Nigeria
3 November 2023
A training workshop of “Vegetatively Propagated Crops (VPCs) Seed Stakeholders” on accessing seeds using the Seed Tracker digital tool was held from 27 to 28 September at the IITA headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria. As part of the CGIAR Seed Equal Initiative’s Geo-Targeting Activities in Nigeria, this workshop taught seed stakeholders about knowledge on improved varieties and benefits and means to access quality seed using the Seed Tracker.
Geo-targeting coordinator, Prof. Morufat Balogun explaining the objective of the training.
“The participants included – researchers, farmers, seed companies, extension agents, and regulatory bodies, who shared experiences and ideas and learned about demand-driven seed systems for VPCs,” said Prof. Morufat Balogun, Coordinator of the IITA’s Geo-Targeting Activities of Seed Equal. She explained that the objective was to train seed stakeholders to access seeds of vegetatively propagated (VPC) seeds using the Seed Tracker app.
Smallholder farmers face several problems, including a lack of information about improved varieties and access to quality seeds of the same. This challenge is particularly rife for VPCs due to the lack of a well-developed seed system. Several initiatives are ongoing in sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen production and deliver high-yielding, resilient, and nutritious VPC varieties.
“The CGIAR Seed Equal initiative includes a dedicated work package (WP3) to ensure efficient delivery of improved VPC seeds to end users, and this workshop is conducted for this purpose,” said Dr James Legg, IITA scientist leading the WP3.
One of the participants learning to use the Seed Tracker app.
Dr Krystle Anne Ambayec-Dino, Capacity Building Coordinator-Seed Equal, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), added that the training will Strengthen quality seed production of market-demand VPC seeds through strong collaborations with VPC seed stakeholders. She added that this training was premised on profiling existing VPC seed stakeholder networks, determining the level of awareness of seed stakeholders on innovations and government policies in accessing quality VPC seeds, and client retention behavior to speed up the replacement of old varieties with new and improved VPC varieties.
The geo-targeting coordinator highlighted some yam varieties developed by IITA in partnership with scientists of the National Agricultural Research Institutes. Characteristics of released varieties, such as starch content, boiling, and pounding quality, were presented. The coordinator added that new yam varieties are climate-resilient, market-preferred, and nutritious. Digital tools such as Seed Tracker simplify access to information on varieties, identify seed producers, and connect for seed access.
Lava Kumar, an IITA Scientist leading the Seed Tracker work, explained the Seed Tracker is a one-stop app that provides information about seed producers, variety information, and access to quality seed producers. He added that the Seed Tracker app’s unique functions link all the seed value chain actors, improving communication and coordination along the value chain. He emphasized the need for awareness creation and training of various stakeholders to improve awareness about the benefits of digital tools and bridge the digital divide.
IITA IT and Infrastructure Officer Busayo Ogunya demonstrated the Seed Tracker app for seed sourcing, including a hands-on simulation exercise with participants, which included planning, determining seed quantity, timing, finding seed producers, and ways to access.
Participants expressed their delight in the effectiveness of the training on the new skill acquired using the digital tool. They suggested that the initiative should also cover cereals and legumes and a need for training in other geo-political zones in Nigeria.
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