The G7 and OECD embark on a project to boost seed quality.
Why It Matters
Africa faces some of the most pressing food security challenges in the world. While the continent holds vast agricultural potential, millions still suffer from hunger due to underdeveloped agricultural systems, reliance on imports, and limited access to high-quality seed. Recognizing the transformative role of seed certification in ensuring food security and building resilient systems, the G7 Agricultural Ministers and OECD Seed Schemes have launched a bold initiative to strengthen Africa’s capacity in this critical area. The project aims not just to support agricultural development in Africa but to serve as a model for effective collaboration on sustainability.
Strengthening Africa’s Seed Certification: A Collaboration for Food Security
“In our global food system, seed lies at the heart of everything,” says Csaba Gaspar, Head of OECD Agricultural Codes and Schemes at the OECD. “With over 80% of our food originating from seed, ensuring access to quality seed is fundamental for sustainable and resilient food systems.”
Acknowledging the centrality of seeds for development, the G7 Agricultural Ministers have endorsed a groundbreaking initiative to bolster Africa’s seed certification capacity. Spearheaded by OECD, the project will be primarily funded by the Italian government. In an exclusive interview with Seed World Europe, Gaspar and Aurelia Nicault, Programme Officer at the OECD Seed Schemes, shared the vision, parameters, and anticipated impact of this ambitious project.
The Why: Addressing Africa’s Food Security Challenges
Africa faces some of the world’s most pressing food security challenges. Hunger remains a significant issue across the continent, driven by various factors, including climate change, resource constraints, and underdeveloped agricultural systems. At the same time, Africa holds immense agricultural potential, with vast tracts of arable land and a growing recognition of the need for sustainable practices.
“Our food systems face a formidable triple challenge,” Nicault begins. “Ensuring food security, providing nutritious food, and achieving sustainability while conserving the planet’s resources and at the same time generating income and improving the livelihoods of farmers and all others along the food chain. In Africa, where food security is a critical concern, reinforcing the capacity to produce and certify quality seed is not just important — it’s essential.”
Certification plays a vital role in this equation. Gaspar explains, “Seed certification builds trust. It ensures high-quality seed production and facilitates trade between countries and companies, reducing reliance on imports and fraud. It’s a linchpin for developing sustainable, resilient food systems.”
Currently, 12 African countries are members of the OECD Seed Schemes, which provide an internationally recognized framework for seed certification. This project aims to expand the membership of the Schemes, allowing more countries to harness the numerous benefits stemming from these standards and certification system.
“By improving seed certification,” Gaspar continues, “we can boost local production, enhance the reliability of seed trade, and empower farmers with better resources. This, in turn, improves livelihoods, reduces poverty, and strengthens food security across the continent.”
In the field: From Training to Transformation
This ambitious project unfolds in multiple phases, each meticulously designed to address Africa’s unique agricultural challenges while empowering local actors.
“The first phase is what we call ‘Train the Trainers,’” Nicault explains. “We will provide intensive training to African seed certification experts, equipping them with the knowledge to train others. This is about creating a self-sustaining system of expertise within the continent.”
The second phase involves direct, in-country training.
“We’ve identified 14 African countries for these hands-on sessions,” Nicault shares. “These sessions combine theoretical and practical modules, tailored to each country’s specific needs.”
The training itself is comprehensive. Topics range from seed biology and production techniques to specific crop modules on maize, sorghum, soybeans, and beans. Participants also delve into regulatory frameworks and learn how to implement OECD standards effectively.
“This modular approach ensures relevance,” says Gaspar. “It’s not one-size-fits-all but a targeted effort to meet individual countries’ requirements.”
The third phase will see the launch of an online platform for resource dissemination and increased accessibility. “We want to digitize our training materials and create a centralized hub for knowledge-sharing. This platform will support networking between trainers and participants and even allow for virtual courses in the future,” says Nicault.
While some aspects of seed certification cannot forego hands-on practice, the platform will streamline the theoretical components, making training more efficient and accessible.
The project will conclude with an impact assessment.
“We’ll measure the outcomes of our trainings,” Nicault says. “This includes analysing improvements in seed trade, reductions in fraud, and the overall enhancement of the seed sector. Monitoring and evaluation will be key to understanding the project’s success and identifying areas for further support.”
The Role of Public-Private Partnerships
While the initiative is primarily focused on government seed inspectors, it relies on cross-sectoral collaboration. “Public-private partnerships are essential,” Gaspar affirms. “At the OECD, we engage with governments, but the private sector brings critical insights into industry needs and realities.”
The International Seed Federation (ISF) has been a vital partner in this effort. “The ISF has supported our capacity-building activities for years and played a key role in shaping this initiative,” Nicault shares. “Their global perspective and expertise in the seed industry have been invaluable.”
This partnership fosters collaboration in the field. “In Africa, we’ve already seen local seed companies participating alongside government inspectors,” says Gaspar. “It’s inspiring to witness this synergy. Governments, private companies, and international organizations must work together to achieve sustainable agricultural systems.”
The benefits of these collaborations extend beyond the immediate project. “By fostering dialogue between public and private stakeholders, we’re laying the groundwork for ongoing cooperation,” Nicault adds. “This is vital for long-term success.”
Overcoming Challenges
Implementing a project of that scale is not without challenges. Africa’s diverse agricultural landscape, varying levels of infrastructure, and regulatory differences constitute barriers to implementation.
Customization is therefore a central feature of project design: “We’ve designed the project to be adaptable,” Nicault explains. “From modular training to digital resources, every aspect of the initiative can be tailored to meet specific needs. Flexibility is key.”
Another concern is ensuring sustained impact after the initial phases. Gaspar emphasizes the importance of building local capacity to ensure long-term benefits: “The ultimate goal is for African countries to have the tools, knowledge, and expertise to continue this work independently. That’s why training the trainers is such a critical component.”
A Model for the Future
The project’s reach expands beyond its geographical bounds, with the ambition to make a transformative contribution to global food systems resilience efforts by serving as a blueprint for future initiatives.
“The principles we’re applying here — collaboration, capacity-building, and adaptability — can be replicated in other regions,” Gaspar says. “Whether it’s Asia, Latin America, or elsewhere, the need for strong seed certification systems is universal.”
Nicault agrees, adding, “This is about more than agriculture. It’s about partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and building systems that can withstand future challenges. The work we’re doing here in Africa is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable world.”
Planting the Seeds of Change
As the project begins to unfold, its potential impact is enormous. “Strengthening seed certification isn’t just about agriculture,” Gaspar concludes. “It’s about livelihoods, trade, and food security. It’s about creating a sustainable future.”
Nicault nods in agreement, adding, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a real difference. And we’re ready to seize it.”
For Africa, where the stakes are high and the needs great, this project represents hope — a seed planted today for a brighter, more secure tomorrow.
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