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CORAF in collaboration with the Centre National de Recherche et de Développement Agricole (CNRAD) organized a training session for women and young people on seed production techniques and the efficient management of seed companies in Mauritania from May 6 to 8, 2024 in Nouakchott, Mauritania. 

The three-day training course brought together 30 participants representing seed production companies, youth and women's organizations, and agents from the Centre National de Recherche Agronomique et de Développement Agricole, CNRADA. " Training and supervision are key factors in the production and use of improved agricultural seeds as a tool for increasing agricultural production, improving it quantitatively and qualitatively. Similarly, seed quality is a key factor in the agricultural production process, and is the focus of particular attention under the new vision for Mauritania's agricultural sector, as it is one of the most important factors in increasing production, productivity and yield," emphasized Mr. Mohamed Mokhtar Ould Sidi Mohamed, Technical Advisor in charge of Research and Training at Mauritania's Ministry of Agriculture, in his opening address. 

This training will enable young people and women to be trained in Mauritania's seed industry and contribute to food security, a strategic objective of the government and an integral part of the President of the Republic's "TAAHOUDATI" program, which he is overseeing on the ground. Indeed, young people and women play an essential role in the agricultural sector and food security, despite the gender disparities they face in terms of access to technologies, innovations, inputs, agricultural services, infrastructure, loans and agricultural training, all of which reduce this segment's capacity for agricultural production, as well as its social and economic empowerment.

" The seed sector has enormous potential to create jobs and wealth for women and young people, who can contribute to the expansion of quality seeds to fill the gap in the availability of quality seeds, estimated at 70%," recalled Mr. Mohamed Mokhtar Ould Sidi Mohamed. 

Ms. Deguene POUYE, representing CORAF at the training session, reviewed CORAF's activities in capacity building for women and young people in the seed industry in West and Central Africa. She recalled all the training actions targeting young people and women to develop their productive capacities and ensure that they are taken into account to develop the seed industry and contribute to food security. 

Participants will receive theoretical presentations on the most important techniques of seed production and circulation, as well as effective methods and best practices in the management of seed production organizations. The training session was launched in the presence of researchers and national experts in the field of seed production and management.