Young people and women in Benin’s seed sector are strengthening their technical and managerial capacities. It is through a training workshop organized by CORAF, as part of the activities of the national network of women seed leaders, formed by the companies of the National Seed Association of Benin (ANaSeB).
Young people and women from the seed sector, about thirty, gathered in Cotonou to strengthen their capacities in the multiplication, processing, marketing of seeds and the management of seed companies. This training is part of the CAADP-XP4 program, and the West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP) implemented by CORAF.
Despite its potential to create jobs and wealth, the seed sector in the West African sub-region still has a 70% unfilled gap. Given the challenges of productivity and food security, one solution is to increase the supply of quality seeds on a large scale.
“This training comes at just the right time. It reflects our commitment to promoting excellence in seed production and the sustainable management of seed companies in Benin“, declared Isabelle Ahouandjinou Mègbléto, President of ANaSeB.
According to her, the support of CORAF, a major player in the seed sector in West Africa, has enabled several young people and women to build their capacities in the production and efficient management of their businesses.
This training, initiated by CORAF, aims to promote access to quality seeds for male and female producers, in partnership with national networks of women seed producers, as part of the CAADP-XP4 project’s “Strengthening national policies, regional institutional agreements and market access” activity.
“CORAF reiterates its willingness to support initiatives aimed at training seed industry stakeholders at regional level. This is in line with the Beninese government’s priorities for the development and modernization of the agricultural sector,” explains Ndèye Aïssatou Diop, Capacity Development Officer for the CAADP-XP4 project at CORAF.
“The aim is to make Benin a regional agricultural powerhouse. The State is banking on the availability and accessibility of quality seeds and seedlings,” said Justin Roland Zoglobossou, Director of Plant Production at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, representing the Minister.
Held from August 16 to 18, 2023, the training included plenary sessions and group discussions, with a total of four modules. The first module provided an overview of the seed sector in West Africa and Benin. The second focused on quality seed production, covering regulations and good practices. Participants also discussed seed quality, as well as the management and marketing of seed companies.