We are
a group of academics cum practitioners from different disciplinary backgrounds and experiences. Over the years a team of researchers have on and off been involved with exploring why, and how, people grow various types of maize, including local and hybrids in Luoland, West Kenya. We may differ in our opinions about what triggers development and future change, but we have in common to appreciate the use of local seeds. We believe that local seeds have a potential for securing food for many in the region. This also counts for the many hybrids that are planted. We do not necessarily share the same views or perspectives with regard to variety development, breeding or what would be appropriate support if this would be required. Or with which institutions we would like to cooperate with. So far we had institutional backing from Wageningen University, The Netherlands as part of our daily task as academics, supervisors of Masters and PhD students, lecturers and researchers. We received some funding from the University for travel and fieldwork. Our budgets are modest and our research does not require much funding.
The team in alphabetic order:
Conny Almekinders, Wageningen University, The Netherlands, Department of Knowledge Technology and Innovation (since 2018)
GENO Youth Group, Sauri, Kenya (2018-present)
Paul Hebinck, Wageningen University, The Netherlands, Department of Sociology of Development and Change (since 1995- present)
Helen Kimanthi, Wageningen University, The Netherlands, Sociology of Development and Change (between 2012-2019)
Richard Kiaka, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo, Kenya (since 2017)
Nelson Mango, independent consultant (1995-2019)
Jethro Moyi, farmer, Sauri, Kenya (2016 – present)
vbv
Local Seeds in Africa 