The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has pledged a substantial grant of up to USD $9.95M to the Centre of Excellence for Seed Systems in Africa (CESSA).
This major contribution aims to fortify the seed systems in Africa, supporting the African Union’s (AU) Seed Sector Action Plan (2020-2030) within the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
As part of this partnership, CESSA will focus on strategic collaborations to address the challenges faced by Africa’s seed systems, serving as a central hub to accelerate the establishment of functional seed systems crucial for a food-secure continent.
Building Resilient Seed Systems in Africa
The grant marks a pivotal moment in advancing Africa’s agricultural agenda, as it enables CESSA to work with partners in addressing identified weaknesses in seed systems across various African countries.
This effort is expected to ensure food and nutrition security, particularly in Africa’s drought-prone regions. The resources will facilitate the development, commercialization, and quality assurance of improved seed varieties, enhance farmer awareness, and foster sector planning and coordination.
Initial Efforts and Future Plans
As part of this partnership, AGRA is pleased to announce a three-year investment of up to USD $3M in Seeds2B Africa, a private social enterprise based in Kenya. This initiative aims to improve smallholder farmers’ resilience, incomes, food security, nutrition, and ultimately their livelihoods in Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania.
Since its inception in 2006, AGRA has played a pivotal role in the development of Africa’s seed systems, funding the development and release of 659 improved varieties for 18 crops. In addition, AGRA has supported 119 homegrown seed companies in 18 African countries, which have produced up to 847,655 metric tonnes of quality seed benefiting 25.1 million farmers.
African Union Extraordinary Summit: A Platform for Agricultural Transformation
The announcement comes in the context of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) hosted by the Government of Uganda in Kampala. This summit is a critical platform for catalyzing agricultural transformation and positioning Africa as a leader in global food systems.
In a statement, AGRA President Dr. Agnes Kalibata expressed her organization’s commitment to working with partners, citing the vital role of resilient seed systems in improving agriculture across sub-Saharan Africa.
She emphasized that AGRA will draw on collective strengths, expertise, and portfolios to support this country-led agenda and develop the sector together.
