No 3 (2021) 100059

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Sustainable Futures
journal homepage: www.sciencedirect.com/journal/sustainable-futures

Retailers’ knowledge and practices on the storage and handling of certified

vegetable seeds: A case study of the Ashanti Region, Ghana
Johnson Antwi Adom a, Daniel Kwadjo Dzidzienyo a, b, *, John Ofosu-Anim c
a
West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, PMB 30, WACCI, Greater Accra, Legon, Ghana
b
Biotechnology Centre, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Legon P. O. Box 1195, Ghana
c
Department of Crop Science, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 44, Accra, Legon, Ghana

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: Poor seed storage and handling practices adversely affect seed quality. To investigate retailers’ knowledge and
Vegetables practices in handling and storing certified vegetable seeds to ensure seed quality maintenance, a survey was
Certified seeds conducted with a questionnaire and a thermo-hygrometer in the Ashanti Region. Results indicated retailers were
Seed quality
aware of the factors that affected seed quality during storage. Retailers stored seeds at room temperature, and
Seed retailers
Seed storage practices
repackaged seeds in smaller sizes due to challenges like lack of cold storage, lack of credits, seed pricing and seed
Seed marketing challenges package sizes. Retailers require cold storage facilities to ensure continuous supply of quality seeds to farmers.

1. Introduction fertilizers, irrigation and mechanization systems, and technical

know-how [16].
Vegetables constitute a key portion of human diets globally [12]. Researchers and research institutions produce breeder and founda­
Aside providing much required micronutrients, antioxidants and phy­ tion seeds for seed companies, seed producers and seed growers to also
tochemicals that protect the body against diseases [44], production and produce certified seeds. These seeds certified by Ghana Seed Inspection
consumption of vegetables also has the potency of creating employment Division (GSID) meet minimum quality standards and normally kept
and generating income in developing countries [43]. Vegetable pro­ under cold storage by seed companies, who usually sell seeds to retailers
duction in the urban and peri-urban centres has thus been cited to have to be sold to farmers, or sometimes, sell directly to farmers [14].
the potential of contributing to the achievement of the first two United Agrochemical shops are those who buy the chunk portion of certified
Nations sustainable development goals; reduction of extreme poverty seeds and have proven beyond doubts to be the most suitable channels
and hunger [1]. Increased vegetable production generates high income through which seeds are marketed [4],[40].
and employment opportunities compared to other sectors of the agri­ The maintenance of the quality of seeds at retailers’ end is essential
cultural economy, thus making vegetables an essential component of for continuous supply of quality seeds to farmers. Retailers’ knowledge
any agricultural growth plan [38]. The exportation of vegetables like and experience in handling seeds is therefore crucial. Lack of knowledge
chillies and okra to European countries such as Germany, Britain, Italy, has been reported to be a barrier to technology providers [26]. There is a
Belgium and Switzerland has yielded significant foreign exchange for positive relation between previous work experience and entrepreneurial
Ghana [6],[20]. intention because one’s years of experience from same or related work
Despite their nutritional and economic benefits, vegetable produc­ provides them with management and problem solving skills, and helps
tion and marketing in Ghana has been constrained by poor quality and them in getting initial business contracts [24,45]. Age plays a vital role
availability of seeds [13]. Seeds are fundamental inputs in crop pro­ in seed business owing to the fact that usually, seed retailers’ interest in
duction. Seed quality, irrespective of the scale of crop production, adopting new innovations diminishes as they get older [28]. Younger
governs crop productivity level amidst all other crop production inputs people with a high level formal of education have greater ability in
[8]. Nonetheless, to achieve high agricultural productivity, quality seeds gathering information [41]. On-the-job experiences usually create fa­
should be complemented with appropriate crop protection chemicals, miliarity with acceptable practices involved in seed handling. High

