The Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) was crowned as the Champion of Seed Sector Development by the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) at the recently concluded Seed Connect Africa 2024, held on 26–27 November at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja. This prestigious recognition reflects the Foundation’s transformative impact on smallholder farming, particularly in improving access to quality seeds and leveraging technology for agricultural advancement.
Accepting the award, Timothy Azakere, Country Team Lead of FSSS, expressed gratitude:
“This award is a powerful testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible team, and to the unwavering support of our partners and donors. Together, we’re making strides towards a future where smallholder farming drives lasting prosperity. Thank you for believing in our mission. Let’s keep growing, together.”
FSSS’s participation in the 7th Edition of Seed Connect Africa, themed “Leveraging Seed Technology to Scale Up Africa’s Agricultural Productivity”, highlighted its pivotal role in driving the adoption of innovative solutions. As Azakere noted, the Foundation has been at the forefront of using technology to enhance extension service delivery, ensuring smallholder farmers have access to the inputs and knowledge needed to thrive.
“Having NASC now adopting technology to ensure quality seeds reach smallholder farmers resonates deeply with what we do. Supporting NASC to disseminate seeds through technology is why we’re here.”
The Foundation’s flagship Farmers Hub programme exemplifies this approach. These hubs, strategically located in rural areas, bridge the gap between farmers and seed companies, making high-quality inputs available where traditional agro-dealer networks are sparse. Companies like Kemol, Value Seed and IAR Seed have partnered with FSSS to distribute seeds through these hubs, leading to remarkable outcomes.
“In 2024, we witnessed farmers queuing at our centres for improved cowpea seeds—demonstrating the growing awareness of the benefits of quality seeds,” Azakere shared while speaking on a panel discussion on the role of electronic/digital extension services to enhance the adoption of certified seeds by farmers.
“We are proving that when farmers see profitability in improved seeds and extension services, they are willing to invest in them.”
FSSS’s innovative use of digital platforms has transformed its operations, particularly in southern Nigeria. By combining digital extension services with physical training in its hubs, the foundation scaled its outreach from 2,000 to an impressive 32,000 farmers.
“In the South, about 50% of our training is conducted online. Hub managers advertise their products digitally, which has exponentially increased engagement and sales,” explained Azakere.
“The revenue generated from these hubs has been astounding, challenging the misconception that smallholder farmers lack purchasing power. The key is creating access and showcasing the benefits.”
FSSS also plays a critical role in connecting research institutions, seed companies, and farmers through initiatives like the AVISA Program. By collaborating with stakeholders, including the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), FSSS supports the dissemination and adoption of improved seeds.
The conference also showcased NASC’s technologies for seed distribution, aligning with FSSS’s mission to integrate such innovations into its programmes. “We want to understand these technologies and see how they can enhance our ongoing efforts to ensure farmers have access to quality seeds,” noted Azakere.
Meanwhile, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, lauded the efforts of FSSS and its partner seed companies, emphasising the importance of tailoring agricultural innovation to local preferences, using cowpea as an example.
“We must not run away from our national food culture. Breeding must capture what Nigerians need. As far as beans or cowpea is concerned, Nigerians love to use it for moi moi and akara. If it [cowpea] is friendly for these uses, then you should showcase it.”
The recognition of FSSS as a Champion of Seed Sector Development underscores its unwavering commitment to empowering smallholder farmers and driving agricultural transformation. With its innovative Farmers Hub programme, robust partnerships, and focus on technology-driven solutions, FSSS is well-positioned to lead the way in achieving a sustainable and prosperous future for smallholder farming in Africa.
The Foundation’s work at Seed Connect Africa 2024 is a reminder of the potential of collaboration and innovation to reshape agriculture and improve livelihoods across the country and the continent of Africa.
