Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research

Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research

Final Report

Project Title: Transforming seed systems to respond to bean variety demand through multi-stakeholder platforms (MSP) in Malawi

Executive Summary

Seed production and supply systems experience value chain coordination challenges. Lack of value chain coordination from the market demand for grain influences demand for certified, basic, and breeder seed, and ultimately investing to increase quantities and quality of seed supplied and the number of farmers accessing seed. The MSP project tested the hypothesis that market pull for demanded varieties through MSP-facilitated linkages can stimulate farmers’ interest and purchase of certified bean seed. The study examined 1—the role of MSPs in increasing investments in certified seed supply, 2. Whether seed value chains integrated into private sector-led MSPs increase quantities of certified seed purchased by men, women, and youth farmers; and 3. Whether using the MSP-based PV testing approaches increases awareness and accelerates the uptake of new market-demanded varieties.

Firstly, empirical results indicate that bean seed multipliers in MSP sites had a significantly higher increase in certified seed quantities than those in the counterfactual sites (15kg vs 2kg). The results further show a significant difference in the amount of money invested into certified seed input for production between the MSP and non-MSP sites, which was significant at the 5% significance level (MK47,273 vs MK22,550).

Secondly, results on the propensity score matching model to examine the effect of multistakeholder platforms on willingness to pay for certified bean seeds showed that being in the MSP sites increased the willingness to pay for certified bean seeds by 25%. Multistakeholder platforms provide access to information and knowledge on certified bean seeds and bridge the gap between bean seed producers, suppliers, and farmers, increasing demand for certified seeds.

Thirdly, the effectiveness of MSP-based PVE approaches on farmers' awareness, choice, and uptake of improved common bean varieties was assessed. Results provide evidence that MSPs increased the effectiveness of PVE approaches. There was a significant positive effect of the MSP-based Participatory Variety Evaluation (PVE) on farmers' acceptance of new certified common bean varieties. The percentage increase in acceptance among farmers in MSP areas was significantly higher than in non-MSP areas, confirming that participating households in MSP sites significantly had higher levels of acceptance of improved common bean varieties.

The project built capacities for 6 MSc students who conducted their research for the award of degrees. The project also trained project teams and platform members in gender equality and mainstreaming, as well as in good production practices and post-harvest management, reaching more than 1000 beneficiaries, with at least 50% of them women. The number of private seed enterprises engaging in early generation and other seed classes, and grain offtakers linking to farmers, doubled during the project. The adoption of the winter season for seed and grain planting to complete regular rain-fed production was an additional innovation attained by the project. Finally, a digital marketplace application was developed and tested initial users registered on the platform, and training for onboarding started. It will support the operations of the MSPs into the future, thus enhancing the sustainability of interventions and the MSPs beyond project life.

Project Partners

PI:

Jean Claude Rubyogo

Bean Programme Leader and Pan Africa Bean Research Alliance Director

Seed Systems Specialist, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT (Alliance)

Lead Co-PI(s):

Dr. Mthakati Alexander R. Phiri

Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics

Lilongwe University of Agricultural and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Bunda Campus

Virginia Chisale

Bean Breeder, DARS – Chitedze /Malawi

Dr. Eliud Birachi

Markets and Value Chain Specialist, Alliance, Rwanda Office

Dr. Enid Katungi

Agricultural Economist, Alliance, Uganda Office

Dr. Wilson Nkatha

Bean Breeder, Southern Africa Bean Research Network Alliance, Malawi Office

Additional Collaborating Institutions and Personnel

Calvin Kamchacha

Group Chief Executive Officer, Tradeline Corporation Group Ltd

Stalin Shaba

Zone Manager - Mzuzu, Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM)

Catherine Larochelle

Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Virginia Tech (VT)

Project Goals and Objectives

Bean seed production and supply systems in Africa - including Malawi - experience several challenges that inhibit reliable and continuous access of varieties to farmers. One of the critical challenges is the lack of value chain coordination starting from the market demand for grain that influences demand for certified, basic, and breeder seed, ultimately feeding into the breeding pipeline. The lack of structured planning and interactions among value chain actors results in uninformed seed players on the value of the varieties and the inability to anticipate and plan for production and marketing activities for certified seed. Subsequently, they use part of their saved grain as seed, resulting in lower yields. Although bean is increasingly becoming a commercial crop, grain off-takers are interested in specific varieties. The off-takers are often disconnected from certified seed pipelines and bean breeding programs. They source low-quality grain from farmers at low prices, which discourages farmers from investing in the purchase and use of certified seed. To address these challenges, the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) has tested a number of partnership approaches along the bean value chain in the framework of the Corridor Approach, where the market pull incentivizes farmers to use improved consumer-preferred varieties, and this drives up the demand for seed.

The project hypothesized that a sustainable adoption of market-preferred varieties could be achieved if the commercialization approach makes deliberate efforts to synchronize and closely link seed production to the grain market. This required commitment from all participating value chain actors, which could be achieved by integrating the seed system into a multi-stakeholder platform (MSP). MSPs are “spaces” for learning and knowledge exchange whereby a group of stakeholders comes together to diagnose problems, identify opportunities, and find ways to achieve their mutual goals and benefits (Homann-Kee Tui et al., 2013; Schut et al., 2018). In this project, the MSP facilitated linkages among actors in grain markets that, in turn, pull seed demand and production. The goal of the project was to enhance the bean value chain in Malawi by meeting consumer demand and increasing investments in certified seed supply through Multi-Stakeholder Platforms (MSPs). The project aimed to assess the impact of private sector-led MSPs on the production and supply of certified common bean varieties in the districts of Dedza, Kasungu, and Mzimba (see map). 

The overall objective of this project was to test how a market pull for demanded varieties through the MSP context can stimulate farmers’ interest and purchase of certified bean seed. Private producers of certified seed were expected to respond to seed demand from farmers by investing to increase quantities and quality of seed supplied, the number of farmers accessing seed, and ultimately increase bean productivity and production.

This project aimed to establish consumer demand for specific bean grain types and the quantity needed by grain offtakers. Such demand for bean grain will determine the types of bean varieties and the area of land to be planted by farmers, which, in turn, translates into demand for seeds of the targeted varieties. The demand for seed will inform the seed supply chain to invest in specific bean varieties with volumes of seed produced per variety responding to the market signals for grain. Farmers will then be able to access and purchase the seed of bean varieties, which respond to the grain market needs, and produce grain that has ready market offered by the established offtakers. In the production hubs, farmers are being made aware of the required varieties that the grain market wants at an early stage through demonstration plots and trials conducted by researchers and continue to play a role in participatory variety selection (PVS), and this will hasten the processes of variety uptake. The project addressed three objectives below.