* Corresponding author at: West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, PMB 30, WACCI, Greater Accra,
Legon, Ghana.
E-mail address: [email protected] (D.K. Dzidzienyo).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2021.100059
Received 11 May 2021; Received in revised form 12 July 2021; Accepted 15 September 2021
Available online 23 September 2021
2666-1888/© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
J.A. Adom et al. Sustainable Futures 3 (2021) 100059

literacy level is essential for the growth of the seed industry because and make immense contribution to knowledge to be used in policy
knowledge about the level of education of the retailers serve as a guide formulation and future research in Ghana’s seed industry.
in the planning and delivery of technical services [28]. Actors in the seed This article is organized into 5 sections; the subsequent sections
business who are literate have a higher probability of being acquainted following the Introduction are Methodology and Data, Results, Discus­
with information, and have better abilities in processing information sion, Conclusion and Recommendation.
and fishing out appropriate technological solutions to alleviate their
challenges [2]. Exploring vegetable seed retailers’ socio-demographic 2. Methodology and data
characteristics would be beneficial for future research and serve as a
guide the formulation of policies. 2.1. Study site
Several barriers hinder the availability of certified seeds in Ghana.
First of all, there is lack of a robust seed production industry resulting in The field survey was conducted in the Ashanti Region of Ghana from
high importation of most hybrid seeds which obviously comes with January to December, 2019. The Ashanti Region is a cosmopolitan re­
import duties [35]. According to Ghana National Seed Policy [30], other gion sited within the middle belt of Ghana and lies between longitudes
constraints of seed availability include the high cost of seed resulting in 0.15W and 2.25W, and latitudes 5.50N and 7.46N [19]. Occupying a
farmers’ over reliance on farmer-saved seeds, timelines of seed avail­ total of 24,389 square kilometers of land area, the Ashanti Region rep­
ability which affects farmers’ planning, appropriateness of the size and resents 10.2% of Ghana’s total land area [19]. The region currently has
packaging of seeds which causes retailers to repackage seeds, varietal 43 metropolitan, municipal and districts (MMDs) with Kumasi, the
and physical qualities that may not suit farmers’ taste, and need for second biggest city in Ghana, as its capital [7,17]. The region has a total
complementary inputs and services that come at extra cost. Technolo­ population of 4,780,280. This figure represents 19.4% of Ghana’s total
gies employed in the seed business is capital intensive [3] resulting in population making it the most populous region in the country [18]. The
low investments in the venture. However, partnership is a vital tool for Ashanti Region has 412,055 agricultural households, representing
increasing productivity, profits, and quickening dissemination of new 36.6% of the total households in the region, and 16.5% of all agricultural
technologies to stakeholders in the seed industry [21,34,39], it could be households in Ghana [18].
a tool for improving seed availability.
Other factors also block the preservation of quality seed. The greatest 2.2. Sampling of certified vegetable seed retailers
of such factors is lack of cold storage facilities [14,30]. There is also
inadequate resources in terms of personnel and logistics for GSID to Ghana Agricultural Inputs Dealers Association (GAIDA) revealed
enhance effective post-certification market surveillance to ensure seed that majority of seed retailers were located in the capital, Kumasi, while
quality maintenance [30]. Other factors include mishandling of seeds by others were mostly located in markets and lorry stations of municipal/
marketers such as repackaging of sourced seeds into transparent plastic district capitals. The regional capital, Kumasi was selected using pur­
bags which may expose seeds to harsh environmental conditions and posive sampling since majority of the retailers were located within the
foreign materials like inert matter and air-borne fungal spores. Storage Kumasi Metropolis. Twelve (12) other municipal/district capitals were
of seeds with agrochemicals is also a threat to the preservation of seed additionally selected using simple random sampling. These were
quality. Dane and Dalgic [9] found that solutions prepared from Atwima Twedie, Mankranso, Obuasi, Konongo, Ejisu, Tepa, Asante
Benomyl, a fungicide, was able to cause many anomalies in mitotic cell Mampong, Manso Nkwanta, New Edubiase, Nkawie, Asante Bekwai and
divisions in the root tips of onion during germination and growth. Ejura. Each district capital produced varying number of retailers or re­
Legume seeds treated with herbicides also resulted in reduction in spondents. However, no certified vegetable seed retailers were identi­
nodules formation, thereby reducing the rate of nitrogen fixation [23, fied in three municipal/district capitals namely, Ejura, Atwima Foase,
37]. Identifying the barriers that block the availability and preservation and Mankranso at the time of visit. In all, twenty-five (25) retailers/
of quality vegetable seeds and finding appropriate solutions would be respondents were sampled (Table 1). Males formed 68% of the retailers
essential for the sustainability of Ghana’s seed industry. and the rest females. Retailers’ age ranged between 20 and 60 years with
Several factors influence seeds during storage. Temperature, relative an average age of 37 years (Table 2) with 96% of them having gained
humidity and seed moisture have been cited as the most important formal education to at least the basic level (Fig. 1). Their level of on-the-
factors that cause a decline in seed quality [5,29,32]. Low temperature job experience also ranged between 0 to 40 years with an average
and low relative humidity are a prerequisite for the maintenance of seed experience of 14 years in business (Fig. 2).
quality during storage [11]. High temperature and high relative hu­
midity increase seed moisture content which eventually causes seed 2.3. Tools used for the survey
deterioration. Vieira et al. [42] indicated that the rate of seed deterio­
ration is directly related to the moisture content of the seed; the higher The vegetable seed retailers were interviewed one-on-one with the
the moisture content of the seed, the faster the rate of seed deterioration.
Another factor that influence seed quality is storage length. Schmidt
Table 1
[36] indicated that in order to prevent seeds from deteriorating, they
Metropolitan/municipal/district, capital and number of retailers.
should not be stored for lengthy periods under tropical conditions. Re­
tailers’ awareness of these factors is a prerequisite for the preservation of Metropolitan/Municipal/District Capital Number of Retailers

