18 Nov 2018

The “Manual de Produção e Comercialização de Sementes”, developed and published by the FTf- SEMEAR, is designed to provide general guidelines regarding seed production practices and to provide specific practical details relevant to the farming, harvest , processing and storage of seeds of good quality. It is envisaged that this booklet will be used not only by the project field technicians and direct beneficiaries, but will also support the work of agriculture extensionists, seed enterprises and seed farmers, and the public in general. It is written with the understanding that different institutions and projects will have different priorities and protocols, which they may wish to adhere to, and is not meant to be the definitive guide to seed production. This booklet is therefore best regarded as a guide to the practice followed by SEMEAR. This is a living document, which will be updated and expanded periodically. 

24 Oct 2018

SEMEAR participation on the 25th October 2018 Official Ceremony for the launch of the Agriculture Season in Nampula have been overwhelmed with increased interest by participants to learn about seed products being promoted. During the Launch Ceremony in Monapo, that was participated by Governmental Delegates (Provincial Governor – Victor Borges; Provincial Director of Agriculture, SDAEs from other Districts), seeds companies and farmers, the Minister for Public Works Dra Carmelita Namachulua (representing the President of Mozambique), showed interest and curiosity to learn about products displayed in the SEMEAR stand. She was also very enthused by the presence/testimony of seeds producers (eg Américo Sisseque) who have indicated the positive impact the support SEMEAR is doing to improve their capacity in seed production and supply in the communities. 

17 Oct 2018

With SEMEAR, the soybean seed sector has improved remarkably over the last few years because larger quantities of seeds were produced domestically, and also farmers are increasingly depending on seeds produced by others, instead of using their own saved seeds. The Hoyo-Hoyo Agribusiness (HH) enterprise, in Gurué, met with SEMEAR to buy soybean seeds for the up-coming crop season, after a successful harvest in 2018, using two SEMEAR soybean varieties. The certified soybean seeds were supplied to HH by COPAZA/SBS farmers, a FTF-Partnering for Innovation’s partner, who had received basic seeds from SEMEAR for multiplication. Soybean yields varied between 2,2 – 2,9 tons/ha, well above the average yield of 1.3 ton/ha. HH is planning to expand its soy production to cover 2,500 ha and an estimate of 3,000 – 4,000 tons of grains, annually. Farmer Abdul Nazimo, from Dómwe, who was supported by SEMEAR to produce certified seeds in the last crop season, sold 1.5 tons to Centro de Tecnologias de Angonia, at 50 Mts /kg, for planting 30 ha for soy grains, sale price estimates at about 25 Mt/Kg.

30 Sep 2018

See the English version

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Veja a versão em Português

16 Sep 2018

On September 21, SEMEAR is hosting its third annual meeting in Chimoio, Manica Province. During the meeting, the SEMEAR team will share the progress and results after three years of implementation. Related USAID activities and other donor funded projects have been invited and will share their experiences. Opportunities for partnerships to leverage on existent resources and activities will be identified and discussed which may result in expanded impacts and scale up of SEMEAR outcomes. The Governor of Manica Province has confirmed his attendance, and both Provincial Agriculture Directors of Manica and Tete will attend. From MASA three national Directors have confirmed their attendance, including the Director of Planning and International Cooperation. In total, 100 participants are expected in the meeting. 

10 Sep 2018

A new partnership between SEMEAR and INVXT, a mozambican NGO based in Nampula, will result in more land dedicated to seed production and improved management. INVXT is a local NGO that supports integrated community development with 1,500 ha of land in the district of Corrane, Nampula province. Working in this land are 100 smallholder farmers, for the production of and sale of grains and seeds of selected crops, including groundnut, cowpea and sesame. SEMEAR will visit visit Corrane with INVXT in early October, in preparation of the 2019 crop season. Support from SEMEAR will include training of farmers and supply of the basic seed for farmers engaging in certified seed production. The good thing is that INVXT will buy the seeds from the farmers and this will enhance farmers adoption and willingness to produce good quality seeds as the market is guaranteed.

03 Sep 2018

A new partnership was set between SEMEAR and ECOPS, a FTF RAMA-NC grantee, for seed multiplication. ECOPS is a business enterprise located in Alto Molocué District of Zambézia Province and with their 5 tractors they are ready to expand their production. With SEMEAR the company aims to plant 3 to 5 ha for seed multiplication and more certified seeds of common bean, groundnuts and pigeon pea are expected for the coming season. The two partners have also agreed to host joint demo plots and field days to improve farmers’ adoption of improved technologies. Through training SEMEAR will contribute for capacity building of the ECOPS technical staff on seed business development.

14 Jul 2018

On 15th July 2018, the Governor of Tete, His Excellence Paulo Auade visited the 50 ha seed production field of  SEMEAR in Ulóngue, district of Angónia. The visit was held in preparations for the Presidential visit that is scheduled for the 1st of August 2018.

The Governor was accompanied by the Provincial Director of Agriculture and Food Security , Dr. Medonça, Chief of Provincial Extension Department and the Director of SDAE  in Angónia. The visitors were informed that 5 improved varieties of soybean, common bean, cowpea, pigeon pea and groundnuts were being produced and during the visit, some crops were being harvested while pigeon peas was yet to reach maturity. The project informed the visitors that about 60 tons of pre-basic and basic seeds  are expected from the field. The field is a joint effort of SEMEAR and IIAM (MASA) to respond to the national demand for basic seeds from seed producers.

31 May 2018

Read our latest Success Story at www.agrilinks.org/post/farming-serious-profession 

20 May 2018

A new pest—southern armyworm, Spodoptera eridania (Stoll)—has been discovered in West and Central Africa!

