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Objectives
Improved varieties often remain out of reach to most farmers in Africa. We want to strengthen the contribution of the private sector in empowering farmers, especially smallholders, and enhancing their seed choice through the establishment of a seed supply chain in Rwanda.
The Seed Resilience project aims to facilitate access to high-quality seeds, together with training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Access to improved varieties will allow farmers to produce and sell significantly higher yields with better produce quality.
The project will address three food and nutrition pillars: fresh vegetables for vitamins and fibres, pulses for proteins and soil fertility improvement, and cereals and potatoes for carbohydrates.
An inclusive approach
ISF is working hand in hand with Fair Planet, a non-profit organization with proven and successful experience in working with multiple seed partners in Africa for the benefit of smallholder farmers.
With this initiative we would like to contribute actively towards inclusive seed systems by engaging with national and international organizations, farmers, public and private actors, NGOs and civil society.
Milestones
July 2021 – During the UN Food Systems Summit 2021, ISF launched four key initiatives to advance seed resilience to contribute to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. One of the initiatives was to build a flagship project with partners for a sustainable seed system based on inclusiveness in a country.
February 2023 – ISF and Fair Planet signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Meeting with representatives of the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), FAO, CGIAR, AGRA, Rica, Seed Association of Rwanda, and other agencies; Joint field visit
June 2023 – Engagement with the global seed industry t the ISF World Seed Congress in Cape Town, South Africa
August 2023 – First seeds sown at the Horticulture Center of Excellence (HCoE) in Kigali
September 2023 – Transplanting for the first season
November 2023 – Open field day and harvest (scheduled)
December 2023 – First mid-season report to donors and partners (scheduled)
Get involved now
Take part in enabling smallholder farmers to transform their daily work into a sustainable, profitable source of income. Providing access to improved varieties to farmers offers them the opportunity to:
- Increase crop productivity and income
- Increase their capacity to improve local food and nutrition security
- Improve farm management knowledge
BECOME A PARTNER. You can test your varieties locally and support the project’s budget.
BECOME A SPONSOR. You can support the project financially.
OTHERS. Got other ideas? We look forward to hearing it.
To know more about this project and find out how you can be a partner, contact Dr Alon Haberfeld.
You can also read about it in Fair Planet’s 2023 highlights report.
