The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), and the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), in collaboration with CORAF, organized the 9th ordinary meeting of the Regional Committee for Seeds and Plants of West Africa and the Sahel (CRSPAOS) from September 18 to 20, 2024, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
This annual gathering brought together representatives from ECOWAS and Sahel member states, regional and sub-regional seed institutions, technical and financial partners, as well as farmer organizations. The purpose was to assess progress made in implementing the harmonized regional seed regulation adopted by ECOWAS in 2008.
The main objective of this meeting was to review the implementation of recommendations from the 8th session held in Bissau in 2023, evaluate the state of application of the harmonized regional seed regulation within the ECOWAS-CILSS region, and assess progress made in establishing Regional Fertilizer Committees (COACE) and Pesticides Registration Committees (COAHP).
“The successful implementation of the regional seed regulation goes hand in hand with strengthening the seed sector within each Member State. We must significantly enhance the capacities of all actors in the national seed value chain, enabling them to fully benefit from the harmonization of seed regulations,” stated Professor Pascal K. T. ANGUI, Director-General of Production and Food Security, representing Mr. Kobenan Kouassi ADJOUMANI, Minister of State, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food Production of Côte d’Ivoire.
To fully achieve this objective, states must prioritize implementing the seed regulation. “The ECOWAS Commission recognizes the vital role of quality seeds in improving agricultural productivity to meet the goals of the common agricultural policy (ECOWAP) and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). The Harmonized Regional Seed Regulation aims, among other things, to create favorable conditions for emerging a strong seed industry capable of ensuring regular, timely, and sufficient supply of quality seeds in the sub-region,” affirmed Madame Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture.
The effective harmonization of seed regulations in the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS area should eventually allow for free movement of certified seeds, thereby contributing to improving agricultural productivity and achieving food self-sufficiency in West Africa and the Sahel. CORAF will continue to play a central role in coordinating these dialogue platforms with technical and financial support from its partners to ensure effective implementation.
“The Regional Committee for Seeds and Plants of West Africa and the Sahel remains a key instrument for boosting agricultural development in West Africa and the Sahel as it enables implementing regionally agreed strategies contributing to emerging a strong regional seed industry,” said Dr. Moumini SAVADOGO, Executive Director of CORAF.
As it assesses progress made during its previous session held in Bissau in 2023, this 9th edition will serve as a platform for discussions on accrediting seed systems to OECD standards and establishing committees for fertilizer control and pesticide registration.
On the sidelines of this meeting, officials launched a Regional Preparedness and Response Plan for Pest and Disease Outbreaks in West and Central Africa.
The ceremony was chaired by Professor Pascal K. T. ANGUI representing Mr. Kobenan Kouassi ADJOUMANI. It also saw participation from Madame Massandjé TOURE-LITSE along with UEMOA officials, CILSS representatives, technical partners, and financial partners.
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