This introduced second armyworm species from the Americas was first found in cassava fields in south-eastern Nigeria in December 2016, reported Dr Georg Goergen, Entomologist/Biocontrol Specialist and Head of IITA’s Biodiversity Center in Bénin. Its presence was confirmed by DNA barcode analysis at IITA headquarters in Ibadan.

The recent introduction of the fall armyworm (FAW) into the African continent and its growing threat to agriculture and food security have caused great concern in many of the 44 countries of tropical Africa invaded by this pest. Originating from the tropical regions of the Americas the FAW adult has a remarkable capacity for long distance migration and high female fertility. Its crop-destroying caterpillars can cause serious damage to maize but also to other important crops such as sorghum, rice, and vegetables.

Learn more at: http://www.iita.org/news-item/new-pest-identified-west-central-africa/

19 May 2018

During a participatory selection of improved varieties, SEMEAR observed that women and men farmers rank legume varieties differently and prefer different combinations of traits depending on the intended use. For cowpea, a major food security legume, female farmers often prefer palatability and fast cooking to yield. In fact, there is an increasing demand for the cowpea variety IT 18 because, according to recent interactions with SEMEAR in Angonia, women indicated that eating the leaves of this variety boosts milk production of lactating mothers.

10 Apr 2018

The Provincial Representative of the Council of Ministers followed by the Provincial Director of Agriculture and Food Security of Tete visited a SEMEAR basic seed multiplication field in Ulongue (Angónia, Tete province) on 5th March and 11th April, respectively. These visits were aimed at strengthening the partnership between the SEMEAR Project and the Government of Mozambique in order to enhance national policy dialogue on seed and fertilizer supply. It was evident during these field visits that SEMEAR is supporting the National Strategy for Agricultural Development by contributing to the increase of the production and supply of improved seed, which leads to increased income and improved food security.

The Delegation also visited a field for certified seed multiplication belonging to a youth group that is being jointly supported by SEMEAR and SNV/OYE Project. This field is part of the initiatives being carried by the project to sustainably increase access of improved seed by farmers for increased incomes and food security.

29 Mar 2018

On 30 of March 2018, SEMEAR in partnership with SNV distributed kits for the chemical control of pests and diseases that are affecting seed fields of young farmers in Nampula, Zambézia and Tete provinces. In addition, beneficiaries were trained in the correct use and handling of chemicals, and received protective equipment. By using the kits (composed of spraying machine, Cipermetrina, forts K, Imodacloropril and Zakanaka) and applying accurate spraying techniques, young farmers will be able to catalyze their seed production and increase  productivity – “we were very worried about our sesame production, but now we are confident that we will have high yields”.

22 Mar 2018

Soybeans need Phosphorous (P). The FTF-SEMEAR project worked with YARA Fertilizer Ltd to develop and supply a better fertilizer blend to meet this need, improving the input efficacy and the economic feasibility of fertilizer.  For the past 30 years, Mozambican farmers have used the same fertilizer formulation for all crops, often paying for nutrients that their crops and the soils did not need.  The Government of Mozambique policy is to develop fertilizer recommendations that are soil and crop specific. The YARA P fertilizer blend costs 80% less and has four times higher concentration of P when compared to the most common fertilizer (NPK) available in the local markets. One 50 Kg bag of the YARA P fertilizer is equivalent to four 50 Kg bags of NPK fertilizer that most farmers still use. Thus, only 2 bags of the YARA P formulation are sufficient for one hectare; instead of the 8 bags that farmers used previously for soybeans. This substantially reduces the costs/ha, increasing farmers gross margins and encourage more farmers to use P fertilizers in their fields. In the SEMEAR demo plots, managed by farmers, the application of P increased soybean yields by 74% (753 kg/ha) with an additional income of 10,095 MZN/ha ($168/ha). Fertilizers that address specific crop and soil requirements result in higher profits for farmers, encourage fertilizer use, and improve soil health.       

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During his visit, the director visited also Tsangano a district in Tete where the project is engaging community-based seed farmers to multiply certified seeds. The visitors couldn’t hide their satisfaction and congratulated the project on the good work being done. Resulting on this visit, the DPSA confirmed that a high level visit by the Council of Ministers will include the projects work and seed fields in Angónia to be visited.

04 Mar 2018

The Director DPSA Tete visited Angónia and the SEMEAR 50 ha seed production fields have been put under his visit itinerary. The project has established a seed multiplication field together with IIAM, under its marginal land belonging to the Livestock Research Station of Angónia (EZA). In this field, the project has established in the current season, 50 ha pre-basic and basic seeds for soybeans, groundnuts, common beans and pigeon pea multiplication. Once in the field, the DPSA interacted with project staff and he was updated about project activities in Tete (Angónia, Tsangano and Macanga districts). The Director got very impressed and witnessed the effort being done to effectively ensure seeds are locally available and used by farmers leading to increased production and productivity.

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During his visit, the director visited also Tsangano a district in Tete where the project is engaging community-based seed farmers to multiply certified seeds. The visitors couldn’t hide their satisfaction and congratulated the project on the good work being done. Resulting on this visit, the DPSA confirmed that a high level visit by the Council of Ministers will include the projects work and seed fields in Angónia to be visited.

01 Feb 2018

On February 2nd, SEMEAR project participated in the “2018 Academic Year Opening Fair” in Nampula city, where renowned companies from the Province exhibited their products, services and technologies. SEMEAR displayed information about the project and samples of improved seeds.

While visiting SEMEAR’s stand, His Excellency the Province Governor of Nampula, Victor Manuel Borges, underlined the importance of improved seed for increasing the productivity of smallholder farmers, which translates into more income for the households.

