SEEDS2B Project delivers seed-based technologies to farmers to improve productivity

The Seeds2B initiative applies a market-led methodology to transfer seed-based technologies from research programs to farmers through a process of technology scouting and discovery, variety performance data collection and analysis, product registration and promotion. The project’s purpose is to develop and implement scalable business models that will enable technology donors across the globe, from the private and public sector, to license appropriate improved crop cultivars to seed companies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

The Seeds2B Project was initially executed by AATF in Malawi and Zimbabwe. This has since expanded to encompass additional components – Partnerships for Seed Technology Transfer in Africa (PASTTA) to include Uganda; and Ghana Agricultural Technology Evaluation (GATE) Project in Ghana. The GATE component operates a systematically coordinated, and independent professional variety evaluation service that showcases the performance of improved vegetable varieties bred by both public and private breeders towards enhancing smallholder farmer access and adoption of improved varieties in Ghana

In Malawi, 29 tons of breeder seed for four new varieties of soybean and  six new varieties of groundnuts were harvested. These will be distributed to the private to produce certified seed to be sold to farmers.  A total of 109 (soybean) and 80 (groundnut) demonstration trials for the new varieties were established by Department if Agricultural Research Services (DARS), 3 seed companies (MUSECO, Capital seeds and Peacock seed company) and 2 private companies (Pyxus Agriculture limited and Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company Limited). More than 1,858 (1,007 female and 851 male) farmers were reached through 18 (soybean) and 8 (groundnut) field days conducted to promote the released varieties.

In Uganda, the project successfully convened a two-day intensive training for the relevant government seed licencing and PVP enforcing agencies in Uganda including Intellectual Property Management Committee (IPMC) and selected officers on licensing and economic valuation of intellectual property assets.

The training was intended to equip the IPMC members and participants with skills for negotiating IP license agreements for commercialisation of publicly bred technologies. The project initiated talks with Makerere university breeders and officials responsible for variety commercialisation to develop a policy framework and benchmarking on NARO’s policy.       

During the period,14 bean and 5 groudnut promotional demonstrations were conducted in eight Districts (Masaka, Rakai, Mubende, Buyende, Pader, Kamuli, Serere and Kayunga) in Uganda. The project organized 8 Beans field days in six Districts (Masaka, Rakai, Mubende, Buyende, Pader, Kamuli and Serere) of Uganda with a total attendance of 400 farmers (157 females and 87 youths).  In collaboration with the private sector, a total of 650 acres of certified been seed for five new bean varieties (NAROBEAN 1,2,3, 6 & 7 varieties) were planted by CEDO seed company. The varieties can withstand drought, high yielding with shorter maturity period. Through NaSARRI research institute, a total of 10 acres of breeder seed of four new groundnut varieties were established.

In Ghana, evaluation of ten onion varieties at two locations in Northern Ghana (Kaadi and Binduri) were completed. An onion field day with Business-to-Business (B2B) event was held. The field day was to enable farmers to compare the performance of the various varieties from different seed companies that are grown under the same conditions. Through the event, farmers are better informed for decision making in selecting their preferred/best performing varieties.

The field day with B2B activities was attended by onion value chain actors such as farmers, seed companies or distributors, (Agriseed – Technisem, Callighana. Advanta Seeds, Dizengoff Ghana Limited, Miqdadi Ghana Limited and Syngenta Vegetable Seeds Business Unit). The event has significantly increased the adoption of improved seeds and inputs among farmers.

In Zimbabwe, Soybean evaluation and advanced yield trials were harvested in six locations (4 on-station and 2 on-farm). Breeder seed multiplication of promising candidate soybean varieties summer production was harvested.