Access to Seeds Index | World Benchmarking Alliance

Total ranking header

Total score Governance and strategy Genetic resources and intellectual property management Research and development Seed production Marketing and sales Capacity building

Thirty-two seed companies are assessed for the Eastern and Southern Africa index on six measurement areas considered key for increasing access to quality seeds of improved varieties for smallholder farmers in the region. The ranking includes 13 global and 19 regional companies selling vegetable and field crops important for the food and income security of smallholder farmers in the region.

The top ten is a mix of six global and four regional companies. Bayer, based in Germany, leads the 2021 Eastern and Southern Africa index with 69.9 out of 100. However, only the top seven companies score above 50%, showing that high-ranking companies still have improvements in performance and disclosure of their activities that support smallholder farmer development. In addition, 11 companies follow with a score above 20%, leaving almost half of the index companies to score below 20%. The long tail of low-performing companies raises concerns about the industry’s efforts to reach smallholder farmers and a lack of transparency in case companies have good practices that the industry can learn from.

Bayer has been assessed for the first time on the regional index and its’ top rank is based on a well-developed strategy for ensuring access to seeds for smallholder farmers under the chairman of the management boards and solid knowledge-sharing initiatives. Agriscope Africa (East African Seed), in the second position, had led the 2019 index, two places higher than in 2016. The company performs well across all measurement areas leading in capacity building with programmes for women smallholder farmers and a mobile application designed to provide agronomic information to its customers. East-West Seed which topped the first 2016 regional index, ranks in the third position in 2021, just like 2019. The company has a smallholder-centric business model and has shown continuous improvement in governance and strategy since 2016, with supervisory board oversight over its access to seeds strategy and stakeholder engagement practices.

Remarkably, global companies are catching up with regional companies with strong distribution channels to reach smallholder farmers at the farm gate. Also, global companies still outpace their regional peers in comprehensive access to seeds strategies, as observed in 2019. In addition, global companies support the conservation of genetic resources and share the benefits resulting from their use of publicly available genetic materials fundamental for developing new varieties for sustainable food production. A few leading regional companies show strength in capacity-building activities, but many regional companies fail to disclose information, ranking at the lower end.

Ranking overview

32 companies	Total score out of 100	Governance and strategy out of 10	Genetic resources and intellectual property management out of 15	Research and development out of 20	Seed production out of 15	Marketing and sales out of 25	Capacity building out of 15

1 Bayer

Total score	69.9 /100
Governance and strategy	7.5 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	8.8 /15
Research and development	13.3 /20
Seed production	10.3 /15
Marketing and sales	18.8 /25
Capacity building	11.3 /15

Governance and strategy	7.5 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	8.8 /15
Research and development	13.3 /20
Seed production	10.3 /15
Marketing and sales	18.8 /25
Capacity building	11.3 /15

2 Agriscope Africa (East African Seed)

Total score	66.6 /100
Governance and strategy	6.7 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	6.3 /15
Research and development	14.2 /20
Seed production	11.3 /15
Marketing and sales	13.3 /25
Capacity building	15.0 /15

Governance and strategy	6.7 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	6.3 /15
Research and development	14.2 /20
Seed production	11.3 /15
Marketing and sales	13.3 /25
Capacity building	15.0 /15

3 East-West Seed

Total score	64.3 /100
Governance and strategy	8.3 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	8.1 /15
Research and development	16.7 /20
Seed production	6.6 /15
Marketing and sales	15.6 /25
Capacity building	9.0 /15

Governance and strategy	8.3 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	8.1 /15
Research and development	16.7 /20
Seed production	6.6 /15
Marketing and sales	15.6 /25
Capacity building	9.0 /15

4 Advanta

Total score	62.0 /100
Governance and strategy	6.7 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	9.4 /15
Research and development	11.7 /20
Seed production	7.5 /15
Marketing and sales	14.1 /25
Capacity building	12.8 /15

Governance and strategy	6.7 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	9.4 /15
Research and development	11.7 /20
Seed production	7.5 /15
Marketing and sales	14.1 /25
Capacity building	12.8 /15

5 Syngenta Group

Total score	58.8 /100
Governance and strategy	5.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	11.3 /15
Research and development	12.5 /20
Seed production	8.4 /15
Marketing and sales	15.6 /25
Capacity building	6.0 /15

Governance and strategy	5.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	11.3 /15
Research and development	12.5 /20
Seed production	8.4 /15
Marketing and sales	15.6 /25
Capacity building	6.0 /15

6 Rijk Zwaan

Total score	58.6 /100
Governance and strategy	4.2 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	10.6 /15
Research and development	11.7 /20
Seed production	8.4 /15
Marketing and sales	12.5 /25
Capacity building	11.3 /15

Governance and strategy	4.2 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	10.6 /15
Research and development	11.7 /20
Seed production	8.4 /15
Marketing and sales	12.5 /25
Capacity building	11.3 /15

