IITA, TAAT, Sasakawa convene stakeholders for West African seed roadmap
Stakeholders from Benin and across Africa are organizing a summit titled “Building a Harmonized Roadmap for Seed Sector Transformation” from June 20-22, 2024, in Cotonou, Benin. The summit, involving various international and national organizations, aims to establish a sustainable seed system for key crops, addressing challenges in Benin’s agricultural sector. Participants will include policymakers, scientists, and private sector representatives, to foster investments and improve the quality of seeds and agricultural inputs in the region. Source: Tribune
Our Review
The Seed Business Summit in Cotonou marks a pivotal step in transforming West Africa’s agricultural sector. By focusing on developing an economically sustainable seed system for key crops like rice, cassava, and maize, the summit addresses critical challenges such as poor seed quality, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and low private-sector engagement. This initiative, driven by a consortium of influential stakeholders including the Government of Benin, TAAT, and BASICS-II, aims to boost food security, enhance farmer livelihoods, and promote agricultural productivity. The summit’s comprehensive approach involves policymakers, financial institutions, scientists, and farmer organizations, fostering a collaborative environment for innovation and investment. Successful models from Nigeria, Tanzania, and other African countries will be showcased, providing valuable insights into Benin’s agricultural policies and plans. The expected outcomes include increased crop yields, reduced dependency on imports, and a stronger agricultural value chain from production to market. This initiative not only supports informed decision-making and strategic planning but also stimulates growth and resilience in the region’s agricultural sector. Enhanced seed quality and access will lead to more robust and productive farming systems, ultimately contributing to economic development and food security across West Africa.
