Kenyan farmers are grappling with low purchasing power and a shortage of quality seed, according to Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja. These issues are worsened by exploitation from unscrupulous dealers selling counterfeit seeds and a lack of farmer awareness about seed quality.
Despite significant investments by Kenya and other African nations in seed production infrastructure and services over the past two decades, many farmers continue to face policy and market-related obstacles in accessing quality seeds. “The government’s strategic initiative to boost certified seed production and tackle counterfeit seeds is crucial for improving access to quality seed,” Karanja said.
He spoke at the first international seed quality conference, held from August 19-22 at Kephis headquarters in Nairobi. The conference, themed “Seed Quality Assurance and Technological Advances for Climate Adaptation Towards Sustainable Food and Nutritional Security,” aimed to provide a platform for seed industry stakeholders to share experiences, challenges, opportunities, and solutions.
Over 200 delegates presented innovations and technologies to address current issues, including those exacerbated by climate change. The event brought together private and public sector participants, as well as national, regional, and international stakeholders in the seed industry.
CS Karanja emphasized that access to quality seeds and inputs is crucial for agricultural productivity, laying the groundwork for successful and sustainable farming. “Seed certification is essential for enhancing crop productivity, maintaining genetic integrity, and building market trust.”
Agriculture PS Paul Rono noted that the seed sector in Africa has yet to reach its full potential due to various challenges, including limited capacity for certified seed production, low adoption of improved varieties and complementary technologies, inconsistent legal and regulatory frameworks, inadequate supply of seeds for marginal areas, and the prevalence of adulterated seeds.
