AfricaSeeds invited the Access to Seeds Index, the TASAI Index, the WorldBank’s EBA and Bioversity to discuss how these initiatives can join forces to help the African Union to measure seed sector development in Africa. The event was organised in cooperation with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and GIZ.
The workshop took place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and was attended by representatives of national governments and regional bodies involved in seed sector development.
In the landscape of measurement the Access to Seeds Index brings unique information to the table as it is the only Index focusing on private sector performance. The initiatives discussed opportunities to align methodologies and work together in data collection and dissemination.
During the workshop strong points of the Access to Seeds Index as well as topics for improvement were discussed. This resulted in the following longlist which will be included in the methodology review:
Strong points:
- Wide crop coverage, including vegetables
- Focus on private sector, good for business
- Clear methodological framework
- Wide geographical coverage, regional focus
- Encourages partnerships
- Smallholder farmer focus
- Relevant for nutrition (vegetables)
- High level of participation by companies
Point for improvement
- Not all compagnies covered
- Develop into learning tool for smaller companies
- Little info on regulatory issues
- Mainly a benchmarking tool for companies, improve usability and relevance for governments
- More information on country level, improve linkages to national information systems
- Improve link to regional initiatives
- Informal sector not covered
