The African Seed Access Index (TASAI)

Researchers under The African Seed Access Index have recommended more efforts to involve private sector in introduction and development of improved seeds, seeds availability as well as put in place mechanisms to create more seeds access from farmers.

The index by Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa seeks to promote the establishment and maintenance of enabling environments for competitive seed systems serving African farmers.

The study which measures the top four grain and legume crops; maize, bean, wheat, soya bean was conducted in 21 African countries.

What is TASAI?

• The African Seed Access Index (TASAI) monitors indicators that are essential to seed sector development at national level.
• TASAI's ultimate aim is to publish an annual scorecard that captures the vibrancy and competitiveness of the formal seed sector in the African countries where TASAI is active.
• TASAI is a useful tool for government policy makers, development agencies, seed enterprises, and ultimately farmers.
• TASAI work is supported by the African Development Bank under the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) program. 
• The overall goal of TAAT is to radically improve agriculture as a business across Africa by deploying agricultural productivity-increasing technologies. 
• With respect to seed, the TAAT program aims to promote the creation of an enabling environment for vibrant seed systems. 
• The TASAI research is under the TAAT Policy Enabler compact which is led by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF).

The Role of Seed

Timely availability of improved seeds at affordable prices is critical to improving food security, resilience, and livelihoods for smallholder farmers in Africa. Improved seeds can deliver state of the art technology to farmers including higher yields, disease and pest resistance, climate change adaptation, and improved nutrition. Over the last two decades, formal seed systems in Africa have been gradually liberalized resulting in increased participation of private seed enterprises (multinationals, regional and domestic companies).

Events

• 21 August TASAI MALI VALIDATION WORKSHOP
  Country validation workshops are convened on completion of TASAI country studies to critique the findings from the TASAI country research, discuss industry and policy issues and share experiences from other countries across Africa.
• 29 August  ASAI BURKINA FASO VALIDATION WORKSHOP
  Country validation workshops are convened on completion of TASAI country studies to critique the findings from the TASAI country research, discuss industry and policy issues share experiences from other countries across Africa.
• 5 September TASAI NIGERIA WORKSHOP