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

NATIONAL SEED LAWS IN THE WASNET REGION

NIGER

This is an essential initial Network Information activity, because national seed legislation - its content and approach - is a predominant factor in the development and effectiveness of a formal seed sector.

Different countries in the region have different seed laws. The harmonization of seed laws can greatly contribute to a regional seed industry and will encourage and facilitate r egional seed trade.

The long-term objective of this activity is to harmonize seed laws in member countries. The short-term objective is to collect information on the different seed laws that are operating in the West African sub-region.

WASNET will study the different seed laws in the region and prepare a draft for a uniform seed law.

SUGGESTED APPROACHES:

Step 1:

Collect Country’s seed law, for all crops (both seed and vegetative planting materials). This should include the law, regulations under the law, implementation agency, staff, facilities (both main and branch) such as offices and testing labs, etc., and all pertinent information

Step 2:

Compile this information per country.

Step 3:

Summarize the situation in the region. Point out the differences and the similarities.

Step 4:

Prepare the information summarized in Steps 2 and 3 as a regional WASNET 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 seed law for the region.