Seeding Change Together: CIMMYT Strengthens Collaboration for Africa’s Seed Systems

08 January 2026, Uganda: Collaboration is the key factor in agricultural transformation. This was the spirit that brought CIMMYT and partners together in Kampala, Uganda, for the Seed Stakeholders Learning Event (August 5–7, 2025). Convened by AGRA’s Centre of Excellence for Seed Systems in Africa (CESSA), the gathering provided a platform for researchers, seed companies, policymakers, and farmers’ representatives to shape a shared vision for resilient and inclusive seed systems in East and Southern Africa. 

“For Africa to transform not just its agri-food sector but its entire economy, we must build strong, functional seed systems,” said Liston Njoroge, Programme Lead at AGRA Uganda, setting the tone for the forum’s discussions. 

Laying the Foundation with Early Generation Seed

Early Generation Seed (EGS) may not always be visible to farmers, but it is the silent foundation of every bag of certified seeds. Walter Chivasa, CIMMYT’s Maize Seed Systems Lead for Africa, captured this message in his session on the roles of the public and private sectors in EGS production and supply. 

“EGS is low in volume but high in value,” Walter Chivasa, CIMMYT, explained. “It’s the starting point that determines whether farmers will eventually access the right varieties, at the right time, and at the right price.” 

Echoing that sentiment, Jane Ininda, Interim Director at CESSA, reminded participants that lasting agricultural progress begins with seed. 

“There is no green revolution that can happen, and we cannot increase yields, unless we focus on seed systems. All successful agricultural revolutions around the world began with seed.” 

He highlighted how effective collaboration right from breeders maintaining genetic purity, to seed companies scaling production, to policymakers enabling smooth certification is what makes strong seed systems possible. Chivasa also called for better demand forecasting and smarter investment to ensure EGS supply matches real market needs, reducing risks for both farmers and businesses. 

Aligning seed supply with demand

In a session moderated by Chris Ojiewo, CIMMYT’s Partnerships and Seed Systems Lead, participants examined how planning tools, reliable data, and stronger partnerships can bring greater predictability to seed supply chains. 

The discussion ranged from seed demand calculators to digital forecasting platforms, showing how science and market intelligence can help align production with real farmer demand. By focusing on both technical tools and collaborative approaches, the session reinforced that sustainable seed systems depend as much on coordination as they do on innovation. 

From policy frameworks to field realities

Discussions on policy, certification systems, and the enabling environment for seed commercialization were complemented by a field visit to NARO Namulonge and FICA Seed Company. Here, participants witnessed innovations in action — from breeding advances to quality assurance — and saw how collaboration can drive tangible results. 

Seeding tomorrow’s opportunities

The Workshop reaffirmed CIMMYT’s role linking science to policy, public to private, and research to farmers. By sharing lessons from maize seed systems and championing approaches that put farmers at the center, CIMMYT continues to push for seed systems that are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. 

“Collaboration is the engine of resilient seed systems,” said Chris Ojiewo. “What we have done here in Kampala strengthens our collective ability to ensure farmers have access to the quality seed they need to thrive.” 

By working side by side with partners, CIMMYT is helping seed systems across Africa grow stronger — sowing the seeds of change not only for today’s challenges but for tomorrow’s opportunities. 

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