even as gifts. Their seed price increased from the beginning to the end of the sowing
season with an average of US$ 0.50 per kilogram in July–August 2008. About 40%
of the local seed dealers were also seed producers (non-formal), the rest were traders.
Barter deals involved palm oil and mainly took place in remote areas (e.g. villages
of Site 1). Thirty litres of palm oil were exchanged for about 50 kg of seed. Seed
loans were only granted to regular customers. Payment was generally made after six
months (at harvest) either in cash or in rice.