- Date: November 14th, 2025
- Time: 14:00 – 16:00 (GMT+2, Kigali/Pretoria time; 13:00 – 15:00 Brussels/Porto-Novo time)
- Platform: Zoom
- Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/HHamr6WyStqmvQy8Qa56IQ
Why Seed Systems Matter
Seed systems are at the core of agricultural productivity, food security, and rural livelihoods. They determine not only what farmers grow, but also how they adapt to climate change, market demands, and evolving food systems.
Across Africa, farmers face increasing challenges from climate variability, soil degradation, and market instability. These pressures threaten food security and highlight the urgent need to strengthen seed systems that are both resilient and inclusive.
Building such systems requires more than the development of improved seed varieties. It calls for stronger connections between scientific research, innovation, policy frameworks, and farmers’ knowledge and practices on the ground.
This webinar will provide a space for dialogue and knowledge exchange among researchers, innovators, policymakers, and farmers’ organizations to identify practical ways to connect science with local realities and to build sustainable, climate-resilient seed systems across Africa.
Objectives of the Webinar
The event aims to:
- Showcase successful examples of farmer–researcher collaboration in participatory plant breeding, seed selection, and local variety conservation.
- Examine how research and innovation partnerships can support farmers’ organizations in building inclusive and climate-resilient seed systems.
- Facilitate cross-learning and networking among regional and continental actors involved in seed sector development.
Speakers
Opening Remarks
Dr. Babafemi O. OYEWOLE, Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO)
Katja VUORI, AgriCord
Keynote Presentation
The Role of Research and Innovation in Transforming Africa’s Seed Systems
Dr. Christopher Ochieng OJIEWO, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) – Kenya
Case Presentation
Farmers’ Organizations for Research and Innovation (FORI) Senegal Case
Ms. Khady GUEYE
Panel Discussion
Bridging Research and Local Knowledge: Building Inclusive and Climate-Resilient Seed Systems in Africa
Panelists:
Dr. Ousmane NDOYE, West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF)
Mr. Daniel WANJAMA, Seed Savers Network – Kenya
Dr. Sognigbé N’DANIKOU, World Vegetable Center and National Agricultural University of Benin
Moderator
Mr. Aimable TWAGIRAYEZU (PAFO)
Closing Remarks
Dr. Babafemi O. OYEWOLE, (PAFO)
Katja VUORI, AgriCord
Be part of this discussion and help shape the future of inclusive, innovative, and climate-resilient seed systems in Africa.
