In a significant step towards improving the quality of seeds and strengthening the agricultural sector in Togo, IITA has successfully trained 35 seed certification officers from six regions of the country. The officers, hailing from the Maritime, Kara, Savanna, Plateau East, Plateau West, and Central regions, underwent an intensive training program focused on the certification protocols for yam, cassava, and sweet potato, key crops in Togo’s agricultural landscape. IITA’s extensive experience in agricultural improvement ensures the quality and effectiveness of the training.
The primary objective of the training was to equip certification officers with the knowledge and practical skills required to apply the newly developed seed certification protocols for these vegetatively propagated crops. These protocols are part of a broader initiative under the Zero Hunger Project, which aims to ensure that the seed system in Togo meets both national and international standards, ultimately boosting agricultural productivity and food security. During the training, the officers were guided through the technical and procedural requirements for certifying yam, cassava, and sweet potato seeds. The sessions covered a wide range of critical topics, including identifying diseases and pests of interest, the importance of maintaining appropriate spacing between varieties within farms, and the need for strategic distancing between farms to prevent the spread of diseases. The certification officers were also trained to monitor and manage seed production fields effectively, ensuring that seed quality and safety standards are followed throughout production.
After the training, the Director of Agricultural Seeds and Plants for Togo (DSP), Solisama Djobo, and IITA Project Management Specialist Oyewale Abioye addressed the officers, highlighting the importance of the training in strengthening Togo’s seed certification system and encouraged them to apply what they had learned in their daily work. Djobo expressed his confidence that the new certification protocols for yam, cassava, and sweet potato would greatly enhance seed production standards nationwide. He also emphasized the critical role of the officers in Togo’s agricultural transformation: “The success of Togo’s agricultural transformation depends on the quality of our seeds, and the work you do as seed certification officers is critical to this effort. By following the procedures outlined in these protocols, you will help ensure that our farmers have access to clean, high-quality planting materials, ultimately improving food security and farmers’ incomes.”
Abioye echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for strict adherence to the certification protocols. “This training provides the tools needed to elevate Togo’s seed systems to international standards. We expect you will take this knowledge into the field and ensure that the protocols are implemented effectively so vegetatively propagated crops such as yam, cassava, and sweet potato can thrive.”
When the certification officers return to their respective regions, they will have the knowledge and skills to ensure that Togo’s seed production meets the highest standards. Understanding the potential of this training to significantly improve Togo’s agricultural landscape, this training is expected to impact the country’s agricultural landscape, contributing to a stronger, more food-secure Togo.
Contributed by Oyewale Abioye
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