News

Lomé Togo The Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture,Livestock and Hydraulics (MAEH) of the Togolese Republic,Dr NéméH. BALI, welcomed in Lomé, this Monday, March 20, 2017, the effective establishment of theComité Régional d'Orientation de Suivi et de Dialogue Inclusif (CROSDI,) as part of the implementation of an Alliance for a Seed Industry in West Africa (ASIWA).

Dr NEME, who chaired the opening of the CROSDI/ASIWA ordinary meeting in the Togolese capital, declared that "the setting up of CROSDI/ASIWA is more than a necessity", before welcoming CORAF/WECARD's constant efforts to strengthen agricultural research in West and Central Africa. I would like to express my deep gratitude to CORAF for its numerous actions in support of the agricultural research sector", said the MAEH representative in her speech.

Commenting on the region's ongoing drive to promote agriculture, she spoke of her government's many initiatives, pointing out that "certified seed production has risen from 700 tonnes in 2010 to 2,000 tonnes five years later".

Several other speakers, including the ECOWAS Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Tchambakou AYASSOR, praised the efforts of the West African Seed Program (PSAO/WASP), which has increased the production and use of certified seed from 12% in 2012 to 25% in 2016, the harmonization of regional seed regulations, the development of a regional catalog and the creation of a regional seed industry alliance (ASIWA). Numerous other speakers expressed their delight at these results, before expressing the hope that "CROSDI will become operational" and that "fertilizer-related issues" will be taken into account in this regional dynamic.

About ASIWA CROSDI

CROSDI is a body made up of 21 people, including 17 statutory members and 4 observers. It was created within the framework of ASIWA. Its main vocation is to facilitate the definition and application of the Alliance's strategic orientations, through inclusive and consensual dialogue, and to make the structural and operational adjustments necessary for the efficient achievement of its objectives.

According to the concept note for this first meeting in Lomé, "it is important that the representatives of the various organizations, members of CROSDI, are formally designated and meet to finalize their working approach and draw up an action plan". The effective launch of CROSDI's activities will make it possible to "consolidate the efforts of the national platforms that are already up and running, and give the seed industry a real regional boost".

At the end of the two-day meeting (March 20 and 21, 2017), CROSDI should be ''effectively set up and would have the operating and planning tools for efficient execution of its mandate''.