quality seeds. Kumasi Metropolitan Kumasi 9

Certified vegetable seeds of high quality are crucial for food security Bekwai Municipal Bekwai 3
Mampong Municipal Mampong 1
as well as agricultural sustainability in Ghana. Retailers’ awareness of
Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal Nkawie 1
the factors that affect seed quality during storage, coupled with the Obuasi Municipal Obuase 3
availability of seed storage facilities, are essential for availability and Ejisu Municipal Ejisu 1
conservation of certified vegetable seeds in the country. Mishandling of Asante Akim Central Municipal Konongo 1
certified vegetable seeds such as seed repackaging and storage of seeds Adansi South District New Edubiase 2
Amansie West District Manso Nkwanta 1
with agrochemicals could also affect seed quality. The present study Ahafo Ano North Municipal Tepa 3
seeks to investigate retailers’ knowledge and practices on the storage Ahafo Ano South West District Mankranso -
and handling of certified vegetable seeds, particularly in the Ashanti Atwima Kwanwoma District Atwima Twedie -
Region, to ensure seed quality maintenance. Available literature on this Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipal Ejura -
Total: 13 Total: 13 Total: 25
topic is scanty; this study therefore seeks to explore the research area

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J.A. Adom et al. Sustainable Futures 3 (2021) 100059

Table 2 3.2. Certified vegetable seed suppliers

Literacy level of retailers.
Level of Education Frequency Percentage (%) Response from retailers on their sources of certified vegetable seeds
showed that they all (100%) received their certified vegetable seeds
B.E.C.E 3 12
W.A.S.S.C.E 12 48 from seed companies.
HND 1 4
Diploma 2 8
3.3. Awareness of the factors that affect seeds in storage
Bachelor’s degree 5 20
Master’s Degree 1 4
No Formal Education 1 4 Most (92%) of the retailers were aware of the factors that affect seed
Total 25 100 quality during storage whilst 8% had no idea about such factors (Fig. 4).
In multiple response analysis of factors that affect the quality of
vegetable seeds in storage as indicated by retailers who were aware of
such factors, storage temperature was the most predominant factor
(64%) cited by retailers (Table 3). Moisture content and relative hu­
midity followed with 11.8% each (Table 3).

3.4. Retailers’ seed storage conditions

Results from the temperature recorded at the various retail shops

indicated that majority (40%) of the shops had temperatures ranging
from 31.0 ◦ C to 32.9 ◦ C. A temperature range of 29.0 ◦ C to 30.9 ◦ C
followed with 28% whilst 20% of the shops had temperatures ranging
from 33.0 ◦ C to 34.9 ◦ C. Eight percent of the shops recorded a temper­
ature range of 35 ◦ C to 36.9 ◦ C whereas 4% had temperatures below
Fig. 1. Age distribution of retailers.

aid of a pre-tested questionnaire. The questionnaire was a 5-page

document with both close and open-ended questions that were rele­
vant to the objectives of the study. The questionnaire centred mainly on
socio-demograhic profile of retailers, retailers’ seed sources, day to day
atmospheric conditions for seed storage, retailers’ awareness of the
factors that affect seed quality during storage, practice of repackaging of
sourced seeds, storage of seeds with agrochemicals, feedback from
farmers (buyers), and retailers’ marketing challenges. An IN-OUT Fig. 3. Type of business organisation.
Thermo-Hygrometer was used in recording the storage temperature
and relative humidity at all the commercial retail shops sampled. Data
on questionnaire were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.