25 Jan 2018

A recent analysis revealed that seeds produced by SEMEAR in 2017 can benefit the legume production system up to 2020. The total volume of certified seeds produced in FY17 can, in short term, cover an area of 63,423 Ha for more than 200,000 families in 2018. A similar trend is expected for 2019 and 2020. By 2019 the basic seeds produced in FY2017 would have been transformed in certified seeds which can cover 120,000 Ha for more than 400,000 families. Similarly, the breeder and pre-basic seeds produced in FY 2017 will go through basic seed stages in FY18 and then certified seeds in 2019. By FY20 the breeder seeds produced in FY17 will cover an area of about 2.7 million hectares of land and benefit nearly 6 million farmers. This suggests that the output of SEMEAR will have an incremental impact on area of land cultivated with legume crops, farmers incomes and food security. Since the project will continue to produce early generation seeds up to 2020, it will be contributing to the legume seed system up to 2023, which is 6 years from now. Challenges will continue on ensuring a sustainable certified seed production, good quality control and an increasingly stronger seed sector.

27 Dec 2017

Impressed by SEMEAR results, Jonas Jacob Lazaro, owner of Agro-Sikadzakoka, invested more than 700.500 Meticais on SEMEAR basic seed in order to improve his seed multiplication operations in the upcoming agricultural season.  He purchased from SEMEAR 1.5 Ton of soybean at 95 MZN/Kg, 2.5 Ton of common bean at 160 MZN/Kg, 200 Kg of pigeonpea at 100 MZN/Kg and 1 Ton of groundnut at 140 MZN/Kg. Agro-Sikadzakoka will produce soybean (Wamini, Zamboani and Wima), common bean (Cal 143 and Sugar 131), pigeonpea (ACEAP 000557) and groundnut (CG7) improved varieties. Jonas’ ultimate goal is to boost seed availability and improve the quality of seed distributed in his network of more than 500 out growers that have been producing seed for more than two years.

13 Dec 2017

Américo and Irene Sisseque, a couple of farmers in the locality of Itoculo, have decided to embark onseed business venture in FY18. They started with sesame and cowpea (half a hectare of each crop) through SEMEAR’s support (training in improved agricultural practices, support on disease and pest control, and access to pre-basic seed) to start off a seed multiplication activity in their community to respond to farmers challenges on seed supply. In FY17 they got inspected by the seed authorities, harvested the seed and were awarded a certificate for the seed. After sales of seed at a good price (630 Kg of cowpea sold at 45 MZN/kg *, and 119 Kg of sesame sold at 75 MZN/kg*), the couple decided that they will continue with the activity by themselves as they already gained adequate knowledge. They plan to increase the area for seed production and establish the first community seed business in Itoculo –Monapo district of Nampula.

SEMEAR activities in Monapo district benefit from the structures formerly established by Vilas do Milénio which is a governmental program that aims at supporting national strategies for socio-economic growth. Besides introducing SEMEAR team to rural communities, Vilas do Milénio co-hosted agricultural trainings, provided mechanized services during land preparation activities, and loaned agricultural inputs to SEMEAR beneficiaries.

* Cowpea grain currently costs 25 MZN/kg and the grain price of sesame is currently at 55 MZN/kg.

19 Nov 2017

The week at IITA is the time all IITA scientists, management and Board of Trustees gather at IITA Headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria to research and effective delivery of research technologies to make the desired impacts of alleviating hunger, poverty and natural resource degradation. IITA Mozambique engaged in various discussions and presented the work carried out in Mozambique. A poster on the work and impact of SEMEAR was presented. The meetings ended with an IITA 50th Anniversary Conference on “Towards Food and Nutrition Security for the next half Century: Challenges, Opportunities and Strategies” for the next 50 year cycle. Speakers included World Food Prize Laureates, Ministers and Heads of renowned organizations. The Conference was chaired by H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, Chair for the Nigeria Zero Hunger Forum and Honorary International Ambassador of IITA.

18 Oct 2017

To enhance market access and trigger the development of a sustainable seed systems, the project Feed the Future Mozambique Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture (SEMEAR), is supporting community seed producers in the multiplication, certification and establishment of functional linkages with potential seed buyers for the uptake of their produce. In Monapo district of Nampula province, various groups and individual seed farmers like for example Mr. Mussa (from Namareco farmers association) produced and managed to sell 550 kg of improved sesame seed, variety Lindi, under the support of SEMEAR to his local neighbors at a cost of 75 MZN/Kg. Another farmers association (AFANE) also reported to have produced 140kg of sesame seed that was then certified by the National Seed Services in Itoculo, Monapo district. From this seed, 21kg have already been sold to neighbours. Another prominent seed farmer (Sr. Américo) also sold 119kg sesame seed in Nampula. Farmers showed satisfaction as they managed to sell seeds at 75 MZN/kg compared to the grain price of sesame that is currently at 55 MZN/kg. In addition to the sales of sesame seed to local farmers in Monapo, AFANE also multiplied 525kg of cowpea, variety IT16 that was also certified and part of it (450kg) was sold to other farmers in Nampula at a price of 40 MZN/kg. Cowpea grain currently costs 25 MZN/kg.

It’s being evident and clear to farmers the advantages and benefits of using improved seeds. Another important change in the communities is the growing interest from seed multipliers in acquiring and using quality foundation material (basic seed) supplied by SEMEAR for multiplication of improved seeds in the communities.

13 Sep 2017

The FTF Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture (SEMEAR) activity held its second year review and planning meeting on September 11-12, followed by the project annual meeting on September 14, in Nampula.  The team analyzed the project results and agreed in activities to be implemented during the upcoming crop season starting in October 2017.  They presented SEMEAR results to a larger group of stakholders including more than 50 participants representing seed authorities of the Ministry of Agriculture (MASA), the director general of the Agriculture Research Institute, researchers, farmers, seed companies and USAID implementing partners working in the development of the seed value chain (INOVA, Seed Trade project, SPEED+).  Data presented by SEMEAR showed that 40% of the households (HH) in Nampula produce groundnuts, 25% in Zambezia produce pigeon peas and/or soybeans, 25% of HH in Manica produce cowpeas, and common beans are produced in the highlands of Tete and Manica.  More than 29,000 HH have benefited from project activities and 122 organizations received USG assistance to develop their businesses and farming activities.  The participants were well impressed with the results and acknowledged the contribution from SEMEAR to increase the supply of basic seeds to seed companies.  Community seed banks are greatly increasing farmers access to seeds and, with the SEMEAR support, a farmers’ association has recently got their first lot of seeds officially certified. However, and in spite of the recently approved seed regulations, the private sector raised their concerns about lack of professionalism of public institutions providing seed certification and inspection services.  

