Quality seeds resilient to climate change are the main pillar in preventing hunger and ensuring food security across Africa. According to Dr. Yacouba Diallo, Secretary General of the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA), agricultural reforms cannot succeed without robust seed systems. AFSTA will host its 2026 congress in South Africa to discuss these issues.
Seeds form the foundation of the fight against hunger and food security in Africa. According to Dr. Yacouba Diallo, Secretary General of AFSTA, agricultural reforms cannot be achieved without solid systems for quality seeds.
AFSTA was established in 2000 to promote Africa's private seed sector, coordinate seed policies and regulations, and enhance access to high-quality seeds, including biotechnology development. “Without resilient and quality seeds that withstand climate change, it will be difficult to address Africa's hunger and food security crisis,” says Dr. Diallo.
Every March, AFSTA organizes the African Seed Congress, with the 2026 edition set for South Africa. The event will bring together stakeholders from research, regulation, business, and farming to focus on food security.
Climate change, including droughts, prolonged dry spells, unpredictable rains, floods, pests, and diseases, has reduced crop production. Dr. Diallo states that the seed sector is at the forefront in addressing these, by developing varieties tolerant to drought, high heat, and early maturity.
“Studies show that 40 to 50 percent of yield increases come from using improved seeds,” he explains. Researchers from public and private sectors continue to develop new grain and vegetable varieties capable of withstanding weather disruptions.
“Modern techniques like genetic improvement and gene editing have accelerated the availability of specific seed varieties, including resistance to pests and diseases,” Dr. Diallo clarifies.
Success depends on distributing technology and innovations from labs to farms. Robust seed systems directly contribute to food security and nutrition, boosting yields and reducing malnutrition.
Africa has a significant yield gap compared to other regions; closing it requires starting with better seeds. The seed trade contributes economically, and harmonizing regulations will facilitate easier cross-border movement under the AfCFTA.
Agricultural transformation needs innovation-friendly policies, public-private partnerships, and investment in research and seed distribution.