Strengthening Nigeria's Seed Sector: Updates from SEEDAN's Recent Activities

In recent months, the Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN) has made significant strides in enhancing the seed sector's governance and operational framework. As a pivotal organization in Nigeria's agricultural landscape, SEEDAN continues to play a crucial role in advocating for quality seed production and distribution, which is fundamental to achieving food security in the country. This blog post outlines the key activities and strategic developments that SEEDAN has undertaken as of May 2024.

1. Engagement with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

On May 8, 2024, the SEEDAN National Executive Council (NEC), led by its President, paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (HMA). This visit was a strategic move to reinforce collaboration between SEEDAN and the federal government, focusing on the shared goal of enhancing Nigeria's agricultural productivity through quality seeds.

During the visit, SEEDAN highlighted several achievements since the inauguration of the current NEC in September 2023, including:

- A nationwide campaign emphasizing the importance of quality seed as a catalyst for agricultural productivity.

- Decentralization of SEEDAN's structure into six zonal offices to better manage regional activities.

- Establishment of a dedicated secretariat with plans to appoint a senior seed specialist to lead the management team.

- Strengthened collaboration with the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) to create a robust regulatory framework for the seed sector.

- Recognition by the International Seed Federation (ISF) as an observer member, marking a significant milestone in SEEDAN's international engagement.

The HMA responded positively to SEEDAN's initiatives, underscoring the importance of continuing this partnership to address challenges such as increasing population, diminishing agricultural land, and the need for innovative seed technologies that are resilient to both abiotic and biotic stresses.

2. Capacity Building Workshop for SEEDAN Executives

To further enhance the governance and operational efficiency of SEEDAN, a capacity-building workshop was held on May 7-8, 2024, sponsored by the Collaborative Seed Program (CSP). This workshop focused on equipping SEEDAN executives with advanced management skills necessary for driving sustainable growth within the association and the broader Nigerian seed sector.

Key objectives of the workshop included:

- Assessing the current status and challenges faced by SEEDAN in governance, strategy, and operational effectiveness.

- Learning from the experiences of other seed associations in Africa to tackle identified challenges effectively.

- Developing a comprehensive action plan with short, medium, and long-term goals to strengthen SEEDAN's performance.

The workshop culminated in a commitment by the NEC to implement several strategic initiatives, such as developing a five-year roadmap for SEEDAN, enhancing communication strategies, boosting advocacy and lobbying efforts, and increasing member capacity-building in seed production and marketing.

3. Strategic Decisions from the SEEDAN NEC Meeting

Following the capacity-building workshop, SEEDAN's NEC convened to discuss and implement critical decisions aimed at fortifying the organization's structure and capabilities. One of the most notable decisions was the appointment of Mr. Adigun Stephen Oludapo as the Acting Executive Secretary of SEEDAN. This move is part of a broader strategy to build a more robust secretariat that can efficiently manage SEEDAN's growing portfolio of activities.

Additionally, the NEC approved the establishment of a Seed Industry Development Fund. This fund is designed to support various activities, including membership management, capacity development, advocacy for the use of improved seeds, and lobbying for policy interventions that favor the seed sector. The creation of this fund is a proactive step towards ensuring sustainable financing for SEEDAN's operations and initiatives.

Conclusion

SEEDAN's recent activities reflect a clear commitment to advancing Nigeria's seed sector. Through strategic engagements with government stakeholders, capacity-building initiatives, and thoughtful organizational restructuring, SEEDAN is well-positioned to drive significant improvements in seed quality and availability across Nigeria. As the association continues to implement its strategic plans, the support of its members and partners will be crucial in realizing the goal of a food-secure Nigeria.

For more updates on SEEDAN's activities and how to get involved, visit the official SEEDAN website or contact the secretariat directly.