Channel World Seed by ISF 45d ago

Despite groundbreaking agricultural innovations, too many solutions remain locked in research facilities, never reaching the smallholder farmers they’re meant to serve. Overcoming the unique challenges of West Africa’s largely informal seed systems, where crops like cowpea flow through local markets and community networks, requires creative strategies, strong partnerships, and a relentless focus on making seeds accessible and affordable for those who need them most. This session will explore how early engagement with seed companies, tailored support for informal trading networks, and investment in farmer education can break barriers to adoption. We’ll spotlight thematic examples, challenge assumptions, and issue a call to action for everyone—researchers, businesses, and policymakers—to join forces to turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact for millions of African families. Speakers: - Dr. Jean Baptiste De La Salle Tignegre, Regional Representative for West Africa, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) - Prof. Mohammad Ishiyaku is a Professor for Plant Breeding at the Department of Plant Science at Nigeria’s Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Samaru, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Moderator: Tania Karas, Devex #WorldSeed2026