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Young people and women in Benin's seed sector are strengthening their technical and managerial capacities. This is the result of a training workshop organized by CORAF, as part of the activities of the national network of women seed leaders, made up of companies belonging to the Association nationale des semenciers du Bénin (ANaSeB).

Some thirty young people and women from the seed sector met in Cotonou to build their capacity in seed multiplication, processing, marketing and management. The training is part of the ex-Pillar 4 African Regional and Sub-Regional Organizations Project for Agricultural Research and Innovation (CAADP-XP4) and the West African Food System Resilience Program (PRSA/FSRP) implemented by CORAF.

Despite its potential to create jobs and wealth, the seed sector in the West African sub-region still has a 70% unfilled gap. Faced with the challenges of productivity and food security, one solution is to increase the supply of quality seeds on a large scale.

" This training comes at just the right time. It reflects our commitment to promoting excellence in seed production and the sustainable management of seed companies in Benin ", declared Isabelle Ahouandjinou Epse Mègbléto; President of ANaSeB.

The support of CORAF, a major player in the West African seed sector, has enabled several young people and women to build their capacity to produce and manage their businesses effectively.

This training course, initiated by CORAF, aims to promote access to quality seeds for male and female producers, in partnership with national networks of women seed producers, as part of the CAADP-XP4 project's "Strengthening national policies, regional institutional agreements and market access" activity.

" CORAF reiterates its willingness to support initiatives aimed at training seed industry players at regional level. This is in line with the Beninese government's priorities for the development and modernization of the agricultural sector," explains Ndèye Aïssatou Diop, in charge of capacity development for the CAADP-XP4 project at CORAF.

" The aim is to make Benin a regional agricultural powerhouse. One of the State's priorities is to ensure the availability and accessibility of quality seeds and seedlings," said Justin Roland Zoglobossou, Director of Plant Production at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, representing the Minister.

Held from August 16 to 18, 2023, the training included plenary sessions and group discussions, with a total of four modules. The first module provided an overview of the seed sector in West Africa and Benin. The second focused on quality seed production, covering regulations and good practices. Participants also discussed seed quality, as well as the management and marketing of seed companies.

The training highlighted the challenges facing the sector, including seed production, distribution and use, underlining the essential role of the state and the private sector. The training session ended with a commitment to better support women in Benin's seed industry.