Component 3. To promote effective seed production systems
Output 1. National seed policies, systems, and activities analysed, reviewed and endorsed
Activities at national level
Activity 1. Prepare national seed compendiums, review and verify compendium information to support establishment of integrated policies for seed system development, including germplasm conservation, characterization, utilization and improvement, application of biotechnologies, variety release and seed production and distribution
Output.2. Support for emerging seed entrepreneurs in both formal and informal seed sector increased and strengthened
Activities at national level
Activity.1. Establish a policy and regulatory framework to facilitate the establishment of small seed enterprises, including seed dealers
Activity 2. Develop and provide technical training to farmer/farmer groups for quality seed production and marketing, including how to gain access to appropriate germplasm, technologies, and information
Activity 3. Organize training courses for farmers/farmer groups concerning establishment and management of small seed businesses, including group formation, access to micro-credit etc.
Activity.4. Support the poor and especially women seed entrepreneurs, so that they are empowered and not marginalized
Output.3. University degree programmes developed for seed technology/production
Activities at regional level
Activity 1. Develop and implement University degree programmes and curricula in seed technology/production in African universities at regional level
Activity.2. Conduct expert consultation in seed production and seed technology to determine needs, review technical components and identify potential universities and institutions for seed technology/production degree programme, as well as training programmes for field technicians, extension agents, agribusiness managers, etc.
Activity.3. Provide competitive scholarships to students at regional level to study seed technology/production
Activity 4. Develop curricula based on guidance from expert consultation
Output.4. Linkages between the formal and informal seed sectors are improved and national capacities are strengthened to support both sectors.
Activities at national level
Activity 1. Characterize existing seed systems (focused on different seed sources) in order to identify opportunities to link the formal and informal seed sectors
Activity.2. Based on identified opportunities, design and implement training courses, through Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and other approaches, for seed producers and traders in the informal and formal sectors to increase seed supply, ensure seed quality and improve market efficiency
Activity.3. Design and implement a training course for extension staff (community, governmental, private sector and non-governmental organizations) to increase their involvement in and capability to enhance seed supply and quality at farm level
Activity.4. Undertake capacity building aimed at strengthening linkages and access among researchers and extension service staff with farmers. Approaches include Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB) (linked to varietal development component)
Output.5. Regional seed production potential is assessed and opportunities of development are identified
Activities at regional level
Activity.1. Undertake inventories of existing regional arrangements for production, exchange and availability of seed
Activity 2. Assist in the design of the most appropriate mechanisms for regional seed production and exchange
Activity 3. Assess and publicize a report on the current status of regional seed production systems, including the identification and analysis of critical issues
Activity.4. Compile regional case studies on key elements for successful formal and informal seed production systems
Output.6. Continental seed strategies based on analysis of seed production systems, capabilities and comparative advantage developed and published
Activities at continental level
Activity 1. Analyse current African seed production systems, including the identification and analysis of critical issues based on national and regional studies
Activity.2. Compile case studies on key elements for successful formal and informal seed production systems based on results of national and regional studies, and widely distribute the results
Output.7. African organizations, institutions and locations for specialized seed and planting material production identified and promoted
Activities at continental level
Activity 1. Identify institutions and organisations currently involved in specialized seed production.
Activity.2. Identify capacity building needs and opportunities to further develop or strengthen organizations and institutions for specialized seed/planting materials production
Activity.3. Oversee surveys to identify ecologically suitable areas for seed and planting material production
Output.8. Mainstreaming of informal seed sector issues
Activities at continental level
Activity.1. Create awareness among regional and national actors and other stakeholders on the contribution of the informal seed sector by documenting contributions of the sector
Activity.2. Identify gaps to enhance contributions of the sector.
Activity.3. Develop lessons learned, scale up, and determine strategies for stronger linkages between the informal and formal seed sectors to address seed quality and quantity
Activity.4. Assist in organizing the informal sector: such as through provision of institutional support ensuring traceability of the seeds used.