Objectives

Objective 1: Evidence of the role of MSPs in increasing investments in certified seed supply is demonstrated and documented.

The objective focused on assessing the impact of private sector-led multi-stakeholder platforms on certified common bean seed production and supply. The study found that market accessibility and seed demonstration participation have a strong positive impact on investment costs. In contrast, investment subsidy has a positive impact on both investment costs and costs of entry. The project results suggest that improving market access and incentivizing farmers to invest in seed production through contractual agreements and subsidies, enhancing the commercial orientation of farming systems, and encouraging seed demonstrations could increase the supply of certified common bean seeds in Malawi. Additionally, the study provides insights into the factors influencing farmers' choice of seed varieties and can inform targeted interventions to increase demand for certified bean varieties.

Objective 2: Evidence on whether the MSP approach does or does not increase certified seed purchase by men, women, and youth farmers and the extent of the effect, if any, documented.

The second objective focused on estimating the demand for certified bean varieties among bean-producing households in the targeted districts. The study found that male-headed households are more likely to use certain varieties than female-headed households. Education and income significantly affect the choice of bean varieties, and accessibility has a more significant role in affecting uptake than yield quantity. The project also showed that exposure to Participatory Variety Evaluation (PVE) approaches increases farmers' willingness to accept/try new technologies.

Objective 3: Evidence that using the MSP-based PV testing approach increases awareness and accelerates the uptake of new market-demanded varieties by men, women, and youth farmers

The objective focused on the effectiveness of MSP-based participatory variety evaluation approaches on farmers' awareness, choice, and uptake of improved common bean varieties. The study found that access to credit, the presence of agro-input markets, multi-stakeholder platforms, and being in the intervention site of the project area are factors that contribute to increased awareness of improved common bean varieties among farmers. Farmers' attitudes towards improved common bean varieties were found to be crucial in their adoption of agricultural technologies.

Overview of Research Activities

The activity collects evidence to analyze the hypothesis on whether channeling grain demand through MSPs increases investments in certified seed supply by seed actors. The objective compares changes in quantities of certified seed supplied in environments with MSP (treatment Dedza and Mzimba districts) and those without an MSP (counterfactual- Kasungu district) in Malawi. To achieve the objective, several activities have been implemented.

Activity 1.1 Establish baseline conditions for the MSP and non-MSP counterfactual sites on grain demand and seed investments

A gendered mapping of MSP partners was conducted with 25 participants; 10 participants were female. The stakeholders ranged from grain trade, seed companies, producers, seed multipliers, research and extension, and NGO and private sector farmer facilitators. Data collection tools were developed to collect baseline data, guided by evaluation frameworks developed. The tool contained different modules on seed sources, supplies, production practices, gender dynamics among the value chain actors, and digital landscapes, among others. Gender disaggregated data was collected in the MSP intervention districts of Dedza and Mzimba and the counterfactual district of Kasungu. MSc students led baseline data collection in their respective objectives, one student per objective.

Activity 1.2 Identify gendered seed system challenges, opportunities, and development of seed roadmaps and action plans.

This activity resulted in a seed road map that was generated and implemented with project partners and seed companies. The seed road map indicated the volumes of seeds of different seed classes required to maintain a desired pipeline of seeds for bean production. In addition, tools were developed to profile market-demanded varieties and market classes; these were integrated into the baseline data collection. Among the action points taken up by the project to address the challenges of disconnected seed pipelines was to invest in seed multiplication activities for 3 varieties that were demanded in the markets. About 10 MT of pre-basic seed were made available to the private sector seed companies for multiplication and production of basic and certified seeds. The varieties are the red mottled (Calima type, see photo on the left), rich in iron, and 2 sugar bean type, aligning with the largest market share for beans in Malawi and small whites (formal names NUA45, VTT924/4-4, and Sugar 131 and Kabalabala). Prevailing shares of the markets for the bean types/market classes in Malawi indicated that sugar bean had 56%, red mottled 18%, red kidney 16%, and others (including navy, small reds etc) 10%.

Activity 1.3 Test responsiveness of seed actors in sustainable production and delivery of various seed classes.

EGS was supported by both Alliance and DARS to ensure that seed actors have access to other classes of EGS. Using a seed road map, private sector EGS producers were engaged to produce basic and prebasic seeds. Seed companies were linked to seed multipliers to produce other seed classes. Seedco, a seed company, was also supported in EGS production; the company contracted seed enterprises to produce the EGS for them. Similarly, Demeter Seeds and Afriseed also contracted seed producer groups (mainly youth) to multiply EGS that it used to contract other producers for certified seed and other groups for grain production. The role of the private seed enterprises in supplying the seeds was enhanced during the period. Six companies were engaged and contributed to producing different seed classes in the project, indicating willingness/responsiveness to engage in seed investments.

Activity 1.4 Deploy gender-sensitive digital tools for facilitating transactions among MSP actors.

A data collection tool for assessing the digital needs of potential users was integrated into the baseline to assess the digital landscape. Tradeline utilized data to design a digital application for use within the project to link seed actors in the markets. The data provided information on the digital landscape, especially in the rural environment, cellphone penetration, most used digital channels, and enablers for digital progress. A prototype of the e-commerce tool was developed, users identified, testing conducted, and training for eventual use (onboarding) done. In developing the app, lessons were also taken from similar apps across Africa, including Mastercard and KasuwaGo. The App can be experienced here: https://www.fcmmalawi.com/trading-portal/. The app was extended to feature phones using a USSD facility *384*38#. A stakeholder validation workshop was conducted to raise awareness and buy-in to the new digital application. Participants in the workshop included project partners, stakeholders, seed companies, farmer representatives, and secondary stakeholders such as Microfinance, transport, and logistics were present and participated. The features included in the USSD function are as follows: making commodity purchase transactions, accessing various registered shops, checking current commodity prices, and checking records of previous transactions. The activity also established indicators for evaluating the performance of the digital tool in improving the efficiency of the MSP, which included adoption rate, transaction time, cost reduction, market access, and user feedback. About 100 potential users were registered on the application in readiness for deployment. Sixteen digital enterprise agents were trained, and manuals on the use of the app were designed.

