the basis for agricultural productivity improvements (Louwaars and De Boef, 2012). In Ghana and perhaps sub-Saharan Africa, seed is arguably the most important production factor and perhaps the cheapest input for crop production. Two parallel seed systems exist in Ghana: A formal system established by the State and its technical partners and a traditional or informal system based on a tradition of exchanges and mutual support among producers within any one zone (Niangado, 2010). Community based seed production systems are also gaining popularity in the country. Majority (over 80%) of smallholder farmers in Africa mainly get their seeds from the informal channels which include farmers’ own saved seeds, seed exchanges among farmers and finally purchases from the local grain or seed markets (Crissman et al., 1993; Maredia et al., *Corresponding author. E-mail: etwiremaxwellprince@yahoo.co.uk, etwiremaxwellprince@gmail.com. Tel: 00233243241464. 1999; Louwaars and De Boef, 2012). The formal seed sector is receiving a stimulus as a result of the development of hybrid varieties and implementation of development projects by both Governmental and Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs). These organizations are strengthening the formal seed sector by demonstrating the importance of certified seed on farmers’ field, providing farmers with free samples of certified seeds and even giving out certified seed as relief. Varietal development in Ghana has in recent times witnessed increased investments culminating in the release of several varieties of crops such as maize, sorghum, millet, groundnut and cowpea. In spite of the availability of these new varieties coupled with the promotional efforts of government and its development partners, the awareness and adoption of these new varieties seems to be low as a result of the weak seed delivery systems in place. The West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF/WECARD) is however coordinating a project that is aimed at building a strong and sustainable seed system for staple crops in West and Central Africa. The main objective of this present study is to provide an overview of the existing seed systems in Ghana. Available literature on the current state of Ghana’s seed