3. Results

3.1. Type of business organisation

Three business organisational types, namely, sole proprietorship,

company, and co-operative were identified in the survey. Majority
(80%) of the businesses fell under sole proprietorship. This was followed
by companies which formed 16% of the total whilst co-operative orga­
nisation formed 4% of the total (Fig. 3).
Fig. 4. Retailers’ response to whether they were aware of factors that affect
vegetable seed quality during storage.

Fig. 2. Number of years in business.

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J.A. Adom et al. Sustainable Futures 3 (2021) 100059

Table 3 Table 5
Factors that affect vegetable seeds in storage. Relative humidity of retail shops.
Responses Relative Humidity (%) Frequency Percentage (%)

Factors Frequency Percentage 40 – 44 4 16

Storage temperature 22 64.7 45 – 49 2 8
Moisture content 4 11.8 50 – 54 5 20
Relative humidity 4 11.8 55 – 59 6 24
Pests 2 5.9 60 – 64 8 32
Poor processing 2 5.9 Total 25 100
Total 34 100.0

20 ◦ C (Table 4). Table 6

Results of the relative humidity measured at the various retail shops Retailers’ response to whether the length of storage time had effect on vegetable
indicated that majority of the shops (32%) had relative humidity figures seed quality.
ranging from 60% to 64%. This was followed by shops that had relative Response Frequency Percent (%) Valid Percent (%)
humidity ranges of 55–59% (24%), 50–54% (20%), and 40–44% (16%). Yes 21 84 87.5
Shops that had relative humidity measuring from 45% to 49% had the No 3 12 12.5
least percentage (8%) (Table 5). Total 24 96 100.0
No response 1 4
Total 25 100
3.5. Effect of storage duration on vegetable seed quality

Retailers’ response to whether the length of storage time had effect Table 7
on vegetable seed quality is displayed in Table 6. Most retailers repre­ Identified effects of storage duration on vegetable seed quality.
senting 87.5% out of 24 valid responses indicated that length of storage
Responses Frequency Percentage (%)
time had effect on vegetable seed quality; seed quality declined with
time while 12.5% indicated that storage time had no effect on seed Poor germination 18 81.8
Poor plant establishment 2 9.1
quality; effect depends on storage conditions.
Moulding 1 4.5
Multiple response analysis of the effects of storage duration on Expiry of seeds 1 4.5
vegetable seed quality as provided by respondents who were of the view Total 22 100.0
that length of storage time had effect on vegetable seed quality is shown
in Table 7. Majority (81.8%) of the respondents indicated that long
storage period resulted in poor germination of seeds (Table 7). Table 8
Analysis of response by retailers on how long they kept vegetable Storage duration of vegetable seeds in stock.
seeds in stock showed that majority (44%) of the retailers kept seeds in
Duration (Months) Frequency Percentage (%)
stock for a period of 1–3 months (Table 8). The same percentage of re­
tailers (20%) followed with storage durations of 10–12 months and over 1–3 11 43
4–6 3 12
12 months (Table 8). Twelve percent of the retailers also kept seeds in 7–9 1 4
stock for a period of 4–6 months while only 4% kept seeds in stock 10 – 12 5 20
beyond 12 months (Table 8). Over 12 5 20
Total 25 100

3.6. Storage of vegetable seeds alongside agrochemicals

Survey results showed that 84% of the retailers kept vegetable seeds
and agrochemicals in the same retail shop whilst 16% of them did not
(Fig. 5).
Majority (76%) of the retailers did not know of any such effects
(Table 9). Only 8% of the respondents knew some negative impacts
while 16% did not provide any answer since they had not kept vegetable
seeds with agrochemicals (Table 9).
Fig. 5. Response to whether retailers kept vegetable seeds together with
3.7. Repackaging of certified vegetable seeds at retailers’ shops agrochemicals.