Activity 1.5 Conduct endline and impact assessments to establish the comparative performance of MSP-supported seed interventions relative to counterfactuals.

An endline survey was conducted for the project, integrating with the second cohort of the MSc students who strengthened the methodological approaches for the impact assessment of the MSPs. Major issues that the assessment focused on included: the adoption of new bean varieties; measuring farmer willingness to pay for certified improved bean seeds varieties; determining changes in adoption and WTP for certified improved bean seeds varieties; changes and seed investments, gender dynamics between baseline and endline and between intervention and counterfactual districts. Data was analyzed, and results were documented in the student thesis, survey report, and draft research paper manuscripts being developed.

Activity 2.1: Design the evaluation framework and collect and analyze the data to test the hypothesis that MSPs will lead to increased purchase of certified seed.

A framework for final project data collection and analyses was developed and used in baseline and endline data collection. instruments were developed (ref to 1.1) with modules designed to generate data to estimate demand for certified seeds. MSc students combined their work to allow for evaluation on whether MSPs lead to increased purchase of certified seeds and willingness to pay for certified seeds.

Activity 2.2 Examine the roles of seed system stakeholders in producing and disseminating seed in both informal and formal markets.

Lists of major stakeholders were prepared and stakeholders were profiled using a tool developed. From the profile, there are 9 seed enterprises, three grain offtakers, and grain/seed multiplying producers who were available to participate in the project and as part of the MSPs. The exercise will continue with the anticipated platform meetings in April 2022 in the districts. Seed demand creation for farmer-preferred and market-demanded bean varieties continued in the period. The project continued expanding the identification of farmers for testing the market-accepted varieties through demos. 100 demos were set up and managed by farmer groups and individuals for NUA 45 and Kholophete varieties. These demos are being mounted in all 4 EPAs in Mzimba South. 2 demonstration plots were established at Emfeni and Manyamula EPAs, with 15 varieties under testing.

Farmer sensitization on production and adoption of market-demanded bean varieties was conducted to mobilize farmers for rain-fed demo bean production. The sensitization meetings also allowed the project to sensitize farmers on the newly released marketable varieties for farmer adoption and production.

The project conducted farmer training in bean production in all 4 EPAs in Mzimba South with 246 farmers (128 females)—the farmer training aimed at orienting farmers on recommended bean agronomic practices for the newly adopted bean varieties. The training was also aimed at discussing with farmers potential grain off-takers and buyers in the areas and other possible farming contracts farmers may be engaging in the communities. During the period, Lupanga Cooperative signed an agreement with Milele Agroprocessors Ltd for bean production and offtake.

Activity 2.3 Test the effectiveness of the identified innovative approaches and how the MSP may affect demand in formal and informal seed systems.

Four seed companies initiated small pack marketing using packs of 1kg, 2kg, and 5kg. The usual pack sizes are 10kg, 20kg, and 50kg packs. The project thus assisted the see companies in introducing these smaller pack sizes. The delivery (sale) of the seed packs to farmers targeted the main rain season that started in February 2023. During that period, 2 more seed companies joined the MSP to market certified seed. Seed companies were linked to EGS to meet their seed demand needs. Three private enterprises were engaged in EGS production and supply to seed companies. Seed companies also established additional agrodealer outlets across the country; for example, Seedco advertised for additional agrodealers to reach more farmers during the 2023 season. Seed enterprises/actors have been identified and profiled. Two seed companies, Museco and SeedCo have initiated discussions on using small packs to market their seeds. Three more seed companies participated later in the year (Easy Seeds, Mugomera, Afriseeds) All these companies actively participated in the MSPs.

Varieties for small packs have been identified, and seeds are being multiplied, some by DARS and some by private seed companies. The identified varieties are mainly red mottled and sugar beans with some small whites. Seed packaging has been planned for April to May 2022 for the June-July winter season using residual moisture. Data collection of seed sales will also be conducted between April and June 2022.

4 demo plots have been established where 56 farmers were learning different agronomic practices for bean production. Thirty-one of these farmers are female, while 25 are male. Field days on demo farms have been organized and will involve grain traders, farmers, seed enterprises, research and extension agents, and government officials, among others.

Seed demand creation for farmer-preferred and market-demanded bean varieties continued in the period. The project continued expanding the identification of farmers for testing the market-accepted varieties through demos. 100 demos were set up and managed by farmer groups and individuals for NUA 45 and Kholophete varieties. These demos are being mounted in all 4 EPAs in Mzimba South. 2 major demonstrations are also being established at Emfeni and Manyamula EPAs, with 15 varieties under testing.

An MSc student examined the adoption of new bean variety in MSP and non-MSP districts with a focus on the role of participatory variety evaluation, including any spillover effects of participation in variety evaluations. The research establishes if MSP-based participatory variety evaluation approaches facilitate rapid learning and reduce the time for uptake of varieties purposely designed with a client focus. Results are shared under the accomplishments section.

Activity 3.1 Widely test the recently released and new bean varieties for adaptation and acceptability, together with various actors in the bean value chains

The Participatory Variety Selection (PVS) in major demos was organized to allow farmers to choose the varieties being tested in the mounted demonstration with respect to the farmers’ preferences of the characteristics of the bean varieties. On the other hand, the field days gave the project an opportunity to sensitize farmers on the different marketable bean varieties that should be produced and adopted by the farmers, and the field days also provided feedback to breeders on the performance of the bean varieties for modification and improvements on breeding. A total of 76(M39, F37, MY17, FY9) participated in the PVS activity in the Empfeni EPA in which the varieties were preferred with respect to early maturing, resistant to pests, less vegetative, and high yielding. Farmers were also sensitized during the PVS on the bean varieties they were supposed to adopt for commercialization in the EPA.

It was observed that farmers considered several factors in selecting bean varieties; it is not only yield that motivates farmers to select a variety. The results showed that genotypes DAB 353- sugar bean, DAB 298 - Red kidney, DAB - 380 sugar bean, and DAB 236 - Red mottled were highly preferred by all groups and across the sites. Both males highly preferred these varieties, females, and other stakeholders due to high seed yield, good quality seed color, and large size. In Dedza, Female farmers preferred DAB 298, which is red kidney, and it was preferred because red kidney beans are known to have a pleasing aroma when cooked, cook faster, and have thick sauce. while Male farmers preferred DAB 353, a sugar bean, and sugar beans fetch higher market prices.

