Boosting Seed Quality in Africa: A New Initiative
Africa faces serious food security issues, with many people going hungry. Although the continent has great potential for agriculture, underdeveloped farming systems and limited access to quality seeds hinder progress. To tackle this, the G7 Agricultural Ministers and the OECD have launched a project aimed at improving seed certification in Africa. This initiative seeks to strengthen agricultural development while showcasing effective teamwork on sustainability.
“Seeds are vital for our food systems,” says Csaba Gaspar from the OECD. “Most of our food, over 80%, comes from seeds. Ensuring available quality seeds is essential for resilient food systems.”
The Italian government is primarily funding this collaboration, aiming to reinforce Africa’s ability to produce and certify quality seeds. According to Aurelia Nicault, an OECD Programme Officer, addressing Africa’s food security concerns through enhanced seed certification is critical. She noted, “In Africa, ensuring food security and improving the livelihoods of farmers are interlinked goals.”
Currently, only 12 African countries are part of the OECD Seed Schemes, which offer a recognized framework for seed certification. The project plans to welcome more countries into this network, enabling broader access to the advantages of these standards.
“With better seed certification, we can enhance local production and empower farmers,” adds Gaspar. “This not only boosts livelihoods but also reduces poverty and strengthens food security.”
Transformational Training Phases
This ambitious project will roll out in phases. The first will focus on training local seed certification experts. “This ‘Train the Trainers’ model is about nurturing local expertise,” Nicault explains. Following this, hands-on training sessions will occur in 14 selected African countries. These sessions are designed to cater to each country’s specific agricultural conditions.
Topics of the training will include seed biology, production techniques, and even specific crop types like maize and soybeans. This modular approach allows relevance and adaptability in training, ensuring it aligns with individual countries’ needs.
A future phase will introduce an online platform to foster knowledge-sharing and improve accessibility to training materials. While hands-on training is vital, the digital aspect aims to streamline learning opportunities.
At the project’s conclusion, an assessment will evaluate its impact on seed trade and overall sector improvements. “Monitoring outcomes will help us understand our successes and areas needing further support,” Nicault states.
Importance of Collaboration
This initiative underscores the importance of public-private partnerships. “We rely on collaboration to understand industry needs better,” says Gaspar. Engaging with organizations like the International Seed Federation has been crucial in shaping the initiative. This cooperation encourages dialogue, laying the groundwork for sustainable agricultural systems in Africa.
However, implementing such a project is not without challenges. Africa’s varied agricultural landscape and regulatory conditions make a one-size-fits-all approach unrealistic. Customization is key, with flexible designs tailored to address each country’s unique needs, Nicault asserts.
Another challenge is ensuring that the benefits of this initiative remain beyond its immediate lifespan. Gaspar emphasizes the importance of building local capacity to ensure long-term outcomes. “We want to equip these countries so they can continue this vital work independently,” he explains.
Looking Ahead
This project represents a significant effort to enhance global food systems resilience. “The principles we apply here can serve as a model for other regions,” Gaspar explains. The need for robust seed certification systems is a global concern.
As the project unfolds, its potential for impact is vast. “Strengthening seed certification goes beyond agriculture,” Gaspar concludes. It’s about improving livelihoods, boosting trade, and ensuring food security. For Africa, this initiative offers hope—a chance for a stable and secure future.
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Source linkEnvironment & Climate,Farming,Featured – Europe,Featured – Global,Industry,Innovation,Seed World Europe
