Mozambique Seed value chain actors discuss means of improving the local seed industry’s competitiveness

Different seed value chain actors in Mozambique met in Gondola, Manica Province from 14 to 15 March 2024 to deliberate on strategies for improving the local seed industry’s competitiveness. The meeting, which was hosted by the Instituto de Investigação Agrária de Moçambique (IIAM) in collaboration with the National Directorate of Agricultural Health and Biosafety (DNSAB), was officially opened by the Provincial Director of Agriculture and Fisheries in Manica, Ernesto Jaime Lopes who spoke on behalf of the Governor of Manica Province, Francisca Domingas Tomás. In his opening remarks, Mr Lopes noted that the event was part of the country’s comprehensive approach to improve the local seed industry, focusing on both commercial and small-scale seed production. He added that the ultimate focus is to meet Mozambique’s increasing demand for quality seeds.

The event was preceded by site visits to the country’s main seed companies based in Manica, namely PHOENIX and COMPANHIA DO ZEMBE in Vanduzi and Chimoio city, respectively. During field visits, delegates were able to learn from companies, the context of seed production in the province and across the country as well as related market dynamics.

The critical role of agricultural research in providing good quality market-driven improved varieties was also discussed. The meeting was held alongside an exhibition where 13 (thirteen) new varieties recently generated and released by IIAM were presented. These were: 2 (two) varieties of Wheat; 6 (six) of Sesame; 4 (four) of Common Beans; and 1 (one) of Maize. Reflections in plenary, discussions during the seed exhibition as well as interactions with farmers who attended both events underlined the need to adopt a seed system that is built around a strong research division capable of generating and releasing climate resilient quality seed varieties.

Photo: IIAM

The Mozambican event also provided stakeholders with an opportunity to learn from representatives of invited countries, including Zambia, Malawi and Kenya who shared their experiences in the seed sector. This event came on the back of a continental Seed Policy Learning event that was co-hosted by the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA), AGRA and the World Bank in Lusaka, Zambia. This event brought together multiple stakeholders from Africa to unpack challenges in the seed industry and recommend technical and policy related national and regional interventions to enhance food systems resilience and agricultural transformation in the continent.

Source: Instituto de Investigação Agrária de Moçambique (IIAM)

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