Africa's “Seed” Revolution and Value Chain Constraints to Early Generation Seeds Commercialization and Adoption in Ghana

The study aims to deepen understanding of how Early Generation Seeds value chain constraints impede commercialization and adoption High Yielding Varieties (HYV) or improved Maize seeds by smallholders in Ghana within the broader strategies a “Green Revolution for Africa”. Using qualitative quantitative information obtained through one-on-one interviews with 15 key informants, household survey from 110 smallholder farmers document reviews, we discuss bottlenecks engendered structures, processes mechanisms Ghana's formal seed distribution system. Seven main challenges were identified that undermine trust hinder expansion HYVs: (1) limited capacity public institutions, (2) constrained emerging private sector, (3) lack well-defined, fair enforceable contracts between stakeholders delivery system, (4) land-tenure limitations, (5) poor forecasting farmers' demands research institutions producers, (6) sparse marketing arrangements maize seeds, (7) concentration power control supply hands few institutions. We argue these seven issues weaken asymmetry chain's governance mechanism create nodal points give prominence NGOs, who production seeds. Ultimately, among actors its outputs is undermined, negatively affecting commercialization, availability, Moving forward, upgrading must be pursued targeted sector relationships acknowledge diverse actors' critical roles chain.