Harmonization of seed policies key in achieving food security in the COMESA region

Harmonization of seed policies and regulations has been termed a key ingredient in enhancing seed production, reliability, and trade including increasing the competitiveness of the seed industry.

To expedite the process, The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), through its Specialized Agency, the Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa (ACTESA) has put in place the COMESA Seed Trade Harmonization Regulations.

ACTESA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr John Mukuka said that according to the COMESA statistics, out of the 90 million smallholder farmers in the COMESA region, only 20 percent have access to quality and improved seeds.

Speaking in Nairobi during the regional COMESA Seed Harmonization Plan (COMSHIP), Dr Mukuka said that about 130 million people out of a total of 610 million COMESA population remain food insecure and experience chronic poverty and hunger. "The potential of the total seed market in the COMESA region is at 2 million (Metric Tons) MT of quality and improved seed; however, the region is currently producing and accessing less than 500,000 MT of quality and improved seed.