02 Sep 2017

The USAID funded program Feed the Future Mozambique Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture (SEMEAR) participated in the 53rd edition of the Feira Agropecuária, Comercial e Industrial de Moçambique (FACIM-2017) held in Maputo province. Throughout the event SEMEAR distributed informative materials and show cased improved seeds of soybeans, cowpea, common beans, groundnuts, pigeon-pea and sesame. The event was a remarkable opportunity to create linkages and create awareness about the SEMEAR project among seed systems actors; and the stand was visited by His Excellency Filipe Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique.

30 Aug 2017

The National Seed Promotion Association (APROSE) will be holding a conference on business opportunities in the seed sector - Maputo 31st of August 2017.

This meeting aims at providing a platform to discuss business opportunities in the seed value chain and to foster seed stakeholder’s investment, participation and inclusive growth along the value chain. The conference also includes the presentation and discussion of recently approved seed regulations, seed policy matrix, existing services for seed farmers, challenges and progress; as well as discuss how to improve coordination between donors and projects funding the seed sector. SEMEAR is expected to make a presentation about its results and progress so far. SEMEAR will also participate in the conference exhibition.  APROSE has requested funding support to several USAID projects including SEMEAR, SPEED+ and the regional Seed Trade Project.

20 Aug 2017

The Feed the Future Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture (SEMEAR) management team is participating in the Southern Africa IITA Hub’s Annual Retreat in Livingstone – Zambia, from 21 – 26 August 2017.The Retreat convene IITA’s staff from the SAA region and senior staff from headquarters to evaluate and discuss progress of IITA projects in the region, including SEMEAR. Participants make presentations and receive inputs and recommendations from the IITA research community to improve each project’s implementation and delivery.

31 Jul 2017

A farmer’s association called AFANE - Associação Frente Agrícola de Namiro, in the district of Monapo, with 28 members, of which 14 are women, produced 525 kg of cowpea seeds and 112 Kg of sesame seeds. With the support from the FTF-SEMEAR project, AFANE’s seeds were first time certified by the National Seed Services – Regional Laboratory of Nampula. SEMEAR has facilitated seed inspections during the past crop season and on the 18th August 2017, the Seed Laboratory issued a Certificate to the seed produced and attached a batch number to it. The certification of this association is one more step for community based seed production aiming at improving farmer’s access to sustainable and a profitable seed business. AFANE is very happy with the attribution of certificate and batch numbers which shows their commitment to improved farming practices, production of seeds of good quality and compliance with the national seed regulations. The certified seeds produced will be primarily marketed to farmers in the district of Monapo, and to other districts in the Nampula province.

16 Jul 2017

SEMEAR is using multimedia approaches to inform seed enterprises, agrodealers and farmers about existing opportunities for multiplication of improved varieties and how the project can support its partners in the preparation of the 2017/18 crop season. An extensive interview  to the project manager was published in “Jornal de Notícias” and broadcast in “Rádio Mozambique”  and questions were answered on how seed producers and farmers can get in touch with the SEMEAR team and its partners. To support SEMEAR’s educational programs, local radio stations from Tete and Zambezia provinces will soon broadcast information about improved agricultural practices in both Portuguese and local dialects.Through these media campaigns SEMEAR will reach the general public, and attract more farmers and partners.

28 Jun 2017

SEMEAR project participated at the Gastronomic Fair held in June 29th to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Universidade do Lúrio (UniLúrio) in Nampula. SEMEAR stand showed-case improved seeds, varieties and related project information. The event was a remarkable opportunity to “spread the word” about SEMEAR. During his visit to the stands, The University Chancellor and Deputy Chancellor acknowledged SEMEAR stand saying that it provided very useful information on legume seed crops and thanked the team for their participation.

26 Jun 2017

The SEMEAR agribusiness specialist, Mr. Abdala Jamal, met with the Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs (OYE), a project implemented by SNV, a Deutsch NGO and funded by the Master Card Foundation and the ISPM business incubator called Agro-Garante, funded by GAPI. SEMEAR and this two projects agreed to support and improve the business network of 80 promising young graduates and students, by  engaging them in the seed production and supply chain in the districts of Angónia, Gurué, Ribáue and Rapale, all in the FTF ZOI.  Engaging the youth in the agribusiness is a strategy to improve the employment opportunities for graduates in districts with high agricultural potential. Production and supply of quality seeds is growing as a profitable business.

18 Jun 2017

A total of 46 farmers from Mogovolas district of Nampula province, participated in a training session on post-harvest management techniques. Training was administered by the SEMEAR project to equip farmers with practical post-harvest management techniques, and knowledge and skills to identify and effectively control pests from the farm to the store. Proper chemical handling and application was also covered. Farmers, after the training session, demonstrated satisfaction and indicated that the training will help them preserve their seeds and secure healthy foods for their households.

More at www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtkQ7LKjQY0

06 Jun 2017

A 3-days training was funded by the FTF- SEMEAR program and was implemented by the National Seed Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Chimoio between June 7 - 9. Lack of qualified and sufficient seed inspectors has been indicated to be a key constraint to improve the quality of available seeds and to increase the supply of certified seeds. 50 participants from seed companies, MASA, IIAM and SEMEAR attended the training; all should become certified seed inspectors helping MASA in this endeavor.  The training was officially opened by the Provincial Director of Agriculture and Food Security of Manica – Enga Sónia Namaumbo, who said  “only with good quality seed and good farming practices Mozambique will be in a position to supply the local market and even export seeds”.