Stakeholders gave various reasons for variety preference and less preferred varieties. It was shown that females preferred mostly early maturing and high-yielding varieties, while male farmers preferred varieties with good seed color related to market-preferred traits. Results also indicated that most farmers and other stakeholders do not prefer small, seeded varieties and those with dull seed color, for instance, DAB 96. PVS was conducted using ribbons. Voting was done by dropping the ribbons in a black plastic bag placed on each plot (for example, white ribbons for best varieties and black ribbons for least preferred varieties). After the voting, the ribbons were tied to a stick on the plot for the farmers to see how they voted.

Activity 3.2. Establish multi-location on-station yield trials

Four testing sites based on 4 varieties were used to conduct variety testing. On-farm demos were also set up in 4 sites, hosting 15 varieties under trial. 39 demo farmers were established.

Trials were constituted for 10 new promising varieties and 5 released varieties. On-station trials were set up in Mchinji and Kasinthula. On farm trials were set up in Kasungu - 1 site in Chamama, Mzimba - 3 sites in Champira and Dedza - 1 site in Bembeke. The trials were set up by DARS and co-managed by Mzuzu CADECOM. Further details are included in activity 3.3. below.

3.3 Test recently released new bean varieties for adaptation and acceptability with various actors

A trial was constituted for 5 released varieties and 10 promising yet-to-be-released varieties. 4 on-station trials were set up in 4 locations. At the same time, 2 on-farm trials in Kasungu and Dedza were also set up.

Grain yield results of new varieties for the 2021 - 2022 season for two research stations (Chitedze and Bembeke) showed significant yield differences. The Mean seed yield at Chitedze ranged from 502 kg/ha to 1706 kg/ha, with DAB 96 as the highest yielding genotype, while at Bembeke the seed yield ranged from 427 kg/ha to 1158 kg/ha and DAB 380 was the highest yielding genotype. Amongst the released varieties, NUA 35 yielded higher at Chitedze and CAL 96 at Bembeke

On average, genotypes took relatively fewer days (70 -72 days) to physical maturity. Test genotypes such as DAB 96, DAB 380, DAB 366, and DAB 236 yielded higher relative to most released varieties; this meant that within the test genotypes, several varieties are superior to the already released varieties in relation to seed yield.

With respect to on-farm and on-station seed yield trials, significant yield differences (P<0.05) were observed in Mchinji and Kasinthula. Still, there were no significant differences between Kasungu and Dedza. Higher yields were observed in Kasungu, ranging from 1947 kg/ha to 2879 kg/ha. Genotype VTTT 924/4-4 gave the highest yields in Kasungu and Dedza. Genotypes yielded lower in other sites compared to Kasungu, and this was attributed by a reduced amount of irrigation water due to the irrigation system malfunctioning in Mchinji, Kasinthula and Dedza.

3.4 Mobilize partners to commercialize the client-accepted bean varieties.

The activity was not attained when the project ended due to the processes required to release the varieties. There was insufficient time to release within the project period. One more season was needed to acquire more data, to build up seed before release, and undergo the legal procedures that included data processing and report writing and submission of a paper for release of varieties. These activities were to take place post-project period.

Accomplishments

Evidence on the role of MSPs in increasing investments in certified seed supply demonstrated and documented:

The first objective focused on assessing the impact of private sector-led multi-stakeholder platforms on certified common bean seed production and supply. Results from the project baseline on investments in certified seed supply reveal that being a member in the private sectorled multi-stakeholder platform increased market accessibility, participation in seed demonstrations, investment loans, access to marketing and seed multiplication extension services, use of investment subsidy and contractual arrangements, and significantly influenced production and supply of seed, positively. Thus, improving market access and incentivizing farmers to invest in seed production through contractual agreements and subsidies, enhancing the commercial orientation of farming systems, and encouraging seed demonstrations could increase the supply of certified common bean seeds in Malawi. Additionally, the study provides insights into the factors influencing farmers' choice of certified seeds and can inform targeted interventions to increase demand for certified bean seeds. These aspects were lower or missing among non-MSP actors.The research also shows that gendered seed challenges are present in the seed sector. Analyses indicate that being a male seed producer was likely to increase the supply of certified common bean seed by 16%, holding other factors constant compared to if it was the female supplier. In addition, age was also a significant factor. Older seed producers were more likely to increase the supply of a certified common bean seed, holding other factors constant. Investment costs into seed supplies were higher for females and younger seed suppliers than for males. Additional analyses of the endline data show that farmer participation in MSPs increases the probability of willingness to pay for certified bean seeds by 25%. Multi-stakeholder platforms provide access to information and knowledge on certified bean seeds. Such gatherings help to change farmers’ perceptions and options of certified seeds. It also bridges the gap between bean seed producers, suppliers, and farmers. It is evident from this study that these platforms are the key to increasing demand. Male and female producers also had different preferences among bean market classes.

More significant investments in certified seed production were realized in MSP areas, increasing availability and access to seeds of different classes. The project's successful engagement with local farmers through the platform led to increased awareness and understanding of the benefits of the new common bean varieties and established demand for the varieties and seeds much faster than when multistakeholder platforms were not involved. The number of seed companies investing in seed supplies and quantities produced and supplied significantly increased in the bean value chain. There was also an evolving seed and grain market on the MSPs and digital extension and market trading systems as part of new investments.

Other results on the output related to the participation of offtakers and seed companies in seed supply to farmers, using different approaches. Three companies were involved in the grain market and ensuring producers access quality seed for grain production using the MSPs. The companies were: Milele Agroprocesors, Afriseeds, and Tradeline Corporation. While Afriseeds was also engaged in certified seed production, Milele acquired seeds from seed companies and contracted farmers for grain production. Milele adopted informal seed multiplication for selected bean types of the market-preferred varieties by engaging some farmers to multiply the seeds for further use (not for sale). Their efforts enhanced the availability of quality seeds to farmers.