7 Seed Co

Total score	55.6 /100
Governance and strategy	3.3 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	5.6 /15
Research and development	14.2 /20
Seed production	10.3 /15
Marketing and sales	10.2 /25
Capacity building	12.0 /15

Governance and strategy	3.3 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	5.6 /15
Research and development	14.2 /20
Seed production	10.3 /15
Marketing and sales	10.2 /25
Capacity building	12.0 /15

8 Novalliance Group

Total score	48.1 /100
Governance and strategy	1.7 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	3.1 /15
Research and development	13.3 /20
Seed production	8.4 /15
Marketing and sales	12.5 /25
Capacity building	9.0 /15

Governance and strategy	1.7 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	3.1 /15
Research and development	13.3 /20
Seed production	8.4 /15
Marketing and sales	12.5 /25
Capacity building	9.0 /15

9 FICA Seeds

Total score	42.0 /100
Governance and strategy	2.5 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	6.3 /15
Research and development	5.0 /20
Seed production	7.5 /15
Marketing and sales	11.7 /25
Capacity building	9.0 /15

Governance and strategy	2.5 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	6.3 /15
Research and development	5.0 /20
Seed production	7.5 /15
Marketing and sales	11.7 /25
Capacity building	9.0 /15

10 Corteva Agriscience

Total score	38.6 /100
Governance and strategy	4.2 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	5.0 /15
Research and development	6.7 /20
Seed production	6.6 /15
Marketing and sales	12.5 /25
Capacity building	3.8 /15

Governance and strategy	4.2 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	5.0 /15
Research and development	6.7 /20
Seed production	6.6 /15
Marketing and sales	12.5 /25
Capacity building	3.8 /15

11 Sakata

Total score	37.6 /100
Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	1.9 /15
Research and development	9.2 /20
Seed production	6.6 /15
Marketing and sales	11.7 /25
Capacity building	8.3 /15

Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	1.9 /15
Research and development	9.2 /20
Seed production	6.6 /15
Marketing and sales	11.7 /25
Capacity building	8.3 /15

12 Limagrain

Total score	35.1 /100
Governance and strategy	3.3 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	6.9 /15
Research and development	10.0 /20
Seed production	5.6 /15
Marketing and sales	7.0 /25
Capacity building	2.3 /15

Governance and strategy	3.3 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	6.9 /15
Research and development	10.0 /20
Seed production	5.6 /15
Marketing and sales	7.0 /25
Capacity building	2.3 /15

13 Victoria Seeds

Total score	32.4 /100
Governance and strategy	5.8 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	3.1 /15
Research and development	2.5 /20
Seed production	4.7 /15
Marketing and sales	12.5 /25
Capacity building	3.8 /15

Governance and strategy	5.8 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	3.1 /15
Research and development	2.5 /20
Seed production	4.7 /15
Marketing and sales	12.5 /25
Capacity building	3.8 /15

14 BASF

Total score	31.0 /100
Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	4.4 /15
Research and development	5.8 /20
Seed production	8.4 /15
Marketing and sales	9.4 /25
Capacity building	3.0 /15

Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	4.4 /15
Research and development	5.8 /20
Seed production	8.4 /15
Marketing and sales	9.4 /25
Capacity building	3.0 /15

15 Kenya Highland Seed

Total score	23.4 /100
Governance and strategy	2.5 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	2.5 /15
Research and development	1.7 /20
Seed production	2.8 /15
Marketing and sales	11.7 /25
Capacity building	2.3 /15

Governance and strategy	2.5 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	2.5 /15
Research and development	1.7 /20
Seed production	2.8 /15
Marketing and sales	11.7 /25
Capacity building	2.3 /15

16 Takii

Total score	23.2 /100
Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	2.5 /15
Research and development	8.3 /20
Seed production	4.7 /15
Marketing and sales	5.5 /25
Capacity building	2.3 /15

Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	2.5 /15
Research and development	8.3 /20
Seed production	4.7 /15
Marketing and sales	5.5 /25
Capacity building	2.3 /15

17 Enza Zaden

Total score	20.7 /100
Governance and strategy	0.8 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	3.1 /15
Research and development	6.7 /20
Seed production	4.7 /15
Marketing and sales	3.9 /25
Capacity building	1.5 /15

Governance and strategy	0.8 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	3.1 /15
Research and development	6.7 /20
Seed production	4.7 /15
Marketing and sales	3.9 /25
Capacity building	1.5 /15

18 Bejo

Total score	20.2 /100
Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	6.3 /15
Research and development	4.2 /20
Seed production	2.8 /15
Marketing and sales	4.7 /25
Capacity building	2.3 /15

Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	6.3 /15
Research and development	4.2 /20
Seed production	2.8 /15
Marketing and sales	4.7 /25
Capacity building	2.3 /15

