We define a “tool” as any method, model, approach, or information and communication technology (ICT) used to study, diagnose, evaluate, and improve a root, tuber or banana seed system.  

The tools are designed to be used by:  

• Researchers with the goal of studying seed systems or parts of them,  
• Policy makers with the goal of developing, strengthening, and supporting seed systems, and  
• Practitioners with the goal of designing, monitoring, and evaluating seed system projects.  
• Plant breeders who define product/client profiles. 

In addition to these general goals, each tool has a specific purpose. At the moment, the toolbox contains 11 tools and a detailed glossary, but new tools may be added.  Detailed information for each tool is provided in the links below (click on the icons, Table 1). In each link you will find:

• An overview of the tool
• Examples of questions that the tool can address
• Links to:
  • description sheet with general information about the tool
  • peer-reviewed, preprint or working paper that describes how the tool has been used and how it was developed, or adapted from an existing tool
  • user guide, with procedures on how to use the tool
  • communication materials, if available.

Table 1. Toolbox for seed systems of roots, tubers, and bananas.  

Tool Link	Name  and Purpose
	Multi-stakeholder framework Identify stakeholders, coordination breakdowns, bottlenecks. Rapid assessment of seed availability, access, and quality
	Impact network analysis Evaluate the likely outcomes for the current seed system, and for potential interventions in it, in scenario analyses
	Seed Tracker Organize information to enable quality seed production, certification, market linkages and to integrate the seed value chain
	Integrated seed health approaches and models Evaluate how a scenario for the potential use of formal seed, disease resistance, and on-farm management are likely to affect crop health
	Seed tracing Map parts of the seed system such as volume of seed distributed, transaction types or types of varieties
	Small N exploratory case study Understand farmers’ use of seed
	Four-square method Characterize seed and variety diversity and use
	Means-end chain analysis Understand farmers’ motivations for preferring particular seed types and sources, and the expected benefits
	Experimental auctions Elicit individual’s willingness to pay (WTP) and willingness to accept (WTA) seed traded in the market
	Seed regulatory framework analysis Analyze seed regulatory frameworks and implications for vegetatively propagated crops from different stakeholder perspectives
	Sustainable early generationseed businessanalysis tool(SEGSBAT) Prepare a business plan and analyze the financial sustainability of a seed enterprise
	Glossary of root, tuber and banana seed systems Cites published literature to define and explain important terms in seed systems research and development

Which tool to use?

To select the right tool, the toolbox has two entry points: the seed system and the project cycle.