The focus on growth in Rwanda’s seed sector reflects Rwanda’s commitment to transforming agricultural production as outlined in the nation’s fourth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 4). Since 2019, efforts to rapidly privatize seed production and distribution have brought many different perspectives to the table, with a range of views emanating commercial seed companies, government regulatory and research agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the international agricultural research community.
Photo credit: David Spielman/IFPRI
Fundamental to the growth of Rwanda’s seed sector are the policies and regulations that govern varietal development and seed marketing. A pivotal moment in advancing this agenda occurred at a workshop organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), CGIAR, and their partners, where 50 participants discussed the findings of an analysis of Rwanda’s seed regulatory system prepared by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and New Markets Lab (NML). The workshop highlighted an analysis of legal and regulatory processes and procedures along four key dimensions of Rwanda’s seed systems regulatory value chain: (i) varietal registration and release processes, (ii) early generation seed (EGS) production and distribution, (iii) seed quality assurance systems, and (iv) seed trade.
James Warner, lead of IFPRI’s Rwanda Strategy Support Program, opened the workshop by emphasizing the pivotal role of evidence-based research in enhancing agricultural policies. David Spielman, director of IFPRI’s Innovation Policy and Scaling Unit and co-lead of the CGIAR Seed Equal Research Initiative discussed the importance of delivering genetic gain to smallholder farmers’ fields, particularly for women and youth farmers, and shared regional best practices and pitfalls in seed policy for Rwanda to consider.
The keynote address was given by Katrin Kuhlmann, president and founder of the New Markets Lab and faculty co-director of the Georgetown Law Center on Inclusive Trade and Development, in Washington D.C. She provided an in-depth analysis of Rwanda's seed sector laws and regulations, mapping both the innovative practices and regulatory gaps that need to be addressed to ensure the growth of Rwanda’s seed sector.
On hand to discuss the analysis was Beatrice Uwumukiza, Director General of the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA). She lauded the collaboration between researchers and the Rwandan government, emphasizing the significance of evidence-backed suggestions. Ms. Uwumukiza briefly outlined RICA's mandate and the seed registration process and emphasized the for continued expert analysis as the seed sector grows and develops.
A panel discussion expertly moderated by Adron Naggayi Nalinya, international legal specialist at NML, explored policy and regulatory options to enhance the reach, inclusiveness, and impact of Rwanda's seed sector. Panelists included Bosco Safari, managing director of Tri-Seeds Co. Ltd., , Kate Ojungo, the country representative of Kenya Seed Company Rwanda Ltd., and Joseph Moughan, founding director of the Seed Centre at the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture and director of seeds systems innovation at One Acre Fund. The panel addressed the challenge of private sector growth, seed quality assurance, efforts to control counterfeit seeds, and enhanced communication among stakeholders.
The workshop culminated with closing remarks from Innocent Namuhoranye, chairperson of the National Seed Association of Rwanda (NSAR). Expressing gratitude to stakeholders, he reiterated the pivotal role of a functional seed sector in propelling Rwanda's agricultural growth. He commended the Rwandan Government for its continued support to the seed industry and expressed the need to make the sector more appealing to attract talent and investment.
About the Authors.
Delice Isimbi - Professional Intern, IFPRI, Rwanda Strategy Support Program
Josue Niyonsingiza - Senior Research Analyst, IFPRI, Rwanda Strategy Support Program
David Spielman – Director, IFPRI, Innovation Policy and Scaling (IPS)
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