Other seed companies increased agrodealer networks to supply seed to growers to meet grain demands. They included SeedCo, Museco, Afriseed, Global Seeds, Mgomera Seeds, and Easy Seeds. They invested seed supplies to channels such as agrodealer outlets, direct to contracted producers, or through some of the grain offtakers to contracted producers. The seed supplies targeted the major rain season starting December 2022/January 2023. Seed suppliers utilized the winter season (usually off-season for beans) to increase seed production in readiness for the main rain season. The collection of seed and grain data from bean actors started this quarter and continues in the next quarter. The increased use of the winter season for bean seed and grain production was a significant outcome of the seed work through the MSPs in the project to meet increasing seed and grain demand for offtakers and seed companies that were also joining the MSPs.

Completing the design and launch of the digital marketplace app for the project was a significant achievement, even though it did not attain total usage by the time the project ended. The partner Tradeline Corporation was leading the design, sensitization training, and onboarding of users to the application with a target of at least 200 users or clients and 20 digital market agents for grains. The agents would lead the training and onboarding process. 6 of the digital agents or champions for grains had been recruited from the project partners and trained on the digital platforms to onboard others and targeted 4 districts. The role of these market champions is to facilitate the aggregation of commodities by buying commodities from the district farmers and facilitating the sale of commodities through the digital platform.

This system was developed to accommodate local farmers to benefit from the platform without necessarily having to have the apparatus. Such Farmers are still able to be registered in the platform under the USSD platform. By the end of the project period, 89 USSD user individuals were registered on the app platform; 8 grain suppliers were also registered, 2 e-shops for inputs, 4 service providers (finance, logistics, e-shops etc.), and 9 processors/retail enterprises. Empowering students through training and exposure to new researchers: The project has exposed, supported, and guided 6 MSc students in advanced data collection and analytical methods, along with valuable exposure to key stakeholders, contributing significantly to their career development in seed systems research. Research dissemination workshops connected students with other researchers and improved communication and presentation skills.

Using paired sample t-test to compare the means of seed quantities from the intervention and counterfactual sites before and after the MSP intervention indicated that there was a significant difference in mean quantities of certified bean seed used for production in the two sites and was significant at 5% level with the t-test value of -2.1113. Both sites increased their seed quantities for production after the intervention, the counterfactual having about 2kg mean seed increase. In comparison, the intervention site had a mean seed increase of 15kg. Thus, this suggests that common bean farmers in the intervention area had a higher and positive increase in certified seed quantities used for production than those in the counterfactual area. This indicated that seed multipliers in the intervention area significantly increase the quantities of seed used for seed multiplication compared to the counterfactual area.

Despite the intervention site having a significantly higher amount of seed quantities used for production, after the intervention, the total quantity of certified seed produced and supplied in the intervention site was lower compared to that of the counterfactual site. The intervention site had a mean seed supply of about 264kg, while the counterfactual site had about 553kg. The lower seed supply, despite the larger quantity of seed used for multiplication, was due to lower harvests in the intervention sites. This lower harvest was attributed to the severity of cyclone Freddy, which also affected one of the intervention sites of Dedza, which had about 73% of the total respondents drawn from the two intervention sites.

The results indicated a significant difference in the amount of money invested into certified seed input for production between the counterfactual area and intervention area, which was significant at the 5% level with the t-test value of -2.3893. The mean amount of money invested in seed input for seed multiplication was about MK47,273 in the intervention area, while the counterfactual was MK22,550. Thus, this suggests that common bean farmers in the intervention area invested more income in seed input for multiplication than those in the counterfactual sites.

Evidence on whether the MSP approach does or does not increase certified seed purchase by men, women, and youth farmers and the extent of the effect, if any, documented:

The second objective focused on estimating the demand for certified bean varieties among beanproducing households in the targeted districts. The study found that male-headed households are more likely to use certain varieties than female-headed households. Education and income significantly affect the choice of bean varieties, and accessibility has a more significant role in affecting uptake than yield quantity. The project also showed that exposure to Participatory Variety Evaluation (PVE) approaches increases farmers' willingness to accept and try new technologies.

Effect of Multi-stakeholder platforms on Willingness to pay for certified bean seeds With the aid of propensity score, an observational study was designed and analyzed to mimic some of the unique features of randomized controlled trials. The propensity score matching model in this study examined the effect of multi-stakeholder platforms on willingness to pay for certified bean seeds. The data set was comprised of two groups of farmers, those that were in multistakeholder areas and the treatment and those that were in the control area where there were no multi-stakeholder platforms. Using the average treatment effect method, the results showed that being in the treatment area increases the probability of willingly to pay for certified bean seeds by 25%. Multi-stakeholder platforms provide access to information and knowledge on certified bean seeds. Such gatherings help to change farmers’ options for certified seeds. It also bridges the gap between bean seed producers, suppliers, and farmers. It is evident from this study that these platforms are the key to increasing demand.

The involvement of private seed companies in early-generation seed multiplication was a major milestone achieved through the MSP project. This is in comparison with the regular reliance on national research systems institutions to avail EGS to those that need them, with the result that seed was perpetually insufficient due to the limited capacities of the institutions. The introduced innovations saw independent private seed multipliers taking up EGS as part of their businesses. The project deployed two such enterprises. They produced different classes of EGS (pre-basic, basic/foundation, or both) while research institutions focused on breeder and nucleus seed maintenance besides variety development. The private multipliers were better equipment with irrigation facilities, among other necessary equipment and facilities.

Seed enterprises, grain offtakers, and grain/seed multiplying producers continue to be engaged to provide markets to seed supplies. Afriseed Company continued to work with three seed market classes: Nua45 (red mottled), Kholopethe (Sugar beans) and Kabalabala (white pea beans) to meet the demands of its grain markets (mainly in South Africa). The company received breeder seed from Alliance Bioversity-CIAT. It multiplied it into prebasic on its farms, contracted farmers to produce basic seeds, and contracted a separate set of farmers to produce certified seeds. Its model involved contracting farmers in different districts for each seed class and variety. The company had 95 tons of seed to use at the end of this quarter. Its road map is towards meeting the requirement for more than 2100 tons of grain in 2023. SeedCo sells seeds through its agrodealer networks spread in the project areas and beyond. The company has managed to increase the volume of foundation seed from 18 to 43 metric tons due to its involvement in the production of foundation seed. Previously, the company was producing 200 metric tons against the market demand of 1200 metric tons with 43 metric tons of foundation seed; Seed Co targeted to produce 1070 metric tons in the next planting season of 2023. Other seed companies undertaking seed business are Museco, Mgomera Seeds, and Demeter Seeds.