Most (56%) retailers repackaged their sourced certified vegetable

Table 9
seeds whilst 44% of them did not (Fig. 6). Retailers response to whether agrochemicals had negative impact on vegetable
Multiple response analysis on why retailers repackaged their sourced seed quality.
Response Frequency Percent (%) Valid Percent (%)
Table 4
Temperatures of retail shops. Yes 2 8 9.5
No 19 76 90.5
Temperatures ( C)◦
Frequency Percentage (%) Total 21 84 100.0
No response 4 16
Below 20 1 4
Total 25 100
29.0 - 30.9 7 28
31.0 – 32.9 10 40
33.0 – 34.9 5 20
35.0 – 36.9 2 8
Total 25 100

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J.A. Adom et al. Sustainable Futures 3 (2021) 100059

Fig. 6. Retailers response to whether they repackaged their sourced certified Fig. 7. Percentage respondents indicating receipts of complaints from buyers
vegetable seeds. after purchase of vegetable seeds.

certified vegetable seeds indicated that, request for smaller quantities of Table 11
seeds by small-scale vegetable farmers was the most cited reason (50%), Specific complaints received by retailers from buyers.
followed by farmers’ inability to afford the cost of seeds in larger con­
Responses
tainers (46.6%) (Table 10). The least cited reason was the request for
small seed quantities for growth and yield tests of new varieties by large- Complaints Frequency Percentage (%)
Poor germination 18 60
scale vegetable farmers (4.6%) (Table 10).
Presence of insects 2 6.7
Moulding 2 6.7
3.8. Feedback on the quality of purchased seeds Presence of virus when planted 3 10
Low plant establishment 5 16.7
Total 30 100.0
Retailers’ response showed that, 76% of them received complaints
from farmers while 24% did not receive any complaints (Fig. 7).
Most (60%) complaints were about poor germination of the seeds
(Table 11). The next was low plant establishment which formed 16.7%
of the complaints. Presence of virus followed with 10% while presence
of insects, and moulding followed the complaints with 6.7% apiece
(Table 11).

3.9. Germination tests on stored vegetable seeds

Fig. 8. retailers response to whether they conducted germination test on stored
Retailers’ response indicated that majority of them (56%) did not vegetable seeds.
conduct simple germination tests on their seeds prior to retailing whilst
the remaining 44% did (Fig. 8).
Table 12
3.10. Vegetable seed marketing challenges and suggested solutions Vegetable seed marketing challenges faced by retailers and suggested solutions.
Challenges Suggested solutions
Challenges in certified vegetable seed marketing faced by retailers Lack of storage facilities Formation of a vibrant seed retailers’ association
and farmers and the actors’ suggested solutions are presented in and request for a central seed storage facility from
Table 12 and Table 13, respectively. government to grant all members access to
affordable cold storage
Poor access to credit facilities Formation of functional vegetable seed retailers’
4. Discussion association to mutually assist members financially,
and access group loans to increase business capital.
4.1. Socio-demographic profile of retailers Poor communication network Improving communication between actors in the
between actors seed industry to identify challenges and provide
appropriate solutions
The study revealed that vegetable seed retailing is a male-dominated
venture as they formed 68% of the sample, and even where females were
respondents, most of them were either spouses of the owners or shop
attendants for male owners. This observation confirms an earlier report Table 13
by [22] where males formed 82% of the total agricultural input dealers Vegetable seed marketing challenges faced by farmers and suggested solutions.
surveyed in the Ashanti Region. Mabaya et al. [27] also made similar Challenges Suggested solutions
observation where males accounted for 83% of the 3153 agro-input High cost of seeds • Government should cut down import duties on
dealers surveyed across Ghana. Male dominance in the retail of certi­ vegetable seeds to help reduce cost.
fied vegetable seeds may be attributed to a correlating male predomi­ • Investments should be made in breeding and local
vegetable seed production to reduce cost of
nance in agriculture and other allied activities because agricultural
importation
activities are prima facie regarded as male-subjugated activities, and Seed package sizes Suppliers should package seeds in varying sizes to meet
that, females involved in agricultural activities are just seen as helpers every farmer’s demand
[10]. Variations in maturity Educating farmers on early and late maturing varieties
times of varieties to help them decide when to cultivate

Table 10
Retailers’ reason for repackaging certified seeds. Yuan et al. [45] found a positive relation between previous work
Responses experience and entrepreneurial intention. The fact that most retailers
Reasons Frequency Percent were 36 years and over could therefore lead to the belief that most re­
Request for smaller quantities by small-scale farmers 14 50.0 tailers’ drive to set up certified vegetable seed trade business emanated
Farmers’ inability to afford cost of seeds in larger containers 13 46.4 from their previous organizational experiences; having spent some years
Request for smaller quantities for growth and yield tests 1 4.6 working in an agricultural firm, or institution, or a related field. One’s
Total 28 100.0

