Zero Hunger Project launches three seed certification protocols in Togo

11 October 2024

IITA -CGIAR and the Ministry of Agriculture, Village Water Supply, and Rural Development, Togo, have officially launched three new seed certification protocols on 30 September under the Agricultural Transformation in Nigeria's Federal States and Togolese Regions Towards Achieving Zero Hunger Project. This project is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a key supporter of agricultural development initiatives worldwide. These protocols focus on yam, cassava, and sweet potato and aim to boost the quality of seeds produced in the country, ensuring a more robust agricultural system that can improve food security and enhance farmers' incomes.

Speaking at the launch, Anani Kodjogan Kpadenou, Director of Plant Sectors, Ministry of Agriculture, welcomed Togo National Association of Certified Seeds representatives and other ministry officials. He expressed enthusiasm for the new protocols, noting that they are a significant addition to the existing ones for crops like rice and soybean. These new protocols are crucial as they ensure seed producers comply with standards and users adopt the correct practices, enhancing the quality of seeds and the robustness of the agricultural system.

Kpadenou underscored the longstanding collaboration between IITA and the Togolese government. IITA has been a key player in supporting the presidential initiative on agricultural transformation and establishing the Semi Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) Laboratory through the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) program. This collaboration has significantly contributed to providing clean planting materials. The new protocols are expected to build on these efforts, ensuring that farmers and private sector actors are well-equipped to produce and access high-quality seeds.

Solisama Djobo, Director of Agricultural Seeds and Plants for Togo (DSP), expressed his gratitude to IITA and IFAD-Zero Hunger Project donors-for their continuous financial and technical support. He noted that the seed certification protocols conform to international standards and will improve access to quality seeds, which is essential for food security. Djobo also highlighted the inclusive nature of the protocol development process, which involved input from seed certification officers across the country and technical leadership from IITA, making them an integral part of the project.

IITA Business Incubation Platform CEO and Director of Private Sector Engagement, Debo Akande, who also leads the Zero Hunger Project, emphasized the importance of science-driven agriculture in Togo. He highlighted that agriculture is not guided by science in many countries, which affects productivity. The introduction of science-driven agriculture brings innovation, and this project focuses on strengthening the seed system in Togo. Akande's insights aimed to enlighten the audience about the project's innovative approach.

He further emphasized that Togo, and not IITA, owns the project. The protocols will guide private sector engagement in the seed sector. "This is a pilot initiative, and we hope it can be scaled up to reach more farmers. IITA will continue to offer its support, but the success of this project lies in the country's ability to take it forward," he added.

The new seed certification protocols mark a significant step forward in improving agricultural productivity and food security in Togo. They promise a more sustainable and prosperous future for the country's farmers, instilling hope and optimism in all involved.