Grain aggregators are also involved in securing seeds for producers for targeted bean types and varieties. Milele Agroprocessing Ltd works with producer cooperatives to multiply seeds of white pea beans (Kabalabala) to achieve sufficient volumes for grain production. The company started with 10 tons of seed. Milele is contracting about 8300 farmers in cooperatives for the main rain season to grow grain, anticipating about 3000 tons of bean grain. It will be seeking to acquire seeds on behalf of the farmers.

Variety promotions through small seed packs were initiated in collaboration with seed companies. 4 seed companies had sold 680 tons of seed using the small packs by the end of the quarter. Variety promotion demonstrations are being established in the MSP areas. Partners in the projects selected the varieties based on demand. One of the innovations being tested in the project is the small seed pack approach, where the seed was packaged in smaller packs to prompt producers to try them, but also those with smaller capacities to get packs that can suit them. Small seed pack marketing has been initiated this quarter and will continue in the next quarter. Several seed companies tested the small seed packs; these include Mgomera, Global Seeds, Easi Seeds, Museco, and Afriseed companies. The seeds are packed in 1, 2, and 5 kg packages instead of 10, 20, or 50 kg packs that usually dominate the pack sizes.

Seed enterprises/actors packed certified for NUA45 in small packs of 1 and 2 kg (figure below) for sale to farmers through outlets. Seed selling is in progress, and seed companies are registering good sales. Recorded quantities of bean seed sales from various seed companies had reached 680 tons by 4 of the companies. The small packs have now been mainstreamed into the bean distribution strategies of the companies.

Evidence that using the MSP-based PV testing approach increases awareness and accelerates the uptake of new market-demanded varieties by men, women, and youth farmers:

The third objective focused on the effectiveness of MSP-based PVE approaches on farmers' awareness, choice, and uptake of improved common bean varieties. Results from both the baseline and endline provide evidence that MSPs increase the effectiveness of PVE approaches. Based on the baseline results, project results demonstrate that access to credit, agro-input markets, and a multi-stakeholder platform (or being in the project's intervention site) contribute to increased awareness of improved common bean varieties among farmers. In addition, farmers' attitudes towards improved common bean varieties were found to be significant in the adoption of agricultural technologies. At least 65% of farmers had cultivated at least one of the improved common bean varieties on which the study focused. Complementary results from the endline assessments reinforce the baseline results: The endline survey shows a significant positive effect of the MSP-based Participatory Variety Evaluation (PVE) on farmers' acceptance of new certified common bean varieties. The percentage increase in acceptance among farmers in MSP areas was significantly higher than in non-MSP areas. MSP participation and household participation in participatory evaluation significantly influenced farmers' acceptance of improved common bean varieties.

Furthermore, the project surveys also found that male-headed households were more aware of improved common bean varieties than female-headed households, owing to a high participation rate in PVE approaches and other factors. Moreover, as the age of the household head increases, the probability of being aware also increases at low levels of awareness. On the contrary, as the age of the household head increases, it decreases the probability of being aware at moderate and high levels of awareness. Finally, older heads of households were more likely to favor Nua45 than younger producers.

Further outputs under the objective related to the testing of 15 varieties under the project, of which 10 were not yet released but were at an advanced stage. Participatory variety evaluations were conducted on these varieties. Perceptions of the varieties were elicited from male and female farmers and traders. Results from the participatory variety evaluations demonstrate that there was potential to increase production from the higher-yielding varieties and that PVS was an effective way for information dissemination and broader adoption of new technologies; thus, there was need to do PVS in all sites. PVS results also show that market demand, high yield, earliness to maturity, consistency in seed size, and seed color are essential traits in bean variety preferences. Different partners are also needed to achieve faster and wider dissemination of new bean varieties. The released varieties preferred by all three groups were as follows: CAL 96, NUA 35, and G11982. Among the new varieties, the following ranked higher in preference by all three groups: DAB 353 a sugar bean, and DAB 298 a red kidney. But the following genotypes were preferred by Kasungu farmers: DAB 366 a red mottled, and DAB 380 a sugar bean, while the following was preferred by Seed companies/Traders//NGOs/: DAB 236, a red mottled (Figure xxx Panels A and B below and table yyyy ).

Thus, yield, and early maturity were traits equally highly preferred by both men and women. However, male farmers preferred marketability and seed size, while women preferred seed color and cooking traits in the varieties. Color and seed weight were the preferred traits of traders.

During the implementation period, the project attained significant achievements, with notable progress in several areas. One key accomplishment was the successful adoption and cultivation of market-demanded bean varieties by 366 farmers. Specifically, the following bean varieties were embraced by the farmers: Kholophete, which saw adoption by 88 farmers; Nua 45, which saw adoption by 188 farmers; VTTT 924/H-4, which 48 farmers chose; and Kabalabala, favored by 42 farmers. These numbers demonstrate a positive trend in adopting these bean varieties, signaling the growing interest and recognition among farmers regarding the market demand for these specific cultivars. With such promising initial figures, the project holds high expectations for a continued increase in the adoption rate and production yield of these market-demanded varieties by the farmers involved.

Overall, the Participatory Variety Selection (PVS) sessions within the major demonstration plots provided farmers with the opportunity to choose among the tested bean varieties based on their preferences for specific characteristics. Simultaneously, the project conducted Field Days to raise awareness among farmers about the various marketable bean varieties that should be adopted and produced. The field days also facilitated valuable feedback from farmers, aiding breeders in modifying and improving the bean varieties through selective breeding. There were 8 Participatory Variety Selection (PVS) sessions and 20 harvest field days successfully conducted. These events attracted active participation from 999 farmers, comprising 475 males and 524 females, across the 4 EPAs.

Highlights of Addressing Cross-Cutting Themes (HICD, Gender, Youth, Nutrition, Resilience)

The main capacity-building outputs from this project included six Master of Science Degree Students in Agricultural and Applied Economics who were registered at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). The students comprised two cohorts with two students per objective. The first cohort of three started in the first year of the project. The second cohort of three started in the second year of the project. These were four male and two female students. The research activities of these students built on each other and, in many ways, complementary across the three objectives. The first cohort of students have all completed and submitted their theses and are about to graduate, while the second cohort is finalizing the theses in readiness for external examination. Nevertheless, they have all submitted the necessary deliverables for the project. In addition to the theses as key outputs, the students have also extracted manuscripts of journal publications undergoing peer review. The students received guidance from various supervisors and institutions, including LUANAR, CIAT, Virginia Tech, and MSU Legumes Lab.

