Agribusiness

EAC States Unite to Reform Policies on Certified Potato Seeds

The East African Community (EAC) is advancing efforts to address a critical gap in its agricultural sector; access to certified potato seeds.

Despite the crop’s significance as a staple food and cash source for millions in the region, only 5% of farmers can obtain certified seeds from specialized multipliers. This challenge, along with weak policy implementation, has hindered the sector’s growth.

A recent multi-stakeholder meeting held in Nairobi brought together policymakers, researchers, seed producers, farmers, and other value chain actors from Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Organized under the Strengthening Agricultural Knowledge and the Innovation Ecosystem for Inclusive Rural Transformation and Livelihoods in Eastern Africa (AIRTEA) project, the forum focused on harmonizing existing potato seed policies to boost regional productivity and unlock the sector’s full potential.

Simon Maina, Head of Seed Certification and Plant Variety Protection at the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), highlighted the ongoing development of the East Africa Seed and Plant Varieties Bill. Since 2018, experts from EAC member states have worked to align national standards and laws regarding seed production, certification, and variety release.

“The Bill has already been approved by the sectoral council and forwarded to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). Once passed, it will provide a unified legal framework for seed certification, production, and distribution across the region,” said Maina.

The proposed law aims to enhance seed quality assurance by requiring rigorous testing and certification for new crop varieties, including potatoes and maize. It will also facilitate cross-border seed movement, ensuring farmers access high-quality seeds free from pests and diseases.

Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Director of Crops Systems, Dr. Lusike Wasilwa, stressed the urgent need for certified potato seeds. Kenya’s annual seed demand stands at 100,000 metric tons, yet supply meets only 15,000 metric tons. The situation is similarly dire across EAC countries.

“Certified seeds are the foundation of agriculture. With clean seeds, we can significantly enhance potato production and meet the growing demand,” said Dr. Lusike. She also pointed out that weak implementation of existing policies remains a major obstacle.

Potatoes are a critical crop in the region, accounting for 70% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s production. In Rwanda, annual per capita consumption reaches 39 kilograms, compared to 8–10 kilograms in Kenya. Increasing the availability of certified seeds could close this gap and improve food security.

The AIRTEA project, funded by the European Union with a €290,000 grant, has been pivotal in facilitating these policy dialogues. Dr. Ambrose Rwaheru, a lead partner from the Sustainable Development Goal Centre for Africa (SDGC/A), emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for adopting certified seeds.

“This project aims to establish harmonized standards for quality seed potato production and improve farmers’ access to affordable, diverse, and reliable options,” said Dr. Rwaheru. The initiative, which began in March 2022, is scheduled to conclude in February 2025.

The harmonization of potato seed policies under the EAC umbrella is expected to benefit farmers by ensuring access to disease-free seeds and promoting cross-border trade. It will also address the region’s reliance on external seed sources by fostering local production.

As the East Africa Seed and Plant Varieties Bill moves closer to approval, stakeholders remain optimistic about its potential to transform the potato sector. By aligning regulations and supporting innovations, the region can boost agricultural productivity, enhance livelihoods, and ensure food security for millions.

Moureen Koech

Moureen Koech

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