The Collaborative Seed Programme (CSP), a strategic partnership between Nigerian and Dutch stakeholders, is leading efforts to transform the Nigerian seed sector. Central to this initiative is the National Seed Roadmap for Nigeria, developed in 2020, which serves as a comprehensive strategic policy document. This roadmap outlines the achievements and challenges faced by the seed sector, proposing ambitious goals and innovative pathways to realize a newly defined vision for the industry.
Guided by the National Seed Roadmap, the CSP aims to enhance the capacity of Nigerian seed entrepreneurs. A key focus is fostering and strengthening Business-to-Business (B2B) relationships between Nigerian and Dutch seed entrepreneurs. The CSP supports both Nigerian and Dutch entrepreneurs in identifying compatible partners. To facilitate this matchmaking process, the CSP assessed Nigerian seed entrepreneurs to gain insights into their functioning and operations.
The assessment involved 23 seed entrepreneurs, including 16 engaged in both seed production and commercialization, and seven in seed trading. Seed entrepreneurs involved in production and commercialization deal with a larger crop portfolio, focusing on cereals and legumes, which are crucial for food security. Seed traders, on the other hand, often concentrate on vegetable seed commercialization.
The assessment revealed that seed entrepreneurs involved in production and commercialization have larger seed business operations, focusing on cereal and leguminous crops, important for food security and offering larger markets, including institutional markets. Seed traders, due to their role as distributors, had smaller operations, often concentrating on vegetable seed commercialization, but demonstrated better structured commercial orientation, long-term vision, and stronger connections with international seed companies.
The assessment also identified challenges faced by seed entrepreneurs, mostly related to seed production and market development. These challenges include inadequate access to essential production resources, poor stakeholder organization, unfair market practices, and limited market development. Regulatory hurdles, such as inconsistent policies and weak government support, also significantly impact seed entrepreneurs’ performance. These challenges affect almost all activities in the seed value chain, including variety release, seed production, quality assurance, marketing, and seed import and export.
This assessment serves as a foundation for international seed companies interested in the Nigerian market to engage in direct conversations with local seed entrepreneurs. The study aims to overcome identified obstacles and foster strategic innovation pathways, paving the way for future collaborations and the long-term success of the Nigerian seed sector.
One thing stands out, these seed entrepreneurs are ready to grow, how can we support them?
