Strengthening Rwanda’s Seed Sector

(September 13, 2024) - Rwanda’s seed sector is crucial to the country’s agricultural development, food security, and economic growth. However, the industry faces significant challenges, including inadequate seed quality and ineffective management practices among seed companies. To address these issues, the Feed the Future/USAID-funded Great Lakes Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative Rapid Delivery Hub (AID-I GLR) Project, led by IITA–CGIAR, organized a comprehensive training program in August.

This training, conducted in partnership with Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), AGRA Africa, and the Seed Systems Group (SSG), aimed to equip seed companies with the skills to enhance seed business management practices and hybrid maize seed production.

The recent assessment conducted by IITA highlighted several critical challenges that hinder the growth of Rwanda’s seed sector, including the lack of operational quality management systems and the inadequate quality of basic seed. Such challenges lead to lower seed quality, reduced crop yields, and decreased agricultural productivity and food security in the region. To overcome these obstacles, there is a need for targeted interventions that can strengthen the capacities of seed companies, particularly in the areas of seed business management and the production of high-quality seeds like hybrid maize.

The training focused on two main areas: seed business management and hybrid maize seed production. The primary aim was to enhance the capacity of seed companies to operate more efficiently and produce higher-quality seeds, thereby increasing their return on investment and contributing to the overall development of Rwanda’s agricultural sector.

Leaders and seed production managers from over 20 Rwanda seed companies producing seeds for key staple crops such as high-iron beans, hybrid maize, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, vegetables, and soybeans participated in the program. Participants learned various strategies to improve seed management practices, focusing on increasing seed quality, optimizing business operations, and achieving better financial returns.

The training on seed business management was meant for Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of seed companies. The training introduced the essential elements of a successful seed business and aimed to strengthen the capacities of selected companies in seed business management. It also supported these companies in developing a clear vision and strategies for building viable seed business models.

The participants were encouraged to cast a vision considering their social, environmental, and financial contexts, defining what they would like their companies to achieve in this context in 5 to 10 years. The hybrid maize seed production training focused on strengthening the capacity of production managers from selected companies to produce hybrid maize seeds and enhancing their confidence in hybrid maize seed production efforts. It addressed the issues related to botany and production practices and the importance of seed quality maintenance. It highlighted various types of hybrid maize such as single, double, three-way, and top cross hybrids, described how the different types of hybrids are produced and their contrasting features, and outlined the requirements to produce each category.

Vice President of Seed Systems Group Dr John McRobert and IITA Seed Systems Expert Dr Sam Ajala led the training sessions with the support of RAB plant breeder and Cereal Program Coordinator Dr Claver Ngaboyisonga. They emphasized the importance of establishing effective business practices in seed business management to improve the quality and sustainability of local maize hybrid seed production.

The feedback from the training participants was overwhelmingly positive. Kamashazi Nora, CEO of Bold Seeds Company, which specializes in soybean, maize, and bean seed production, expressed her satisfaction with the training. She shared her insights, stating, “This training has been incredibly beneficial to us. I have learned new aspects that I previously didn’t give much thought to, such as the importance of having a clear vision for my seed business and ensuring the quality of the seeds we distribute to farmers.”

Nora further emphasized the impact of the training on her company’s future: “With the skills I have gained, I feel more confident in leading Bold Seeds Company to new heights. This training has opened my eyes to the importance of strategic planning and staff management, which are crucial for the sustainability and growth of our seed business.”

The success of this training program marks a significant step toward addressing the challenges facing Rwanda’s seed sector. With continued support and capacity-building efforts, Rwanda is well-positioned to enhance food security and economic stability through a robust and efficient seed industry.

Contributed by Ritha Bumwe