AFSTA Supported the Zimbabwe Seed Association (ZSA) to organize a two-week training on OECD Seed schemes from 2nd – 13th September 2024.  The training workshop was officially opened by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural development, Prof. Dr. Obert Jiri who underlined the importance of seed security as the success factor in Agriculture contributing to food security, rural transformation and ultimately economic growth particularly in Zimbabwe, and by extension in Africa. He noted that farmers need to trust the products (seeds) reaching them, and the OECD seed standards are a sure tool to achieve this. The Permanent Secretary expressed commitment of the government Zimbabwe to ensuring an enabling regulatory environment for innovation and seed trade.

He was accompanied by the chief director of the Department of Agricultural Research Innovation and Specialist Services (ARISS), Dr. Dumisani Kutywayo. The private sector was represented by the chairman of the Zimbabwe Seed Association (ZSA) Dr. John Makoni while Ms. Mazvita Shumba represented Bayer Crop Science. Also present was Ms. Catherine Lang’at of the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA)- the continental body which brings together the seed industry.

During his presentation, Mr. Edmore Mtetwa, head of the Seed Services Institute, noted that Zimbabwe currently has 113 active seed inspectors — 25 from the government and 88 from the private sector. Thirty inspectors participated in the two-week workshop, which aimed to:

  • Understand international OECD Seed Scheme standards
  • Build technical capacity in both the public and private seed sectors
  • Promote collaboration and networking

The training is a contribution to the African Union-led African Seed and Biotechnology Program (ASBP) which is a strategic framework for the development of the seed sector in Africa especially the component on seed quality assurance and certification, seed policy and regulations as well as research, variety development and seed production. AFSTA leads the private sector cluster of the ASBP.

The lead trainers, Gerry Hall (UK), Eddie Goldschagg (South Africa) were supported by Nathan Phiri (Zambia) and Simon Maina (Kenya). In the opening remarks done by Catherine Langat of AFSTA wished them the best and looked forward to a successful workshop! “Such private-public partnerships will continue in the continent in the coming years” she stated.