Both cohorts of students have had the privilege of receiving technical support, mentorship, and guidance from The Alliance for Bioversity and CIAT, Virginia Tech, and technical staff from the MSU Legumes Lab. This support was provided through virtual discussions and physical one-onone interactions, which have helped students better understand the project and design their research in line with the project objectives.

The first cohort of students has completed data collection and analysis, and all have submitted their thesis drafts and manuscript drafts. The table below presents the progress made by each student in the first cohort, including the status of their thesis, external and internal examination, and draft manuscript.

The second cohort of students was competitively recruited and is at the final stages of drafting their theses. They incorporated all the feedback received into their proposals and defended at the Faculty. The table below shows the progress made by each student in the second cohort, including concept note development, presentation to research partners, proposal development, questionnaire development, and proposal presentation at the faculty level.

Short-term training that took place:

In collaboration with CIAT, the DARS bean team trained a number of stakeholders in the bean value chain in MSP sites.

In addition, 207 farmers were successfully trained across the four EPAs in Mzimba South on bean production and marketing (women 131).

Throughout the implementation period, three learning visits took place, bringing together a select group of host farmers from the EPAs. The project facilitated the participation of 84 farmers, comprising 57 male and 28 female farmers.

Capacity Building of digital application users

The capacity building required getting ready users by equipping them with skills in digital literacy. The capacity-building package included training sessions, provision of information, and guidelines targeting users and practitioners likely to pass on knowledge to their constituencies. CADECOM field staff in addition, trained 201 farmers (females were 135).

In the first roll-out series, 16 agronomists from CADECOM (4 were female) were trained in the operation and registration process of the Digital tool to be able to integrate farmers onto the platform (figure 4).

Utilization of Research Outputs and Handoff/Scaling of the Outputs

The sustainability of interventions in the project is based on three core elements: the private sector drive, strengthened existing multistakeholder platforms, and digital tools for enhanced efficiency to support demand and supply for varieties, existing and new. In 2023, activities have focused on private seed enterprises, farmers’ cooperatives, grain offtakers, the district agricultural extension department, and NGO extension organizations taking the lead in the project.

Private sector extension was an additional avenue that has also played a significant role in ensuring farmers benefit from improved technologies and practices. The project is now working with six (an increase from four) major seed enterprises (MUSECO, SeedCo, Mgomera Seeds, Afriseeds, EASI Seeds, and Global Seeds) that are interested in the demand-driven varieties by supporting them to engage in basic seed production reduce reliance on research institutions. Companies are actively engaged in investing in seeds.

On the grain demand side, the project worked with several offtakers companies such as Milele Agroindustry, GSL Ltd, Malawi Grain Traders’ Association, and Tradeline Corporation to ensure that produce from the improved seed has a market outlet and that they benefit from the revenues generated. The grain buyers have expressed interest in 4 bean types (sugar, red mottled, small whites, and red kidney) through the multistakeholder platform. Producer cooperatives in the targeted districts and individually contracted farmer production clubs are linked to seed and grain offtakers based on the demanded bean varieties. They are supported by the district extension, NGO partners (CADECOM), and Tradeline Corporation under the multistakeholder platforms of each district. To guarantee business continuation, offtakers secure quality seeds for farmers on a contract basis for grain production. On the other hand, seed companies are increasing seed production by contracting out-grower farmers.

To increase the efficiency of partner communications and trading interactions, a digital platform was designed, validated, and tested with project partners, facilitated by Tradeline Corporation, and built on an existing web-based platform. Identification of users was conducted, with almost 100 being identified and registered on the digital platform across different value chain entities. Training of users using digital agribusiness agents was initiated in readiness for the launch and onboarding.

Capacity building through training activities focused on participatory variety selection, good agronomic practices, collective production and selling, gender equity, and participatory MSP monitoring of activities and the use of digital platforms will continue to be conducted to enhance the sustainability of actions and interventions. The digital platform is expected to reduce the cost of running the MSPs. The activities planned beyond the project period are designed to entrench sustainability. These include: (1) supporting women and youth inclusivity and increasing private sector membership and participation in MSPs as well as leadership (private seed enterprises, farmers’ cooperatives, producer clubs, and grain off takers) through training workshops and in meetings, (2) supporting the use of digital market applications through sensitizations, recruitments of users, training and onboarding sessions through regular review and feedback meetings among key value chain actors (seed enterprises, farmers and grain off takers) to give the opportunity to partners to plan (seed demand, grain demand, and pricing), (3) private seed enterprises establishing seed selling outlets in the MSP areas based on market demanded varieties and (4) grain off takers establishing grain aggregation points in the MSP areas and reaching out to seed suppliers for grain production by farmers. We expect strengthened MSPs as vehicles to increase utilization of certified seed of demanded varieties to be scaled beyond the project sites based on the results achieved (hypotheses tested) and lessons learned.

Digital- Growth Projections: As the digital platform roll-out has begun, monitoring and evaluation data tracking has also commenced. At the end of the trading season, the progress of the digital tool shall be contextualized and assessed accordingly. Currently, trading through the platform has not yet taken off, waiting for the onboarding of all critical market participants. However, Tradeline anticipates bringing on-board on digital its regular annual trade, usually conducted through physical and traditional infrastructure, estimated at US$ 500,000 for grains. In addition, the new products, including certified seed, processed products, and services, are anticipated to generate an estimated US$ 1 Million annually by June 2024.

Tradeline Corporation has made scaling plans for the digital application as follows:

• Growth of membership: Adding more users and consumers to increase diversity, interactions, and frequency of trading activities. These will be attained through mass advertisements and good customer service to generate referrals from satisfied users.
• Enhance market performance: Enhancing the knowledge and capabilities of users through training, orientation, and creation of guidelines will guarantee good performance of the entire marketplace. Tradeline will provide mandatory training to the users.
• Digital Product development: The Digital platform will be aligned to globally certified infrastructure and be dynamic. To achieve this requirement, further enhancement of the Digital platform will include integration with other existing complementary technologies, engagement in ongoing R&D, obtaining a certified trademark, fostering partnerships with other global Fin-tech companies like MasterCard to offer other support, enhancing security protocols, and establish support software and hardware infrastructure.
• Knowledge Management: The growth trend and direction will be informed based on the experience of users’ feedback on the Digital Tool. Therefore, a purposeful selection of a core group will form a study group to track the impact of the Digital tool on consumers and users in their respective businesses and communities.