More at www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7wgHRDpOFs

07 Jun 2017

An MoU was signed in Chimoio on June 8 between SEMEAR and the Instituto Superior Politécnico de Manica (ISPM). SEMEAR will provide support to ISPM graduate students through its business incubation platform to improve their capacity for seed business and marketing development. In the same occasion a MoU was signed between SEMEAR and the Empresa Miranda Agrícola, based in Corrane, district of Monapo. Miranda Agrícola is a farm business enterprise dedicated to production of cowpea, sesame, soybean, groundnut, pigeonpea and other crops. Through the MoU the company is committed to increase availability, access and good prices to farmers of seeds and farm inputs to surrounded communities.  

05 Jun 2017

A training workshop was held by SEMEAR on June 6 – 7 in Chimoio aiming at improving the project’s team capacities and skills to implement, monitor and evaluate project activities and impacts. The workshop helped building consensus between team members and key partners on methodologies and approaches to deliver and improve results. This is the SEMEAR’s second year of implementation.

24 May 2017

Cecília João, a farmer in Nampula province is a mentor and inspiring leader in the Teterrene community. Her path to success began in 2015, when Associação das Mulheres Olhasana (AMO), the local female association that she co-founded, began fighting aflatoxin through the USAID-funded project Aflasafe. She and her group of female farmers are now leading the Community seed production  with the support they receive from Feed the Future Mozambique Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture (SEMEAR). Her success story was shared in this month AGRILINKS  issue - https://agrilinks.org/blog/%E2%80%9Cwe-never-had-such-good-production%E2%80%9D

22 May 2017

On May 23, seventy three farmers and dealers (29 women) participated in a post-harvest and business management training in Nametoria – district of Angoche. The SEMEAR project agronomists and business management specialist facilitated the training and farmers improved their skills to protect their grain and seeds from attacks by pests and inappropriate storage after harvest. Post-harvest losses account for more than total grain 30% losses between crop seasons. Seeds lose their quality with bad storage hence decreasing germination rates in subsequent planting season resulting in low yields and low income.

08 May 2017

On May 9th, the IIAM Genaral Director Drª Olga Faftine and the Technical Director of DFDTT (Directorate of documentation, training and technology transfer at IIAM) Drª Albertina Alage visited SEMEAR and Vilas de Millenio’s joint activities in Monapo district, where the partners are supporting a farmers’ association to multiply seeds. The delegation witnessed the business opportunity resulting from the multiplication of improved seeds of groundnut, sesame, pigeon pea and cowpea. Targeted seed multipliers have indicated that other farmers are already admiring the vigorous growth and performance of the SEMEAR improved varieties being multiplied and are ready to purchase the seed for the coming cropping season.

07 May 2017

On May 8th, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Mozambique honored IITA management and partners by inaugurating the research facilities in Nampula (offices, seed store, and laboratories for Aflasafe, soil fertility, agronomy and seed quality). The Minister together with the US Ambassador to Mozambique, the local Governor and IITA Senior Management unveiled the plaque during the inauguration and kick started the commemorations of the institution´s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

His Excellency the United States Ambassador to Mozambique, Dean Pittman, informed the gathering that the Feed the Future Improved Seeds for better Agriculture initiative (SEMEAR) which is led by IITA will contribute to the production and supply of 10,000 tons of certified seeds of common beans, cowpea, soybean, sesame, pigeon pea and groundnuts in the target FTF ZOI in a 5 year period.

27 Apr 2017

​The project engaged with the Regional Seed Laboratories in Manica and Nampula to undertake the inspection and certification of several seed multiplication fields. Regular inspections assure that quality standards are achieved and seed multipliers can sell their seeds as certified seeds, hence improving seed traceability, better seed prices and improves farmer’s trustfulness to buy seeds from local markets. The process will also contribute to better M&E data collection on quantities of certified seeds made available to farmers in the project area.

26 Apr 2017

training session on harvest and postharvest management techniques. The training was administered by the SEMEAR project and targeted grain and seed growers from six communities (Murrimo, Magige, Serra, Tetete, Mepagiua, Mamarripe, Mutequelesse). Participants affirmed that the training equipped them with skills to increase their profits.

17 Apr 2017

On April 8th the Feed the Future Mozambique Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture (SEMEAR) was surprised by an unexpected interview from the National TV Channel (TVM) to cover the increasing success of the project in enhancing the agricultural productivity in Gurué District (Zambézia Province). The interview was held during a public agricultural event organized by the district agriculture services. IITA, the SEMEAR implementing partner, was one of the numerous exhibitors. After the interview the TVM journalists went to visit a soya bean seed multiplication field in Namarripe, well known by farmers and development organizations. In April 18th, 90 farmers and stakeholders (39 women) participated in one of the SEMEAR trainings in Domué. Attendance was 30% higher than expected, due to project’s positive impact in Angónia district and public awareness. In addition to post-harvest management technologies, farmers were trained in seed business development and marketing. Participants said that the training equipped them with skills to increase their profits. Media was invited and the event was broadcasted in TVM.

12 Apr 2017

Twelve community-based seed growers (one woman) planted 12ha with improved pigeon pea seeds received from IITA through the FTF-SEMEAR activity. Their seed multiplication fields will yield approximately 12MT of certified seeds enough to provide another 1,200 farmers with better seeds for the next crop season. Mr Potocosse, one of the Malema's 12 beneficiaries is looking forward to a good revenue from his endeavor as potential buyers approached him during a field day he host in his plot with the SEMEAR support. The pigeon pea seed sells at 100 - 150 Mt/Kg ($1.5-2.3US) in local markets.

