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Strengthening Seed Entrepreneurship in Mali and Niger
The Integrated Seed Sector Development project in the Sahel (ISSD/Sahel) is making significant strides in Mali and Niger, backed by funding from the Embassies of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bamako and Niamey during its four-year span from 2020 to 2024.
In line with its goal to ensure the availability and utilisation of high-quality seeds by establishing a commercially viable and autonomous seed sector, the project recently conducted a seed entrepreneur assessment in both countries from December 2022 to March 2023.
The objectives of this assessment include professionalising seed trade associations, fostering business-to-business (B2B) connections with international companies, promoting self-awareness among Sahelian seed entrepreneurs, and guiding their development and capacity building.
The identification process in Niger and Mali led to the selection of 13 and 17 entrepreneurs respectively, comprising seed producers, traders and cooperatives. The evaluation committee, using eligibility criteria and scoring developed by the ISSD/Sahel team, ensured a comprehensive and fair selection process.
The selected entrepreneurs are involved in the production and commercialisation of key crops, including maize, rice, sorghum, millet, groundnut, cowpea, tomato, onion, other vegetables, and potato.
Common weaknesses across all categories of stakeholders include the lack of strategic connections, transparent and reliable information exchange, commercial orientation, and technical equipment. These challenges are attributed to insufficient planning in production and marketing, the significance of institutional markets, and the absence of business plans.
Furthermore, the limited exchange of information between farmer clients and seed entrepreneurs is influenced by the lack of promotional activities, including demonstration plots, and the absence of a feedback system for handling client complaints.
While the financial viability of some of these seed entrepreneurs is satisfactory, access to financing remains a hurdle, limiting investments and technological advancements in seed production and processing.
To address these challenges, recommendations have been outlined, including the development of robust marketing strategies, improvement of customer relations services, and enhanced financial management. Additionally, national seed associations in the respective countries and ISSD/Sahel are urged to provide support through technical training, coaching, and representation to public institutions.
These initiatives aim to foster a more resilient and dynamic seed sector in Mali and Niger, contributing to agricultural sustainability and economic growth.