[BENIN][BURKINA FASO][GAMBIA][GHANA][COTE D'IVOIRE][MALI][NIGER][NIGERIA][SENEGAL][TOGO]

SEED CERTIFICATION SCHEMES IN THE WASNET REGION

BENIN

This is a very important network activity, as it is an essential first step toward improving seed certification schemes in countries, which do not have effective certification. The activity will also lead toward standardized seed certification procedures in all countries of the region. This, in turn, is a pre-condition to being able to market seed among different countries, which is essential to the development of effective, stable seed supply.

The ultimate objective of this activity is thus to standardize seed certification procedures in West Africa and to develop a West Africa Seed Certification Scheme. The short-term objective is to provide up to date information on the seed certification schemes in participating countries.

SUGGESTED APPROACH:

Step 1:

Collect all possible information from all participating (and other countries) in the region, concerning the country’s seed certification program. This should include brief descriptions of (attach copies of regulations, handbooks, etc.):

• the implementing agency; its authorizing law or decree; its organizational structure;
• does it follow international procedures?
• what is the agency’s funding source (government budget, fees, sales income, etc.);
• operating locations, staffing, facilities and operating funds and their condition/adequacy;
• what crops and varieties are included;
• how are fields/seed inspected/supervised (how many visits?);
• how crops and varieties are accepted/dropped from certification;
• operating procedures, inspections, tests, etc.;
• list the names of the differnet generations (seed classes) that are used.
• percentage of total seed used of each crop/variety which are certified;
• relative usage of certified vs. non-certified seed and varieties;
• certification fees, charges, etc., in amount and as percentage of seed price.

Also include a descriptions of the seed testing system:

• agency(ies) which test seed, both officially and for internal use; government or private;
• member of ISTA? follow ISTA procedures?;
• what is the agency’s funding source (government budget, fees, sales income, etc.);
• operating locations, staffing, facilities and operating funds and their condition/adequacy;
• percentage of total seed for each crop which is officially tested;
• data on quality of seed tested.

It may be relevant to also describe how:

• seed producers, suppliers and dealers are registered and/or licensed; who registers them,
• costs/requirements of registration;
• how many are registered/licensed, and what areas are served.

Finally, please describe your experience with the certification system in your country. Does it work well? Is it appreciated by the companies, seed growers, farmers, etc.? List major contraints and recommendations for improvement.

Step 2:

Compile this information per country, as well as per topic.

Step 3:

Summarize the situation in the region. Point out differences and similarities between the systems in the participating network countries.

Step 4:

Prepare the information summarized in Steps 2 and 3 as a WASNET Regional Information Publication.

Step 5:

With the assistance of the Secretariat, make the information available to all participating countries and others.

Step 6:

With the assistance of the Secretariat, prepare a draft for a uniform certification procedure.