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J.A. Adom et al. Sustainable Futures 3 (2021) 100059

years of experience from previous work provides a strong base to start a recognizes the significance of information transfer from farmers to
business as it provides management and problem solving skills, and research systems, but seems to propose that farmers will receive most
helps in getting initial business contracts [24]. Age plays a vital role in technologies from researchers [25]. The AIS on other hand aims to
seed business owing to the fact that usually, seed retailers’ interest in enhance knowledge exchange and interactions between actors and in­
adopting new innovations diminishes as they get older [28]. The high stitutions that mold innovation processes within and outside the agri­
involvement of the youth in the study might therefore be a good indi­ cultural sector [41]. However, infrastructural failures such as lack of
cation of their inclination to embrace and adopt new agricultural and physical infrastructure such as roads as well as knowledge and financial
seed trade innovations. Vecchio et al. [41] also reported that younger infrastructure are major barriers to the performance of innovation sys­
people have greater ability in gathering information. tems [25].
As earlier reported by [22] that only 4% of the agro input dealers Retailers’ knowledge about seed storage is crucial for the mainte­
sampled in the Ashanti Region had no formal education, this study also nance of seed quality. Lack of knowledge has been reported to be a
had similar finding. Vegetable seed retailers’ high literacy level is barrier to technology providers (Long et al., 2015). The main sources of
essential for the growth of the seed industry. One reason being that, information on seed storage are seed companies and GSID whilst re­
knowledge about the level of education of the retailers serves as a guide tailers and extension officers provide information on seeds to farmers.
in the planning and delivery of technical services [28]. Adegbola and The study revealed that retailers had adequate knowledge about the
Gardebroek [2] argued that actors in the seed business who were literate factors that affect seed quality during storage. They cited temperature,
had a higher probability of being acquainted with information, and had relative humidity and seed moisture content as the major factors that
better abilities in processing information and fishing out appropriate affected seed quality during storage, corroborating the findings of
technological solutions to alleviate their challenges. People with a high various authors [5,11,29,42]. They were adequately informed that high
level of formal education have been reported to have greater ability in temperature, high relative humidity and high seed moisture content
gathering information [41]. facilitated seed deterioration. Retailers further cited storage duration as
Retailers’ on-the-job experiences might create familiarity with another factor that affects seed quality during storage, with a general
acceptable practices involved in seed handling. These revelations were assertion that seed quality wanes with time, especially when seeds are
evident as the retailers could assert logically their knowledge and ex­ kept under tropical conditions. This is in accordance with the assertion
periences with respect to fundamental practices employed in the made by Schmidt [36] that in order to prevent seeds from deteriorating,
handling of certified seeds. they should not be stored for lengthy periods under tropical conditions.
Although the formation of partnership has been reported to be an
essential tool for increasing productivity and maximizing profits [21, 4.4. Retailers’ seed storage and handling practices
34], the study showed that majority of the retailers were sole pro­
prietors. This could be cited as a probable contributory factor to the Retailers mostly stored seeds at room temperature under predomi­
numerous challenges faced by certified seed retailers, most especially, nantly high temperatures and high relative humidity. However, cold
access to credit and storage facilities, leading to the stunted growth of storage such as storage of seeds in refrigerators or in air-conditioned
the seed industry in Ghana. Since certified seed retailing is capital rooms was the recommended practice. Retailers were aware of these
intensive, retailers could have accessed credits or mobilized funds to recommended practices but could not adhere to such practices owing to
solve most of their challenges much easier if they had formed partner­ the fact that they could not afford the high costs involved in the pro­
ships than to solely bear all operational costs. Syngenta [39] reported curement and maintenance of cold storage facilities. Whilst cold storage
that strong retail partnerships accelerated the dissemination of new maintained seed quality and prolonged seed shelf life, storage of seeds
technologies to the stakeholders in the seed industry, most especially, under high temperature and relative humidity reduced seed viability
the farmers. The absence of partnership in this study therefore suggests and vigour and seed shelf life ([5,11,29,42]). Feedback from farmers on
that information about improved seeds could not be well disseminated poor germination of some purchased seeds was a confirmation of the
to farmers leading to low patronage of improved seeds by the farmers in adverse effects of high temperature and high relative humidity at the
Ghana. retail shops. Though variations in seed storage practices with respect to
socio-demographic profile of retailers was not considered in this article,
4.2. Certified vegetable seed suppliers it should be reported that unlike agrochemical shops, seed companies
adhered strictly to recommended practices. Agrochemical dealers could
All retailers sourced their seeds from seed companies who mainly not adhere to instructions from seed companies, government agencies
imported seeds from their sister companies, or other foreign suppliers. like GSID, extension officers and NGOs on best seed storage practices not
These findings corroborate the statement made by Saavedra et al. [35] because they were unaware, but due to storage barriers. Assistance from
that most countries in Africa import most hybrid seeds. Seed companies government, foreign donors, NGOs, etc. in the provision of cold storage
tend to utilize the opportunity created as a result of the virtually facilities for seed retailers would ensure the availability and continuous
non-existing local vegetable seed production industry in Ghana and supply of quality seeds to farmers, which consequently increases vege­
import a wide variety of vegetable seeds. The lack of a robust local table productivity, improves farmers’ livelihoods, and ensures food and
vegetable seed production industry could not only be attributed to the nutrition security.
unavailability or limited number of vegetable seed breeders in Ghana, It is worth noting that most retailers, in managing their storage
but also, the huge investments that would be required in the breeding, barriers, kept seeds in stock for shorter periods to prevent them from
and production of seeds of exotic vegetables under controlled environ­ deteriorating, corroborating the findings of Schmidt [36].
mental conditions. This article showed that vegetable seed retailers mostly kept vege­
table seeds alongside agrochemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, and weedi­
4.3. Retailers’ knowledge on factors that affect seed quality during cides) in their shops. This is in agreement with the findings of Tahirou
storage et al. [40] and AGRA [4] who reported that most seed retailers were
agrochemical dealers. It is not recommendable that certified vegetable
Agricultural innovation in recent years has been seen to be not seeds be stored alongside agrochemicals as these chemicals pose threat
limited to the production and exchange of knowledge, or just the to seed quality maintenance, especially, in case of chemical spillage on
adoption of technology, and have thus been characterized by two main seeds. Research conducted by Dane and Dalgic [9] revealed that solu­
approaches, viz. the Agricultural Knowledge and Information System tions prepared from Benomyl, a fungicide, was able to cause many
(AKIS) and the Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS). The AKIS anomalies in mitotic cell divisions in the root tips of onion during

