• …As Stakeholders Call for Enhanced Access to Quality Seeds for Smallholder Farmers
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Aliyu Abdullahi, has reiterated the importance of seed and the pivotal role of seed technology in addressing Africa’s agricultural challenges.
Speaking at the 7th edition of Seed Connect Africa held in Abuja, Senator Abdullahi emphasized that seeds form the foundation of agricultural systems, directly influencing every stage of farming and agricultural productivity.
Citing the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the Minister noted that staple crop yields in sub-Saharan Africa such as maize, rice, and sorghum are among the lowest globally, often falling below 50% of the global average.
The event, themed “Leveraging Seed Technology to Scale Up Africa’s Agricultural Productivity”, was organized by the National Agricultural Seed Council and brought together dignitaries, stakeholders, and experts to discuss strategies for strengthening Africa’s seed systems.
“High-quality seeds tailored to specific agro-ecological zones are essential for achieving higher yields, ensuring food security, and fostering resilience against climate change,” Abdullahi stated.
He also highlighted the vast potential of the global seed market, valued at over $60 billion, which is driven by innovations in genetically enhanced, climate-resilient, and pest-resistant seed varieties. Despite this potential, the Minister acknowledged Africa’s challenges in making these technologies accessible to smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of the agricultural sector.
Senator Abdullahi also underscored agriculture’s critical role in Nigeria’s economy, contributing approximately 25% to the GDP and providing employment for over 70% of the rural population. However, he pointed out systemic inefficiencies within the sector, including limited access to high-quality seeds, poor infrastructure, and inadequate awareness among farmers.
“For decades, Nigerian farmers have faced barriers to accessing improved seed varieties, ranging from high costs to limited distribution networks,” Abdullahi said.
He stressed that transforming the seed sector is essential to achieving the administration’s agricultural agenda of ensuring food security and reducing rural poverty.
Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the Chairman of the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, linked modern agricultural advancements to the evolution of seed technology.
“From the dawn of civilization, seeds have been the bedrock of food security and economic stability,” Adeyemi remarked. He highlighted that genetically pure seeds with high germination rates and vigor are critical for enhancing agricultural productivity. Without these, even the most advanced farming techniques fall short of delivering optimal results.
He further emphasized the importance of educating farmers about the benefits of improved seed varieties. Modern crop varieties bred for pest resistance, climate adaptation, and responsiveness to agricultural inputs have the potential to revolutionize farming practices across Africa.
“By leveraging advancements in seed technology, we can empower farmers to meet both local and global food demands,” Adeyemi said. He called for comprehensive awareness initiatives and farmer-centered policies to drive this transformation.
Meanwhile stakeholders at the conference agreed that unlocking Africa’s agricultural potential requires deliberate efforts to enhance access to high-yield, drought-resistant seeds. They also underscored the role of biotechnology in developing resilient crop varieties tailored to the continent’s diverse climatic conditions.
The event concluded with a call for stronger partnerships between governments, research institutions, and private sector actors to foster innovation in seed systems. Stakeholders highlighted the need for strategic investments and policy reforms to ensure smallholder farmers have affordable access to high-quality seeds. These efforts, they affirmed, will pave the way for sustainable agricultural development across Africa.