23 Feb 2017

A photograph submitted by Ana Filipa Couvinhas, Communication Officer for the Feed the Future Mozambique Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture Project also known in Portuguese as SEMEAR, won the third place in the latest edition of the Feed the Future photo contest. The winning image shows Teresa Augusto, a baker living in a Mozambican community where SEMEAR is disseminating improved soybean seeds and complementary crop management practices. Although not a farmer, Teresa and the whole community are benefiting from the increased legume production by consuming soybean derivatives. Every day, Teresa supports local food security by selling 500 loaves of soybean bread to the community in general and the maternity health center; thereby helping to feed future generations with healthy food alternatives. The photo contest was organized by Feed the Future as a way of using pictorial evidence to showcase how development works and how it is helping to shape and transform the lives of beneficiaries. – Source: IITA- News no. 2368.

See more info here.

15 Feb 2017

SEMEAR new improved seed varieties are triggering common bean marketing in Domue, District of Angonia Province of Tete. Farmers who benefited from early maturing varieties of common bean are showing satisfaction as they have started to harvest their crop and already taking them to market before the local varieties are ripe. 

16 Jan 2017

On 10-11 and 16-17 January the Feed the Future Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture hosted M&E workshops in Tete and Nampula provinces to improve partners data collection and reporting to USAID. The workshops support the on-going SEMEAR baseline surveys and continued collection of information for the FTFMS. 

26 Dec 2016

On December 27 the Vice Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Luisa Meque, received a bag with communication and outreach material of SEMEAR (Feed the Future Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture) a five year USAID funded project implemented by IITA in partnership with IIAM, CIAT and ICRISAT. The gift bag was handed by Paula Pimentel, SEMEAR activity manager at USAID.

15 Nov 2016

The Mozambique IITA representative together with the SEMEAR project manager, the seed system agronomist and the monitoring and evaluation specialist participated in the IITA annual planning meeting in Ibadan, Nigeria, from November 16-26. The SEMEAR team had the opportunity to discuss and learn from other African research and development teams improved approaches to address challenges posed to production by  climate change, pest and diseases and how to respond to farmers and market’s needs, particularly in the seed system. The 2016 IITA meeting had the theme “Unleashing the power of IITA Research and Delivery teams to Transform African Agriculture”. The meeting referred SEMEAR and the Malawi Feed the Future activity MISST as two examples of innovative research and private sector partnerships to advance crop productivity and improve the seed production and market systems.

08 Nov 2016

In November 09-10 the National Association for Promotion of the Seed Sector (APROSE) held its first General Assembly in Chimoio. Members of APROSE are seed companies, research and extension organizations, financial institutions, representatives of farmers associations, donors, and government of Mozambique institutions leading the agricultural sector. APROSE goals are to strength the dialogue among seed stakeholders to support the development of a functional national seed sector and value chain, share and disseminate seed sector regulation and have a strong voice to influence the development of supportive policies. The Feed the Future Mozambique Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture (SEMEAR) partially funded the APROSE event and the project manager participated in the meeting. SEMEAR aims at increase farmers’ adoption and use of improved technologies by strengthening the seed sector (public and private) capacity to multiply and distribute basic and certified seeds, and enhance national policy dialogue on seed and fertilizer supply.

01 Nov 2016

SEMEAR participated at the Seed and Agricultural Services Fair: On November 2nd, SEMEAR participated at the Seed and Agricultural Services Fair in Iapala, Nampula Province. The event was organized by InovAgro (DAI, COWI and SDC) in Partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Oruwera, K2, Phoenix Seeds and Ikuru. Throughout the event SEMEAR distributed informative materials and show cased improved seeds of soybeans, cowpea, common beans, groundnuts, pigeon-pea and sesame. The stand was visited by seed companies and numerous farmers that revealed interest on purchasing improved seed. The seed fairs are events which expose farmers, seed companies and stakeholders to SEMEAR improved seed technologies and play a role as a platform for engagement and partnership in the multiplication of certified seeds.

27 Oct 2016

On October 28th, the agriculture cropping season was officially launched by His Excellency the President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, in Mopeia district of Zambezia Province. This event was replicated country wide. The President in Mopeia, announced an official production forecast of five million tons of various food crops, representing an increase of about eleven percent compared to last season's results. It is also estimated that more than 700 thousand tons of legumes will be produced in Mozambique. The event was held in several locations across the country, and SEMEAR participated in the fairs of Anchilo (Nampula Province) and Salima (Tete Province) by exhibiting improved seeds that are expected to raise productivity and farmers’ income in the forthcoming production season.

16 Oct 2016

For its sustained efforts in undertaking groundbreaking research and development that continues to positively affect the lives of millions on the African continent, IITA has been recognized with the 2016 Al-Sumait Prize for Food Security. IITA shares the prize with sister center, International Potato Center (CIP), which was cited for its work on orange-fleshed sweet potato to address Vitamin A deficiency. The two CGIAR centers are the first laureates for food security.

The award was announced by the Al-Sumait board of Trustees in Kuwait on 17 October, and will be officially conferred by the Amir of the State of Kuwait and the President of Equatorial Guinea during a ceremony at the Fourth Arab African Summit in Equatorial Guinea on 22 November.

IITA was specifically recognized by the Al-Sumait board of Trustees for its work in improving the yields and nutritional quality of major staple food crops, such as cassava, banana, and maize...