6
J.A. Adom et al. Sustainable Futures 3 (2021) 100059

germination and growth. Legume seeds treated with herbicides also challenges faced by the country’s seed marketing industry. Retailers’
resulted in reduction in nodules formation, thereby reducing the rate of suggestion to manage this menace was to form a vibrant seed retailers’
nitrogen fixation [23,37]. This practice by most retailers differed from association and request for a central seed storage facility from govern­
the instructions and practice of seed companies. Most retailers were also ment which would grant all members access to affordable cold storage.
unaware of the possible effect of this practice. In order to ensure seed Addressing seed package size as a marketing challenge, retailers
quality maintenance, continuous education from seed companies, NGOs, explained that, farmers usually made complaints that seed package sizes
GSID, etc. would be required to create awareness that retailers isolate were too small for the price they paid to purchase them. Some farmers
seeds from agrochemicals to prevent a possible accidental spillage of a also complained that seed package sizes were bigger than the quantities
chemical on seeds which might cause biochemical alterations in the they required for cultivation. The National Seed Policy [30] also cited
seeds and render them useless for their purpose. appropriateness of the size and packaging of seeds as one attribute that
Most retailers repackaged their sourced vegetable seeds into smaller determines farmers’ satisfaction which subsequently leads to a sustain­
transparent plastic bags. This confirms ‘appropriateness of the size and able vibrant seed market. Retailers suggested that seeds should be
packaging of seeds’ as a marketing challenge written in the National packaged in varying sizes through effective communication and dis­
Seed Policy [30]. Despite smallholder farmers’ request for smaller cussions between suppliers, retailers, and farmers.
quantities of seeds and their inability to afford the cost of seeds in larger Retailers’ challenge with access to credits could be attributed to the
containers, the practice of repackaging contradicts the recommended fact that most of them were sole proprietors. Although sole proprietor­
provisions made for labelling of seed packages in Section 42 of the Plant ship is easier to form, one significant disadvantage is that the owner is
and Fertilizer Act (Act 803) [33] which states that, seeds produced or solely liable for all business costs and liabilities. Retailers could have
marketed in Ghana shall be packed in containers which shall be securely pulled resources together to solve their financial challenges if they had
closed and labelled with an approved label. Repackaged seeds assessed formed partnerships. The formation of partnership has been reported to
at the retail shops were neither securely closed nor properly labelled be an essential tool for increasing productivity and maximizing profits
with an approved label. Whilst seeds in original containers maintain [21,34]. Suggestions by retailers to solve this challenge included the
their integrity, repackaged seeds might not. Repackaging of seeds at formation of functional vegetable seed retailers’ association to mutually
retailers’ end might not only expose seeds to harsh atmospheric condi­ assist members financially, and also access group loans to increase
tions, but could also lead to varietal mix ups, entry of inert matter, and business capital.
exposure of seeds to air-borne pathogens. To ensure seed quality
maintenance, effective communication and collaboration between reg­ 5. Conclusion and recommendation
ulatory bodies, seed producers/companies, retailers, and farmers would
be required to curb this menace. Whilst regulatory bodies ensure Vegetable seed retailers in the Ashanti Region of Ghana were found
adherence to seed laws and regulations, seed companies should also to be educated to at least the basic level, and had adequate knowledge
package seeds in varying sizes to suit farmers’ preference. and experience in handling certified seeds. They were adequately
The study revealed that most retailers did not conduct simple informed that temperature, relative humidity, seed moisture content,
