What role can the private sector play in boosting the resilience of smallholder farmers in the developing world?

Lystra Antoine, Director of Agriculture for Dupont Pioneer, met with Farming First to explain the ways in which the company is contributing to the food and nutrition security of smallholder, by disseminating their science-based technologies, such as hybrid seed.

Ms. Antoine pointed to the difference that an improved seed can make to a female farmer, whose increased income could help her diversify her diet, save money for the future and send her girls to school.

“That’s value that doesn’t get captured  by us saying we sold a seed, but that’s what happens on the ground” she commented.

Ms Antoine also highlighted the new Evergreen Partnership that Dupont has created together with the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) that will educate farmers on the benefits of intercropping – planting maize among nitrogen fixing trees that can rejuvenate soils and help combat climate change.