Forum for African Seed Testing
Promoting seed testing for Food Security and Economic growth in Africa.

Our Objectives

 

The problem of poor seed quality has plagued African Agriculture for years and has, in part, contributed to the failure of the green revolution in Africa," said FAO Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department senior officer Dr. Robert Guei.

 

Inadequate supply of quality seeds for both food and cash crops is one of the biggest bottlenecks to food production on the continent, contributing to food insecurity, impeded economic growth, reduced seed trade amongst countries and created a dependence on seed and food.

 

The Forum for African Seed Testing (FAST) would also work with 'non-traditional' crops such as African cabbage and black nightshade.

Harmonization of seed quality testing methods for these indegenous tropical crops such as African cabbage and black nightshade, etc. would be a great deal to enhance and support the continent’s native seed trade.

 

Objective 1: To put in place a functional FAST Secretariat.

 

Objectif 2:To ensure and maintain continuous networking of African seed testing laboratories

 

Objective 3: To enhance quality management systems and technical capacity of seed

technologists/analysts and laboratories in Africa through seminars, workshops and other training activities

 

Objective 4: To develop seed testing methods and advise on standards for indigenous African crop species for inclusion in the ISTA rules

 

Objective 5: To increase farmers’ awareness of the use of quality seeds among RECs

 

Objective 6: To serve as a source of information and technical assistance in seed quality assurance

 

Objective 7: To develop partnership and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders at national, regional, continental and international levels