Profile 11 Policy

Rationale:

A seed policy is the guiding principle by which seed development is best attained. It expresses the philosophy and intentions of government regarding key areas of the industry and signals the collaborative roles it and its partners are called upon to play. In all countries, where there is a degree of defined national seed programme, there is a guiding principle, often entrenched in the national agricultural plan or policy. Or such principle may be expressed in routine statements issued by government officials on occasions. But only in a few countries is there a purposeful, documented seed policy document formulated and passed to serve as a guiding instrument for seed industry development.

A properly introduced seed policy is a prerequisite in providing guidance and continuity to countries intending to develop their seed industries. Presently, only about eight countries have formulated and passed a coherent seed policy. Another two have formulated a seed policy but have not completed the process to introduce them for proper functioning. The absence of an effective seed policy and an overall seed sector oversight body such as National Seed Committee has been seen as one of the bottlenecks in African seed industries. Therefore, ahead of the findings of specific seed reviews which would determine the specific areas for interventions, it is generally accepted that all countries which have not adopted a seed policy may wish to be assisted to formulate one.

Subsequent or in parallel with the adoption of a National Seed Policy, oversight and coordination arrangements, often under the ambit of a national seed committee, needs to be installed. A recent ASBP study has shown that only a minority of countries have established such a body. While some have expressed intentions to establish one, in the majority of cases oversight and coordination responsibility of the seed industry is ill defined. In view of the importance of coordination, countries need to be assisted to address this shortcoming during the seed policy formulation exercise.

Other coordination interventions that may be relevant are formation of Variety Release Committee and the passing of seed legislation.

Objective:

The objective of the project is to assist in the strengthening of the national seed sector of African countries through policy formulation, adoption and implementation, including the institution of relevant oversight, control and coordination mechanisms.

Activities:

The project will run for 5 to 7years and will operate at national level. At the start of the project, AU in consultation with FAO will undertake a quick inventory of seed policy positions of participating countries. Following discussions with national programmes assistance will be provided to enable them carry out National seed fora which will bring together all participating agencies in the seed industry. At the fora consensus on the various issues at stake will be gathered which will be used by a select task force for the preparation of the draft seed policy. The draft document will then be taken through the necessary government clearing process to enable it to be adopted.

Expected Results and Outputs:

The project is expected to lead to the formulation and adoption of national seed policies in participating countries and the establishment of National Seed Committees, Variety Release Committees and a number of ensuing legislations such as Seed Law and Seed Regulations.