African scientists, biosafety experts, and stakeholders in the seed industry have emphasized the critical role of quality seeds in achieving Africa's goal of zero hunger by 2030.
They argued that farmers need access to quality seeds that can withstand challenges such as droughts and pests, contributing to food security.
The discussions took place during a three-day consultative meeting on seed systems regulatory support organized by the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Participants, including biosafety experts, communication experts, seed experts, legal practitioners, and agriculture specialists from several African countries, discussed gaps and opportunities within national and regional seed systems.
The meeting aimed to ensure functional seed regulatory systems that enable access to approved biotech seeds.
Topics covered included a landscape assessment of seed sector actors, role identification, and discussions on instruments to facilitate regulatory systems.
The experts highlighted the need for investment in seed production, recognizing the impact of climate change on agriculture and the importance of resilient seeds.
They discussed the challenges faced by farmers and stressed the necessity of focusing on seed production to ensure quality food production.
The meeting also addressed issues related to capacity building, communication, and the implementation of regulatory frameworks.
AUDA-NEPAD expressed concerns about political economy factors that hinder progress in the seed industry, emphasizing the importance of addressing communication gaps and advancing global agricultural sustainability goals.
The participants reviewed the African Seed and Biotechnology Program 10-year Action Plan, aiming to tackle issues related to seeds, food security, and agricultural sustainability on the continent.
The plan includes goals such as harmonizing legal frameworks, enhancing youth and women participation, and establishing policies for seed system development.
The experts called for collective efforts to accelerate the implementation of regulatory frameworks and achieve the targets outlined in the action plan by 2030.
They emphasized the need for increased communication, public education, and information flow to support the seed industry in Africa.