Improved capacity for affordable quality seed production and utilization in the Zambezi Valley

Most rural people make a living in agriculture and most of them are (women) smallholder farmers depending on the production they manage to achieve (e.g. millet, sorghum, maize, cassava, sweet potato). These farmers are facing several constraints that limit their productivity and agricultural production. Often good quality, certified seed, at the right time and in sufficient quantity is lacking, and that is a major constraint to acquire a proper income and achieve food security. More than 90% of the smallholder farmers depend on their own harvest for seed for the next crop, or on seed from the informal market.

This project aims to enhance integrated development of the seed sector by building capacity through education, training and action-research, contributing to inclusive economic growth and enhancing food and nutrition security.

By the end of the implementation period the organisations participating in this project will:

• have the capacity to develop, implement and maintain programs for innovative gender sensitive education and training,  action-research and service supply or agribusiness, focusing the seed value chain;
• promote and disseminate new processes of inspection and certification;
• deliver graduates (women and men) and run business and extension advisory services that respond to the demands of the labour market and/or generate self-employment in the agribusiness sector in the Zambezi Valley; and they will
• establish, extend and consolidate partnerships with the private sector for input and output supplies in the seed value chains.