ISSD-Sahel Project Strengthens Seed Sector in Mali and Niger

Major Milestones Achieved in Seed Production and Market Integration

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.

Visit to a field demonstration plot for seed production funded by ISSD-Sahel.
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.

The ISSD-Sahel project operates under a consortium of four organizations: the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), and the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT).

This work aligns with SDGs 1, 2, 11 & 17.

 

Agathe Diama

Agathe Diama

Senior Communications Specialist – West and Central Africa

 

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About The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is a pioneering International Organization committed to developing and improving dryland farming and agri-food systems to address the challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation affecting the 2.1 billion people residing in the drylands of Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and beyond.

ICRISAT was established under a Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of India and the CGIAR on the 28 March 1972. In accordance with the Headquarters Agreement, the Government of India has extended the status of a specified “International Organisation” to ICRISAT under section 3 of the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947 of the Republic of India through Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. UI/222(66)/71, dated 28 October 1972, issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

Our offices:

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East and Southern Africa:  Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe

West and Central Africa: Mali, Niger, Nigeria

For all media inquiries, please email: info.comms@icrisat.org

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