USAID grants US$9.95M to boost African seed systems
AFRICA – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has pledged US$9.95M to support the Centre of Excellence for Seed Systems in Africa (CESSA) in enhancing the continent’s seed systems in Africa.
According to USAID, the funding plays a key role in advancing the African Union’s Seed Sector Action Plan (2020–2030).
Having a focus on forming strategic partnerships, CESSA serves as a nexus in addressing challenges in African seed systems and accelerating the building of functional seed systems, an essential requirement in creating a food-secure Africa.
“Strengthening Africa’s seed systems is a fundamental component of the continental agenda in the newly endorsed Kampala Declaration and a priority for food security, resilience, and inclusive economic growth in African countries,” said Dr Agnes Kalibata, AGRA (formerly known as the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa) president.
Dr Kalibata noted that AGRA is pleased to deepen collaboration with USAID and other partners through CESSA, drawing on collective strengths, expertise, and portfolios to support this country-led agenda and develop the sector together.’’
The investment follows a recent three-year investment of up to US$3M in the Kenya-based enterprise Seeds2B Africa, aimed to increase smallholder farmers’ resilience, incomes, food security, nutrition and ultimately improve their livelihoods in Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania.
Tony Gathungu, global head of Seeds2B and CEO of Seeds2B Africa Social Enterprise emphasised the vital role of resilient seed systems in improving agriculture across sub-Saharan Africa.
“Seeds2B Africa will drive the commercialisation of stress-tolerant, nutrient-dense, and market-preferred seeds while building the capacity of seed companies to generate demand and expand access,” said Gathungu.
According to Gathungu, this initiative will enhance resilience, boost productivity, and improve livelihoods across the region by equipping farmers with high-quality seeds and innovative tools.
This is not the first time that USAID has contributed funds to accelerate the global quest in achieving food security, as outlined in SDG No. 2.
Last year, USAID committed US$57.4 million to accelerate food security initiatives and advance novel climate-smart agricultural solutions to reduce global hunger, poverty, and undernutrition.
Announced at the 2024 World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue in Iowa, more than US$38 million was contributed to support Feed the Future – the U.S. government’s global hunger initiative – Innovation Labs.
The Feed the Future Innovation Lab network, including two newly funded labs, was set up to advance technology development and draw on the expertise of top U.S. universities and host country research institutions to tackle major challenges in agriculture and food security.
Still last year, Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman announced that the United States, through USAID, set aside US$66.8 million to Zambia to address a drought that had plagued the country, strengthen food security, and build resilience across various sectors.
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