Informal potato seed systems in the Andes: Why are they important and whatshould we do with them?

In Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador informal potato seed systems are much more imp ortant than formal systems. National seed projects recognize complementarit ies between the two systems and are seeking to link them. Arguments used to underpin linkages are assessed in the light of available evidence and acce pted with some reservations. Project strategies have ranged from seed injec tion with minimum intervention to extensive reform of the informal system. All of the projects have met with some success. A number of general lessons are drawn for tapping the potential of informal seed systems. (C) 1998 Els evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.