Ames, Iowa, USA
May 5, 2026
Strengthening seed systems is one of the most powerful ways to transform agriculture, improve livelihoods and ensure food security across Africa, according to Yacouba Diallo, secretary general of the African Seed Trade Association.
Diallo shared his insights during a recent episode of GermiNation, the podcast produced by the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, where he discussed the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of agriculture on the African continent.
“Agriculture is not only a livelihood. It is a matter of resistance and resilience of communities,” Diallo said, reflecting on his early work with smallholder farmers in Burkina Faso.
Barriers to quality seed access
Diallo emphasized that access to quality seed remains one of the most significant barriers facing farmers today. He outlined several key challenges, including limited awareness, fragmented regulatory systems, weak distribution networks, financial constraints, and gaps in the availability of climate-smart seeds.
“The biggest challenges farmers face in accessing quality seeds are multiple,” he said. “Sometimes they are not aware of the technologies, and many fragmented and restrictive regulatory systems do not facilitate farmer access.”
These barriers can have far-reaching consequences, particularly for youth entering the agricultural sector. Without reliable seed, even well-trained young farmers can become discouraged when crops fail to germinate or produce expected yields.
Seeds as a foundation for growth
According to Diallo, improving access to high-quality seed is one of the most effective ways to boost productivity and strengthen food systems.
“Quality seeds contribute up to 30 or 50 percent of crop yields,” he said. “If we have a strong seed system, we can increase productivity, address nutrition and create economic opportunities for communities.”
Beyond yield, Diallo highlighted the growing role of seeds in addressing nutritional challenges, pointing to the development of nutrient-dense varieties that can help combat hidden hunger.
Blending tradition and innovation
A key theme of the conversation was the importance of integrating traditional agricultural knowledge with modern science. Diallo said sustainable progress depends on collaboration between these two approaches.
“We do not need to replace traditional knowledge with modern techniques,” he said. “It is how we combine both and take advantage of the knowledge from both sides to bring solutions to farmers.”
He also emphasized the value of participatory approaches, where farmers are directly involved in developing and testing new technologies. When farmers see results firsthand, adoption rates increase significantly.
The role of education and youth
Given that Africa is home to one of the youngest populations in the world, Diallo pointed to education as a critical driver of agricultural development.
“There is no agricultural development without education, particularly education of the youth,” he said.
He explained that training programs that combine technical knowledge, access to inputs and market connections can help farmers move from subsistence to sustainable agribusiness models. These efforts improve productivity and create pathways for economic mobility.
Innovation driving the future
Looking ahead, Diallo identified several areas of opportunity, including advances in plant breeding, biotechnology and digital agriculture. Tools such as gene editing and mobile-based technologies are making it easier to develop climate-resilient crops and deliver information directly to farmers, even in remote areas.
“With digital solutions, we can fast-track the dissemination of knowledge and reduce the cost of education and training,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of engaging youth in agribusiness and entrepreneurship, noting that the continent’s growing population presents both challenges and opportunities for agricultural markets.
A call to action
Diallo concluded with a message for global leaders and the seed industry, saying collaboration and investment are essential to building stronger seed systems.
“We need enabling policies, stronger partnerships and increased investment in the sector,” he said. “If the seed industry can provide high-quality, climate-resilient seeds at an affordable cost, we can achieve food security and support economic development across the continent.”
The episode underscores a central theme of GermiNation, that seeds are more than an agricultural input. They are a catalyst for resilience, innovation and growth.
As Diallo’s insights make clear, the future of agriculture in Africa and around the world may begin with ensuring that every farmer has access to the seeds they need to succeed.
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