Seed Development Program Launched In Africa

A seed development programme was launched in Kenya to support the advancement of vibrant, market-oriented and diverse seed sector in Africa. The Integrated Seed Sector Development (ISSD Africa) approach would address the challenges of access to quality seed, which affects agricultural productivity, income and resilience among smallholder farmers.

In the initial phase of the five-year program, ISSD Africa would work with the current seed initiatives implemented in 8 to 10 African countries to explore how seed sectors could be integrated at local and national levels. One of the expected outcomes of the program is to build a network of experts, seed program and related organizations, and encourage those working in the sector to learn and collaborate with each other.

The ISSD Africa approach is an endorsement by the African Union (AU) Commission as part of the African Seed and Biotechnology Programme and the seed agenda of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). ISSD Africa is supported by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Dutch Government.

To read more on the programme, please go to https://www.wageningenur.nl/en/newsarticle/A-new-programme-to-boost-the-seed-sector-in-Africa-launched-in-Nairobi.htm.