19 Starke Ayres

Total score	19.1 /100
Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	1.3 /15
Research and development	5.8 /20
Seed production	2.8 /15
Marketing and sales	5.5 /25
Capacity building	3.8 /15

Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	1.3 /15
Research and development	5.8 /20
Seed production	2.8 /15
Marketing and sales	5.5 /25
Capacity building	3.8 /15

20 Demeter Seed

Total score	16.5 /100
Governance and strategy	0.8 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	2.5 /20
Seed production	4.7 /15
Marketing and sales	4.7 /25
Capacity building	3.8 /15

Governance and strategy	0.8 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	2.5 /20
Seed production	4.7 /15
Marketing and sales	4.7 /25
Capacity building	3.8 /15

21 Klien Karoo Africa

Total score	15.9 /100
Governance and strategy	0.8 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	4.2 /20
Seed production	4.7 /15
Marketing and sales	4.7 /25
Capacity building	1.5 /15

Governance and strategy	0.8 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	4.2 /20
Seed production	4.7 /15
Marketing and sales	4.7 /25
Capacity building	1.5 /15

22 Mukushi Seeds

Total score	15.7 /100
Governance and strategy	0.8 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	8.3 /20
Seed production	1.9 /15
Marketing and sales	3.1 /25
Capacity building	1.5 /15

Governance and strategy	0.8 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	8.3 /20
Seed production	1.9 /15
Marketing and sales	3.1 /25
Capacity building	1.5 /15

- Stewards Globe

Total score	15.7 /100
Governance and strategy	1.7 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	5.8 /20
Seed production	2.8 /15
Marketing and sales	3.1 /25
Capacity building	2.3 /15

Governance and strategy	1.7 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	5.8 /20
Seed production	2.8 /15
Marketing and sales	3.1 /25
Capacity building	2.3 /15

24 Hygrotech

Total score	13.7 /100
Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	6.7 /20
Seed production	0.0 /15
Marketing and sales	7.0 /25
Capacity building	0.0 /15

Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	6.7 /20
Seed production	0.0 /15
Marketing and sales	7.0 /25
Capacity building	0.0 /15

25 Kenya Seed Company

Total score	12.9 /100
Governance and strategy	0.8 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	5.0 /20
Seed production	0.9 /15
Marketing and sales	3.9 /25
Capacity building	2.3 /15

Governance and strategy	0.8 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	5.0 /20
Seed production	0.9 /15
Marketing and sales	3.9 /25
Capacity building	2.3 /15

26 Darusalam Seed Company

Total score	9.3 /100
Governance and strategy	2.5 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	0.0 /20
Seed production	3.8 /15
Marketing and sales	0.8 /25
Capacity building	2.3 /15

Governance and strategy	2.5 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	0.0 /20
Seed production	3.8 /15
Marketing and sales	0.8 /25
Capacity building	2.3 /15

27 NASECO

Total score	8.3 /100
Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	3.3 /20
Seed production	1.9 /15
Marketing and sales	3.1 /25
Capacity building	0.0 /15

Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	3.3 /20
Seed production	1.9 /15
Marketing and sales	3.1 /25
Capacity building	0.0 /15

28 Capstone Seeds

Total score	8.2 /100
Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	3.3 /20
Seed production	0.9 /15
Marketing and sales	3.9 /25
Capacity building	0.0 /15

Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	3.3 /20
Seed production	0.9 /15
Marketing and sales	3.9 /25
Capacity building	0.0 /15

- KWS

Total score	8.2 /100
Governance and strategy	0.8 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	5.0 /15
Research and development	0.0 /20
Seed production	0.0 /15
Marketing and sales	2.3 /25
Capacity building	0.0 /15

Governance and strategy	0.8 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	5.0 /15
Research and development	0.0 /20
Seed production	0.0 /15
Marketing and sales	2.3 /25
Capacity building	0.0 /15

30 Equator Seeds

Total score	3.5 /100
Governance and strategy	0.8 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	0.0 /20
Seed production	1.9 /15
Marketing and sales	0.8 /25
Capacity building	0.0 /15

Governance and strategy	0.8 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	0.0 /20
Seed production	1.9 /15
Marketing and sales	0.8 /25
Capacity building	0.0 /15

31 Zamseed

Total score	3.4 /100
Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	0.0 /20
Seed production	1.9 /15
Marketing and sales	1.6 /25
Capacity building	0.0 /15

Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	0.0 /20
Seed production	1.9 /15
Marketing and sales	1.6 /25
Capacity building	0.0 /15

32 EABC

Total score	3.3 /100
Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	0.0 /20
Seed production	0.9 /15
Marketing and sales	2.3 /25
Capacity building	0.0 /15

Governance and strategy	0.0 /10
Genetic resources and intellectual property management	0.0 /15
Research and development	0.0 /20
Seed production	0.9 /15
Marketing and sales	2.3 /25
Capacity building	0.0 /15