The U. S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), in partnership with the Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center (SSC) host a seminar-workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia focusing on ‘Seed Systems Development in East and West Africa’.
The seminar-workshop aims to advance food and nutrition security through the development of efficient, dynamic, and sustainable integrated seed systems, according to the information from the US Embassy in Addis Ababa. With the goal to expand farmers’ access to quality seeds and boost seed trade, the event convenes approximately 60 representatives from seed authorities, seed industries, scientists, researchers, and policy makers from countries including Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
Seminar-workshop speakers from regional and international development agencies, research centers, national seed trade associations, and seed companies will discuss initiatives and opportunities that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of seed systems.
In the two-day seminar, participants will exchange experiences in fostering seed system innovations. Discussions will cover best practices and successful approaches to various aspects of seed system implementation, with a focus on fostering public-private partnerships.
The attendees’ collective expertise and experience are expected to develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in seed systems development across East and West Africa.
Workshop attendees will work to develop actionable recommendations to support the advancement of national and regional action plans for seed systems development. These recommendations will also inform future technical assistance activities.