16 Oct 2016

On October 17, in the district of Ribaue the Feed the Future Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture (SEMEAR) participated in the launch of the FAO electronic voucher program. This program aims at providing agricultural inputs to farmers at subsidized costs. The program covers 57% of the B package cost (7,000.00 Mzn) for crops using high inputs (fertilizer and chemicals added) and 75% for the A package costs (2,000.00 Mzn) for low input production with no fertilizer no chemicals. The program will run from March 2016 to March 2018. It is expected that farmers will continue using the inputs after the end of the program because of their improvements in crop and field productivity. The event was attended by the Nampula Governor, the Ambassador of the EU, the National Director for Agricultural Services of the Ministry of Agriculture, stakeholders and farmers. FAO is including in the packages seeds produced by SEMEAR partners including cowpea, common beans, pigeon pea and soybeans.

12 Oct 2016

The Swiss Development Cooperation and the Mozambique Association to Promote the Seed Sector (APROSE) host a meeting in Maputo on October 13 in preparation to the APROSE general assembly to be held in November 9-10 in Chimoio. The seed association is seeking support to its seven objectives: improved supply and demand of certified/commercial seeds; improved seed quality control systems; training and technical assistance to APROSE members; reinforcement of seed policies and regulations and APROSE institutional capacity building. The USAID funded SEMEAR has already identified APROSE as a key partner in pursuing its goal of contributing to strengthening the Mozambique seed value chain, starting from better supply of pre-basic and basic seeds and advocate for an enabling seed business environment . The USAID funded program SPEED provided support to APROSE through its transition from a seed platform into an association in 2014. Two representatives from USAID funded  projects participated in the Meeting, namely Carlos Malita from SEMEAR and Carolina Raynoso from NCBA-CLUSA.

06 Oct 2016

The Feed the Future Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture (SEMEAR) and FAO agreed to collaborate in improving access and use of certified legume seeds (oilseeds and pulses) by smallholder farmers in the FTF ZOI to build on their programs strengths.  FAO is implementing the agricultural “Input -Voucher program” that includes packages of certified seeds and fertilizers traded through local agro-dealers.

05 Oct 2016

On October 6, in Maputo (Hotel Avenida) ​the USAID-funded AGRA​ / SSTP​ presented the results of a five month study on the Mozambique EGS systems.  The study​, also funded by USAID, was intended to further USAID's approach to facilitating government/private sector/donor partnerships to overcome the serious bottleneck to agricultural productivity caused by the inadequate supplies of high quality early generation (breeder and foundation) seed.  Of the estimated 90,000 MT of seed used in Mozambique, 10,000 MT are quality seeds.  The GOM supplies half of this 10,000  with the private sector supplying the balance.  The study concluded that there are five primary seed systems in Mozambique; a) Informal seed system (farmer-saved seed); b) Intermediary (mainly administered by NGOs and community-based organizations) and; c) Formal seed system (public sector and private local and international seed companies).  It also outlined that IIAM and CGIAR are the primary sources of EGS., that international/regional seed companies are involved in research, breeding, dissemination, maintenance, production and supply of their own genetic material - with strong interest on hybrid maize varieties, and that local seed companies and agro-dealers are mostly engaged in commercial seed production and distribution.

​ The final report report of this study will soon be available. Two Mozambican consultants (Maria Estrela Alberto and Alda Tomo) did the study. The meeting was attended by the National Director of Agriculture and Forestry (DINAS), Mr. Mohamed Valá and the Head of the National Seed Authority, Ms. Elsa Timane, both representing the Ministry of Agriculture. Attendance comprised of more than 25 participants including the President of the National Association to Support Seed Sector Development (APROSE), Mr. Rui Santos; Senior IIAM management and researchers; representatives from the Regional Seed Laboratories and Provincial Agriculture Services. USAID was represented by Paula Pimentel. ​The meeting was chaired by Dr. Paulo Mole, the AGRA Country Representative and facilitated by Ms. Anabela Manhiça the SSTP / Mozambique Coordinator.  

28 Sep 2016

The UN General Assembly declared 2016 the International Year of Pulses and FAO organized a seminar in Nampula on September 29th in collaboration with the Government, NGOs, and all other relevant stakeholders. The Feed the Future - SEMEAR team participated in the event to show case improved seeds of newly released varieties of beans, cowpeas and pigeonpeas, three of the six SEMEAR value chains. The new varieties have higher yields, are tolerant to drought and are more resistant to diseases. The event contributed to heighten public awareness of the nutritional benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production aimed towards food security and nutrition and pulses contribution to improved soil fertility through crop rotations, hence improving farmer’s resilience to climate changes. The Provincial Director of Agriculture, SEMEAR  and representatives from IIAM, UniLurio, Ikuru, CLUSA and CARE presented the current challenges, future opportunities and the benefits of pulses in Mozambique. After the seminar, SEMEAR team invited the FAO and the Austrian Embassy Development Cooperation representatives to visit the new IITA facilities in Nampula and the USAID funded Mycotoxin Laboratory which works in the control of aflatoxins.

28 Aug 2016

Two USAID FTF funded activities - SEMEAR and Aflasafe - were present in FACIM (the Maputo International Fair) from August 21 - 29. SEMEAR exhibited seeds of all six crops that the project is multiplying and the best varieties for different ecologies. (...) Most of the visitants asked were could they get those varieties and all outreach material was well branded and gave great visibility to Feed the Future and to USAID. 

On September 1st the stand was visited by President Nyusi and the Minister of Agriculture, José Pacheco. 

24 Aug 2016

The Mozambique Agricultural Research Institute (IIAM) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MASA) organized a meeting on Thursday 25, with stakeholders (NGOs, private seed enterprise and donor agencies) to discuss the new structure and management of its unit for production of basic seed (USEBA). One of the key performance indicators that IIAM is called to report to MASA is the production of pre-basic and basic seeds in support to the 15 strategic value chains defined for the development of the agricultural sector. USEBA is expected to improve its planning and management capacity to respond to seed demand and should improve its accountability while partnering with seed companies and with donor funded seed projects.  Participants identified key areas for USEBA to improve its performance and to create impact, such as improvement of quality of their basic seeds, mechanisms to improve seed traceability to prevent dealers of selling counterfeit seeds, IIAM breeders to restore the genetic quality of farmers preferred varieties, expand farmers awareness on crop varieties and prioritizing the seed multiplication of the most wanted varieties. IIAM acknowledged that most of the USEBA seed operations are now supported through partnerships with donor funded projects​, including SEMEAR​.

