Synopsis

Janey Leakey recognized a gap in the seed varieties available to smallholder farmers in Africa, so she founded a seed company to help support more diversification on the farm. 

In the second of a three-part episode about East African seed systems, Janey discusses how legumes, cover crops and orphan crops can add value to smallholder farmers in Kenya.  We learn about some of the production challenges that local farmers face, including degraded soil, a changing climate and access to affordable seed. She explains why it’s essential for a new variety’s success that it is commercially feasible for seed companies as well as farmers,  and explains the vital role that women play in smallholder agriculture in Africa.