Bayer, IOM expand seed support to Africa and Ukraine
The partnership will deliver over 225 metric tonnes of seed in 2026 to support food access and farm recovery.
AFRICA/UKRAINE – Bayer has joined hands with the International Organization for Migration to supply vegetable and corn seed to vulnerable communities across Africa and Ukraine.
The partners aim to improve food access, support nutrition, and help families grow crops under tough conditions.
The programme forms part of Bayer’s Zero Hunger Pledge, which started in 2022. Bayer plans to donate more than 225 metric tonnes of seed in 2026, with a value of about €875,000 (US$945,000). Humanitarian and nonprofit groups will distribute the seed to communities that face food shortages and poor diets.
IOM will lead distribution through its country offices and local partners. The agency will target migrants, displaced families, and host communities that deal with food shortages, climate stress, and weak incomes. The rollout includes Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ukraine.
In Nigeria and Zambia, onion, tomato, and squash seed will support up to 1,000 vulnerable households in each country. The programme will help families grow fresh produce and improve diet variety.
In Kenya, Bayer will supply corn seed to farmers in Mandera County. Drought has cut harvests and raised food needs in the area. The support also includes farmer training and basic farm support to help growers manage dry conditions and rebuild income.
“Bayer’s commitment to providing migrants and displaced people with the resources they need to access safe, nutritious food will build resilience and improve health,” said Amy Pope.
The work also continues in Ukraine. Since 2022, Bayer has supplied vegetable seed to families affected by the war. This year, the company will work with the All Ukrainian Association of Communities to deliver seed packs to more than 22,300 households. The packs will include cabbage, onion, carrot, and corn seed, along with safety guides on demining for farm work.
Since the war began, Bayer has reached close to 200,000 households in Ukraine with seed support.
“No single organisation can solve it alone,” said Matthias Berninger, who stressed the need for joint action on food security.
Inci Dannenberg added that better seed can improve both food supply and nutrition. “Access to improved vegetable seeds can help close nutrient gaps, build resilience to climate change, and enhance livelihoods,” she said.
The partnership supports wider global efforts to end hunger, as groups call for joined up action to strengthen food systems under growing climate and humanitarian pressure.
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