Freely available online resources to boost the competence of seed sector actors
On the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, we at AfricaSeeds are conscious that seed delivery is crucial to ensure that farmers can plant on time for the next season. More than ever, seed sector actors need to find new ways to carry out these essential services.
We at AfricaSeeds are trying to make information and knowledge about the seed system more readily available for all actors of the seed sector.
There are numerous quality information material about seed sector sustainable development available out there. This wealth of knowledge addresses the entire array of the seed value chain. It can be used to strengthen the capacity along all steps of the seed value chain, for a holistic, coordinated and effective seed sector development.
Every week, we will highlight a specific initiative that is working towards strengthening knowledge in the seed sector in Africa via the publication of training material, guidelines, policy briefs, frameworks, datasets, videos, etc. The increased visibility of the initiatives will contribute to increase seed security, thus boosting the very base of food security and livelihoods of Africa.
WEEK_2 Guidelines: “Resilient Seed Systems: Shared Action Framework”
Author: Global Alliance for the Future of Food
Topics: Policy / Research / Partnerships / Governance
The Resilient Seed Systems Shared Action Framework (available in English and Spanish) is a strategic guide for diverse stakeholders to take a holistic, collaborative approach to protecting and enhancing the world’s seed systems and to galvanize the action on agricultural biodiversity.
The actions of a diverse group of players is needed to strengthen farmer managed and community-based seed systems and to promote innovation and markets that regenerate rather than erode agricultural biodiversity. Guided by a set of common principles and priorities, the Shared Action Framework is designed to increase dialogue and collaboration among farmer associations, Indigenous Peoples groups, civil society organizations, research institutions, government, policy makers, the private sector, and donors and, in doing so, help accelerate this much-needed food system transformation.
To download the document, please click on the links: English - Spanish
WEEK_1 Training Manual: “The Seeds Toolkit”
Author: FAO & AfricaSeeds
Topics: Policy / Research / Partnerships / Finance of the seed sector
FAO and AfricaSeeds developed the Seeds Toolkit, a six-volume manual in three languages, in English, Spanish and French, designed to support stakeholders of the seed sector.
The Manual aims to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to deliver quality seeds and planting materials of farmer-preferred crop varieties timely and at reasonable prices. The Toolkit is designed primarily for capacity-building activities, targeting especially small-scale farmers and small- and medium-scale entrepreneurs.
The six interrelated modules tackle all steps of the seed value chain:
- Module 1: The development of small-scale seed enterprises;
- Module 2: Seeds processing: principles, equipment and practice;
- Module 3: Seed quality assurance;
- Module 4: Seed sector regulatory framework;
- Module 5: The marketing of seeds;
- Module 6: The storage of seeds.
List of resources published under the Sharing Knowledge on Seeds
Resilient Seed Systems: Shared Action Framework