germination tests on seeds before selling to farmers. This could be due to and seed storage duration were the major factors that affected seed
fact that farmers did not request as they perceived that since seeds were quality during seed storage. Retailers storage practices did not conform
certified, they were of good quality. This assumption is in line with the to recommended practices because they could not afford the purchase
statement made by Nishikawa [31] that seed certification is very and maintenance of cold storage facilities as access to credit facilities
important in crop production in the sense that it is one of the critical was a challenge. This barrier could reduce the quality of seeds sold to
mechanisms that guarantees that farmers are supplied with seeds of farmers which was evident as some end users complained of poor
good quality. However, seed certification may not provide adequate germination. Another major marketing challenge was seed pricing as
guarantee that the seeds would reach the farmer (end user) in the same most farmers could not afford the price of certified vegetable seeds
state, as it moves through the various seed value chains. Interruptions resulting in high patronage of farmer-saved seeds. Retailers suggested
and deferments in the event of seed conveyance, and how seeds are they form functional groups to mutually assist members in terms of
stored at the retailers’ end could have significant negative impact on storage and finance, and further called on government to cut down
seed quality [15]. It is therefore imperative for seed retailers to conduct import duties and increase local seed production. Some retailers
germination tests on randomly selected seeds to ascertain seed per­ repackaged their sourced certified seeds into smaller transparent bags to
centage germination during the course of retailing. reduce price and also meet farmers preferred quantity. Retailers were of
the view that seeds should to be packaged in varying sizes by suppliers,
4.5. Vegetable seed marketing challenges and suggested solutions to address farmers’ dissatisfaction about seed package sizes. Seeds were
generally not stored appropriately which is a threat to availabilty and
Most farmers could not afford the cost of certified seeds, leading to continuous supply of quality seeds. It is recommended that government,
their over-reliance on farmer-saved seeds. Issues of seed pricing is in NGOs, seed companies and other stakeholders provide technical assis­
accordance with an assertion made in the National Seed Policy [30] that tance for retailers, and help address their challenges through effective
a number of attributes determine farmers’ satisfaction and subsequent engagement and communication to ensure seed quality maintenance.
sustainability of a vibrant seed market, one of which is the price of the Ensuring seed quality maintenance at retailers’ end will ensure farmers
seed. The National Seed Policy [30] further outlines instability in seed are continuously supplied with quality seeds. This will help increase
prices as one of the challenges faced by seed marketing in Ghana. The vegetable productivity and consequently boost farmers’ income as well
high cost of seeds could be ascribed to the high dependence on seed as food and nutrition security in Ghana.
importation which would usually come with import duties and other
applicable taxes. Retailers therefore suggested that investments should Declaration of Competing Interest
be made in breeding and local vegetable seed production to reduce cost
of importation. They further suggested a cut down on import duties paid The authors declare no conflict of interest.
on vegetable seeds to help reduce cost.
Retailers marketing challenges with respect to storage is in agree­ Acknowledgement
ment with Etwire et al. [14] who reported that a major problem facing
Ghana’s seed industry is inadequate storage facilities. The National Seed This study was partially supported by the World Bank-Africa Centers
Policy [30] also cited inadequate seed storage facilities as one of the of Excellence for Development Impact (ACE Impact) project through the

7
J.A. Adom et al. Sustainable Futures 3 (2021) 100059

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