Sustainable seed systems rely on locally adapted research and autonomy over genetic resources. In Togo, dependency on annual imports of basic seed materials has constrained the scalability of hybrid varieties and national breeding capacity. Read more: https://seedsystemsgroup.org/strategic-germplasm-transfer-ssg-and-itra-advance-togos-seed-sovereignty-through-research-partnership/ (fb)

Seed Systems Group is currently supporting the establishment of a sustainable supply of high-yielding, climate-resilient seeds of improved crop varieties in four countries in the Horn of Africa—Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, and South Sudan. This initiative is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). On the 15th and 17th of July 2025, SSG, in collaboration with FIPS Africa, conducted two similar but separate trainings for Village-Based Advisor (the selected lead farmers) in Aru Boma and Yei, South Sudan. The two trainings were attended by a total of 45 Village-Based Advisors (VBAs), 11 local leaders, a representative of a local farmer cooperative, and one government official, and focused on the VBA/Small Pack methodology. The training topics included: • The roles of a Village-Based Advisor • Introduction to small seed packs • How to establish a demonstration plot, and • Opportunities available to a Village-Based Advisor. (fb)