ISSD-Sahel Project Strengthens Seed Sector in Mali and Niger
Major Milestones Achieved in Seed Production and Market Integration
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The Integrated Seed Sector Development in the Sahel (ISSD-Sahel) project, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is reshaping agriculture in Mali and Niger by significantly advancing seed production, quality assurance, and distribution.
Working in close partnership with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the project is producing the first-generation seeds that are essential for sustainable agricultural growth in the Sahel region.
A notable achievement of the ISSD-Sahel project has been the production of foundational seeds. In 2023, project sites generated 85.1 tons of cereals in the form of first-generation seeds, surpassing expectations. Foundation seed production reached 10.4 tons, while basic seeds totaled 74.7 tons, well beyond initial targets.
This success has been driven by innovative strategies like a pre-order system for seed production, enhanced production unit equipment, and robust collaboration with private-sector partners in Mali.
Certified seed production achieved a substantial milestone as well, producing 542.7 tons, far surpassing the initial target of 400 tons. This accomplishment was made possible by the dedication of 970 seed producers organized within 171 cooperatives, underscoring the power of strong local partnerships.
“In 2023, the project created 1,564 jobs, with 68% of these roles filled by women, reinforcing the local seed production and distribution network,” shared Mr Sidi Toure, focal point of the ISSD-Sahel project at ICRISAT, noting that this development is not only a testament to the project’s success but also a catalyst for gender inclusion and rural job creation.
Laying the Foundation for a Sustainable Future
The ISSD-Sahel project greatly exceeded its initial goals, establishing 1,611 learning plots—well above the target of 600. A national media campaign reached 347,584 people, resulting in 84,292 households acquiring quality seeds from pilot producers and 41,688 purchasing them from sales points.
Bankable business plans were also developed to facilitate access to financing, with 20 new business plans submitted in Mali. In Niger, 101 farmer organization members received training and 171 demonstration plots were established, with open house events allowing producers to discover the benefits of improved seeds.
.jpeg "Visit to a field demonstration plot for seed production funded by ISSD-Sahel.")
To address counterfeiting and enhance transparency, ISSD-Sahel introduced a Seed Tracking and Tracing System (STTS), customized for Mali and Niger. Training was provided to 29 key stakeholders to ensure successful adoption, and further dissemination is planned.
In addition, ISSD-Sahel facilitated international market connections by supporting the participation of Sahelian seed companies in high-profile events like the Agriculture and Animal Resources Expo (SARA) in Côte d'Ivoire and the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) Congress in Kenya.
Dr Stanford Blade, Director General-Interim & Deputy Director General-Research, ICRISAT, commended the team, noting that the ISSD-Sahel project’s change theory—focused on ensuring access to high-quality seeds through an active private sector—has proven effective.
“The ISSD-Sahel project is elevating seed production and distribution, strengthening local capacities and facilitating critical international connections to drive sustainable development in the Sahel," said Dr Blade.
By integrating formal and informal seed systems, the project is successfully transforming the sector, bringing tangible benefits to rural producers in the Sahel.
This work aligns with SDGs 1, 2, 11 & 17.
Agathe Diama