IGAD’s Seed Policy Dialogue Forum issues its recommendations

The first meeting of the IGAD Regional Seed Policy Dialogue Forum recommended the operationalization of the regional seed dialogue platform and the development of a short-term action plan in the areas of regional seed policy and capacity-building. The Forum identified seven objectives to be achieved in the long term.

The recommendations of the first meeting were confirmed at today’s closing session in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, organized in cooperation with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IGAD), 29-31 August s food shortages due to drought, conflict and ongoing war aimed at promoting the exchange of learning, experience and progress in crop breeding, seed production and farmers’ adoption of improved seeds.

The Forum, which was attended by participants from Member States, including representatives of Member States, seed associations and associations of development partners, noted the importance of increasing the synergistic contributions of State and non-governmental actors and promoting the use of improved seeds through regional trade.