Research manuscripts for submission to selected journals

1. Unlocking the Value of Quality Bean Seeds: A Multistakeholder Study on Households' Willingness to Pay for Certified Varieties in Malawi
2. Assessing The Willingness To Pay For Certified Bean Seed Varieties Among Households Producing Beans In Dedza, Kasungu, And Mzimba Districts: A Study Of Multi-Stakeholder And Non-Multi-Stakeholder Platform Sites
3. Private-led Multistakeholder Platforms positively influence investments in certified seed supplies in Malawi
4. Effects of a Private-led Multi-Stakeholder Platform on investment in certified common bean seed production in Malawi
5. Using multistakeholder platforms in participatory variety evaluation approaches enhances user awareness of new varieties.
6. Breaking Barriers to Adoption: A Multi-Stakeholder Platform Approach to Promoting Improved Common Bean Varieties Among Farmers In Malawi

Further Challenges and Opportunities

There were challenges.

Farmer Improvements in agronomic practices for Beans are still needed. The use of good agricultural practices is still a challenge to many farmers. With the accompaniment of these practices, the project witnessed a substantial enhancement in agronomic practices pertaining to bean production. Notably, most farmers exhibited marked improvements in crucial aspects such as land preparation, planting techniques, fertilizer application, and overall bean management. Through the project's interventions and training initiatives, farmers received valuable guidance and support in adopting modern and efficient approaches to cultivating beans. As a result, many farmers demonstrated commendable progress in adequately preparing their land, ensuring optimal conditions for successful bean cultivation. Moreover, they displayed enhanced proficiency in employing appropriate planting methods, optimizing seed placement, and maintaining proper spacing to promote healthy plant growth. Thus, including good agricultural practices as part of intervention packages presents a credible opportunity to raise the yield and production of the beans.

There was natural havoc from excess rains in project areas: During the rainfed production season of 2022-2023, farmers faced low yields due to prolonged rainfall. This led to a decrease in the volume of crops harvested, subsequently affecting the overall supply in the region. Furthermore, the yield quality was poor, negatively impacting the demand for these specific bean varieties. The effect of Cyclone Freddy exposed the cropping season to these hazards in the project sites.

Project partners had a low capacity to report on financial matters that could be improved. This challenge was manifested in delayed submissions of invoices by the implementing organization, causing a mismatch between technical implementation and financial reporting that lagged the implementation. A consequence of this challenge is that fund disbursement delays happened quite often, thus delaying some field research activities among the sub-granted partners.

The project had a brief time frame to implement activities comprehensively. The COVID pandemic subsisting at the start of the project exacerbated the time constraints as the project had to start at a slower pace. Thus, this slowed down the initial project activities. Furthermore, new partners joining the multistakeholder platform needed more time to integrate into the project fully. This meant that some coordination challenges were experienced among partners. It also meant that some activities did not complete the required cycle for results to be comprehensively assessed, e.g., digital tools were only piloted, benefits were not well experienced, new varieties were yet to be released, and some students were yet to complete the theses, among others. It wasn’t easy to assess the impact of a project one year after it was implemented.

Market Concentration and Disadvantaged Smallholders: The project focused on certified seed supplies, and these efforts may inadvertently lead to market concentration, favoring larger seed producers and distributors. This could marginalize small-scale seed producers and suppliers in the informal space, as they might need help competing with more prominent players for more resources and influence. The voices of such minority groups may not yet have been heard during the project period. As a result, smaller stakeholders could face challenges accessing markets and obtaining fair prices for their produce, potentially leading to increased economic disparities within the agricultural community. However, this potential consequence was not assessed in the project.

Digital literacy is still low for most farmers, and this will slow down the use of digital applications in both trade and extension services. This is in addition to the low phone ownership, especially smartphones and other low or missing technology infrastructure in rural areas such as internet coverage. There is there need to enhance comprehensive training and capacity building programs to enhance digital literacy and technical skills among stakeholders. This includes training in basic digital skills, understanding digital tools, and effective utilization of technology for improved transactions.

There are also opportunities.

Increased Social Cohesion and Collaboration: As different stakeholders from various backgrounds collaborated on the project, they developed stronger relationships, trust, and a sense of community. This increased social cohesion, which extended beyond the project's scope and led to broader collaboration and partnerships on other initiatives, benefiting the local agricultural sector and the community. As a result, the project generated a positive impact on social dynamics. It fostered a more united and interconnected network of individuals and organizations in agriculture based on the multistakeholder platform. Moreover, the improved communication and understanding among diverse stakeholders reduced potential conflicts and disagreements.

Enhanced Understanding of the Bean Market Dynamics: They gained a more profound understanding of the market dynamics behind the bean seed market and contributed to knowledge and insights in this domain beyond the initial project objectives. The knowledge gained went beyond common beans to the broader agricultural community, extending innovations and diversification of agricultural livelihood activities.

MSP innovations in Malawi are spilling over into other areas and countries as models to guide the coordination of commodity value chains in similar situations. For example, though the project targeted Mzimba and Dedza as project intervention areas, private sector partners and offtakers started implementing the approach in other (7) districts. Awareness of MSPs increased in the counterfactual district during the period.

Sustainability of multistakeholder platform enhanced through closer engagements and bean value chain: The project successfully facilitated the exchange of crucial information among various stakeholders in the bean value chain, including farmers, researchers, and off-takers, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. The multi-stakeholder platform facilitated active participation, collaboration, information sharing, and learning among diverse stakeholders, including farmers, seed suppliers, offtakers, researchers, policymakers, and digital and extension service providers. Increased participation of new offtakers, farmers, more seed companies, and other private sector actors created a sense of ownership and promoted collective decisionmaking.

Improving market access and incentivizing farmers to invest in seed production through contractual agreements and subsidies, enhancing the commercial orientation of farming systems, and encouraging seed demonstrations could increase the supply of certified common bean seeds in Malawi. The presence of agro-input markets and multi-stakeholder platforms contributes to increased awareness of improved common bean varieties among farmers. Thus, policymakers and stakeholders should invest in establishing and strengthening these platforms to improve knowledge dissemination and uptake of improved bean varieties.