By David Mwanje
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) gathered dreamers and doers farmers, policymakers, and innovators at Serena Hotel to reimagine African agriculture at the Seed Stakeholders Learning Event. At its heart was a bold mission: empower Ugandan farmers and beyond with seeds that could transform fields, futures, and food security.
Dr. Liston Njoroge, AGRA Uganda’s fearless leader, stood tall, his voice brimming with hope. “Seeds are the spark of Africa’s growth,” he declared. “For Ugandan farmers, youth chasing dreams, and women building businesses, a thriving seed system is the key to unlocking prosperity.” His words painted a vision of fields bursting with possibility, where every seed planted lifts a community.
The event buzzed with urgency. Africa’s seed sector faces hurdles: outdated ways of doing business, shaky ties between governments and companies, and a need for sharper planning. Dr. Jane Ininda, AGRA’s seed system trailblazer, shared a roadmap. “Our six-system strategy is our compass,” she said, her eyes alight. “It guides us to deliver seeds that farmers trust and fields that flourish.”
Seeds aren’t just tiny grains—they’re powerhouses. Dr. Ininda revealed that quality seeds can double crop yields, a truth proven in far-off lands like Asia. For Ugandan farmers, this means more maize, beans, and hope to feed their families and fuel Uganda’s economy. Dr. Paul Mwambu, a leader from Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, added, “Climate-smart seeds fight hunger and climate chaos, giving farmers a shield against tough times.”
AGRA’s track record sparkles. Over two decades, they’ve trained 653 scientists, unleashed 688 new crop varieties, and nurtured 119 seed companies. Their 40,000-strong agro-dealer network has slashed the journey for Ugandan farmers to find seeds from a grueling 30 km to a manageable 10 km. Across 18 African nations, AGRA’s work has churned out 847,000 tons of seeds, touching 33 million lives.
Yet, the horizon calls for more. “We need to triple our speed,” Dr. Njoroge urged, his voice a rallying cry. Teamwork between governments, companies, and farmers is the secret sauce. Dr. Mwambu nodded, “Partnerships will keep quality seeds flowing, from labs to Ugandan fields.”
As Africa’s population swells, the stakes soar. The event crackled with stories of success, from thriving seed companies to clever marketing tricks, shared across borders. Dr. Mwambu’s final words echoed like a drumbeat: “Let’s plant the seeds of transformation together.”
This wasn’t just a meeting it was a spark. AGRA and Ugandan farmers are weaving a tapestry of resilience, where every seed sown grows into a future of abundance, stitching together a stronger, greener Africa.
