Promoting Efficient Seed Governance: Liberia’s Seed Certification Authority and EU-funded Seeds4Liberia Project Train Seed Inspectors and Extension Agents

The Seed Development and Certification Agency (SDCA), with support from the EU-funded Seeds4Liberia project, recently held a three-day technical workshop for seed inspectors and extension officers in Bong County.

According to SDCA’s Director General, Jobson A. Momo, the workshop was designed as part of strategies to eliminate bottlenecks in the seed sector by building a critical mass of well-trained seed inspectors and extension agents who can enforce quality standards, support seed producers, and improve seed system governance across the country.

The workshop brought together key national and international stakeholders—including representatives from the  Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), WorldFish Center, the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA),  Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI),  National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), and the Liberia Agricultural Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA). 

EU-funded Seeds4Liberia Project’s National Coordinator, and AfricaRice’s new Country Representative, Moustapha Gaye, urged participants to build farmers’ confidence in the seed certification process upon their return to the field.

“It is your responsibility to make sure that the seed that goes out is certified, and this is a process and not just labeling. I encourage you to take your job very seriously. Make sure that seed producers are following all the right processes so that farmers, the final end users, are satisfied and have confidence in Liberia’s seed certification processes,” said Mr. Gaye.

The seed sector in Liberia faces several challenges, including limited human capacity in seed inspection, weak enforcement of seed regulations, and poor coordination among institutions. Also, limited awareness among producers on certification procedures is a recognized national concern. These challenges have resulted in the proliferation of low-quality, uncertified seeds in the Liberian market, thereby affecting productivity and food security. With the operationalization of the agency through support from the EU-funded Seeds4Liberia Project, Liberia’s seed sector is ready to be monitored and regulated to ensure high-quality seed delivery to the market.  

Earlier, CARI’s Director General, Dr. Arthur B. Karnuah, underscored the importance of seed to Liberia’s quest for food sufficiency and economic growth. He further emphasized the role of seed inspectors and extension officers in the governance of seeds.

“Seed is an important genetic material, and there is no production that will succeed without quality seed. You will be our frontline soldiers, ensuring that the seeds produced are of high quality. You will also learn all the techniques to be a seed inspector. With that said, we want you to please take this training seriously because you will be the one going out there and we do not want you giving less  because you will not be doing justice to our country,” said Dr. Karnuah

The three-day technical workshop concluded with a visit to fields developed by CARI and the EU-funded Seeds4Liberia Project’s implementing partners –   Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), WorldFish Center.  The moment allowed participants to witness firsthand all the topics addressed by the workshop.

Koulu P. Howard, a participant, shared her impression of the technical workshop. “The knowledge gained through this workshop will help me better support and supervise seed producers. I will work alongside seed producers, helping them make the best decisions that lead to quality seeds while also identifying malpractices meant to undermine our goal of resilient seed systems,” she said.