Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
August 20, 2024
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) partners with Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center (SSC) in hosting a pivotal seminar-workshop on "Seed Systems Development in East and West Africa." Scheduled to take place August 19-22, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this seminar-workshop aims to advance food and nutrition security by developing efficient, dynamic, and sustainable integrated seed systems.
The event convenes 50 representatives of seed authorities and seed industries, scientists, researchers, and policymakers from the focus countries of Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania. Seminar-workshop speakers from regional and international development agencies and research centers, officials of national seed trade associations and seed companies will discuss initiatives, interventions, and opportunities that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of seed systems. The goal is to expand farmers’ access to quality seeds and boost seed trade.
Participants will exchange experiences in fostering seed system innovations in the two-day seminar. Discussions will cover best practices and successful approaches to various aspects of seed system implementation, focusing 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 in the next two days 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.
Interested parties have the option to attend the event online. Information about virtual access, seminar-workshop schedule, speakers and participants are available at https://www.seeds.iastate.edu/seed-systems-development-workshop.
About the USDA-FAS: The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is the foreign affairs agency with primary responsibility for the USDA’s overseas programs—market development, international trade agreements and negotiations, and the collection of statistics and market information. It also administers the USDA's export credit guarantee and food aid programs and helps increase income and food availability in developing nations by mobilizing expertise for agriculturally led economic growth. The FAS mission statement reads, "Linking U.S. agriculture to the world to enhance export opportunities and global food security."
About the Seed Science Center at Iowa State University: Iowa State University’s SSC is a global center for excellence in seed science, technology, and systems. It operates one of the world’s most comprehensive public seed testing laboratory that analyzes seeds of 300 species for over 350 seed-borne pathogens. It offers the only online master’s program in the world on Seed Science, Technology, and Business. SSC projects in 80 countries over the past 20 years have helped to expand producers’ access to quality seed, facilitate seed trade, and promote the growth of national seed systems and industries.
Topics
Species
