The Seed Resilience Project, launched in 2023, brings together the International Seed Federation, the non-profit Fair Planet, Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and local seed companies to improve access to climate-resilient seeds and raise agricultural productivity. Project leaders say the work combines seed selection with improved agronomic practices to help smallholder farmers adapt to changing conditions.
Field trials and monitoring by Fair Planet have shown substantial gains. Tomato production rose to eight times the national average after farmers began testing adapted seeds. Trials in May 2024 recorded cabbage yields rising from 1,400kg to 7,000kg per 0.1 hectare. Farmers have evaluated more than 60 hybrid varieties, with some hybrids yielding up to five times more than open-pollinated types. Several vegetable varieties, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and peppers, have reached local markets and export channels.
Researchers begin with careful nursery preparation and track germination rates and seedling performance. Fair Planet shares these data with seed companies so they can refine seed quality. Alon Haberfeld at Fair Planet says the work focuses on selecting top-performing seeds and improving farming practices: "If the seed performs well, eventually other things can do well."
Project leaders also note obstacles. Michael Keller of the International Seed Federation highlighted inconsistent policies and the prevalence of counterfeit and uncertified seeds, and he warned that good quality seed is essential: "Without good quality seeds, you are doomed to fail." Only 15 integrated seed companies in Africa currently run proper breeding programmes, which limits availability. Leaders say further investment, knowledge transfer and stronger quality control are needed to scale results. The initiative builds on Fair Planet’s earlier work in Ethiopia, where 75,000 farmers increased vegetable yields.
Difficult words
- resilience — ability to survive or recover from difficulties
- agronomic — related to farming methods and crop management
- smallholder — a farmer who manages a small farm
- hybrid — plant variety produced by crossing two typeshybrids
- germination — process when a seed begins to grow
- counterfeit — made to look real but not genuine
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could improved, climate-resilient seeds change smallholder farmers' incomes and food security? Give reasons or examples.
- Which obstacles mentioned in the article would make it hard to scale the project in other countries? Explain using the text.
- What actions could governments or organisations take to improve seed quality and availability, based on the project's experience?
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