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Collaboration to drive transformative change in Malawi's seed system

The backbone of CISANET’s incredible achievements is its alliance with AGRA, whose financial support propels its vision to new heights. (Image source: AGRA)

The Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET) has partnered with AGRA to begin a remarkable transformation through its dynamic Seed Monitoring Committees (SMCs)

Equipped with a deep understanding of the intricacies of seed production and distribution, SMCs act to ensure that only the highest quality seeds find their way into the hands of farmers. Their work involves monitoring seed quality according to established national standards in a bid to protect farmers from substandard seeds.

Yet their impact doesn’t stop there. Their commitment to excellence extends to every corner of the nation, especially the rural areas, where smallholder farmers are the heartbeat of agriculture. Through collaboration with seed producers and distributors, the SMCs establish plans to ensure a timely availability of certified seeds around the country.

“It is in these remote regions that the spark of transformation ignites, as smallholder farmers gain access to superior seed varieties, unlocking the door to bountiful harvests and financial prosperity,” said CISANET’s programme officer, Thokozani Guta.

The backbone of CISANET’s incredible achievements is its alliance with AGRA, whose financial support propels its vision to new heights. AGRA’s funding fuels an array of groundbreaking initiatives, from the comprehensive training programmes that empower SMC members with unrivaled expertise, to the establishment of robust monitoring mechanisms that strengthen the very foundations of the national seed system. The result is a dynamic force of change, a transformative seed system that propels smallholder farmers towards a future of food security and enriched livelihoods.

The impact of CISANET’s involvement rises beyond immediate improvements in seed quality and availability. With every seed sown, a ripple of collaboration radiates throughout the nation, converging farmers, seed producers, government agencies, and research institutions in a shared space of knowledge, innovation, and growth.

It is here that Malawi’s agricultural landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry of progress, where ideas are nurtured, and boundaries are shattered. Through this collaborative approach, CISANET kindles the flames of agricultural growth, lighting the path toward a prosperous and sustainable future for the country’s smallholder farming households.