16 Aug 2016

Partners of the Feed the Future Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture (SEMEAR) met for three days (August 17-19) in Nampula to present the first year results of the project, most of which largely surpassed the year targets. Nevertheless, results will be fully reported after August 30, when harvest of pigeonpeas and short season beans will be completed. In spite of the good results partners pointed out drought and security risks as the main challenges that the project faced in some of the districts. Planning for the following season, IITA and partners are committed to produce a total amount of 670.4 Tons of certified seeds to cover 26,808 ha of beans, pigeonpeas, cowpeas, soybeans, groundnuts and sesame. Seed companies however indicated that the success of this plan will depend on farmers increasing their use and demand for good quality seeds and entities should avoid free seed distribution unless in communities seriously hit by natural disasters. The meeting was opened by the Nampula Provincial Director of Agriculture and was attended by researchers, particularly seed breeders, representatives of seed enterprises partnering with SEMEAR and the regional coordinators of the seed platform and the fertilizer platform.   

11 Aug 2016

The Feed the Future Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture (SEMEAR) partnered with the USAID funded project E-Extension implemented by CLUSA, the local government institutions  and several other donor funded activities including the AGRA – SSTP, to develop extension messages for farmers. Approximately 30 voice messages and 30 written messages (SMS) were developed of which 18 were related to improved soybeans technologies, soy seed markets and grain commercialization, including prices.  Messages will reach farmers cellphones through Vodacom 321 Service and will be available as from September 2016.

08 Aug 2016

The Feed the Future Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture (SEMEAR) trained 205 farmers, of which 43 were women, in the district of Angonia in Tete Province. Post-harvest losses are extremely high in the country (an average of 30% of production) due to lack of adequate storage conditions. As a result, smallholder farmers have little wriggle room and are forced to sell their produce soon after harvesting when the prices is at its lowest. The training focused on appropriate post-harvest storage on the six SEMEAR value chains and included presentations, practical demonstrations, 3D animations and group tasks. Representatives from FAO, government agriculture services, seed companies and agro-dealers joined the event.

27 Jul 2016

The Feed the Future Mozambique Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture project held several field days to improve farmers awareness and demand for improved seeds and to share information about seed agro-dealers. Following these events a radio program about the project has been broadcast in the district of Gurué five times a week. The participation in the VII edition of the “Feira Económica Provincial” in Nampula and a presentation to the Provincial Forum for Employment and Business as resulted in a certificate of recognition for SEMEAR contribution to the development of the agricultural sector in the province. 

30 Jun 2016

The USAID funded program Feed the Future Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture (SEMEAR) participated in the MozAgro Input Fair held on July 1-3 in the district of Boane to show case improved seeds of soybeans, cowpea, common beans, groundnuts, pigeon-pea and sesame. The project is partnering with seed enterprises to accelerate the production and wide availability of certified seeds of pulses and oilseeds. Organized by Frutisul, an association of horticulture farmers and input suppliers and the Ministry of Agriculture, the MozAgro Fair exhibited a variety of inputs, agricultural equipment and offered training sessions to farmers on relevant technologies. The event was a remarkable opportunity to “spread the word” about SEMEAR and to improve awareness about the new seed project among farmers, seed producers, traders, policy makers and researchers. SEMEAR representatives were contacted by BioChem, a local company to jointly test biological fertilization on legume crops.

26 Jun 2016

DID YOU KNOW that S E M E A R has six letters and each letter is represented by seeds of one of its six value chains?

19 Apr 2016

On April 20, 2016 the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Agricultural Research Institute of Mozambique launched the five-year USAID-funded activity Feed the Future Mozambique Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture also known as SEMEAR.  The US Ambassador, Dean Pittman participated in the event with the IIAM Director General, Dr. Olga Faftine , the IITA Director for Southern Africa, Dr. David Chibokye and the provincial Director of Science and Technology, Mr. Leo Jamal representing the Nampula Governor. Seven district Administrators and five Chiefs of Economic Activity District Services represented the 19 Feed the Future districts where the activities will be implemented. Farmers, researchers, representatives from seed companies and farmers associations showed their appreciation for the new project. The events had good press coverage - national and local TV, Radio and newspaper journalists. In remarks to the press, Ambassador Pittman emphasized the need to strengthen the seed value chain in Mozambique to improve food security, help farmers to overcome the risks of climate change and increase farmers income. The Feed the Future Mozambique Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture aims to increase the production and supply of breeder, pre-basic, basic and certified seeds of common beans, cowpea, groundnut, pigeonpea, sesame and soybean; scale-up and enhance the adoption of improved crop varieties and best management practices and enhance national policy dialogue on seeds and fertilizer supply. 

05 Feb 2015

On February 6 the Platform for Agricultural Research and Technology Innovation (PARTI) partners met in Nampula to discuss the PARTI-2015 seed production roadmap and how foundation seed can sustainably be produced by USEBA - the foundation seed production unit of the Agricultural research institute of Mozambique (IIAM). The partners said they plan to produce a total of more than 100 MT of foundation seed during the 2014 / 2015 crop season, but that this amount falls far short of demand, even though nobody knew what demand is. The main purchasers and distributors of seeds remain the Ministry of Agriculture, plus WFP and NGOs for emergency requirements.  The meeting recommended that more seeds be made available through local dealers in the locations where they have demo plots that convince farmers it is worth buying better seeds. In addition the participants recommended that USEBA implement a seed revolving fund to enhance sustainability and financial resources for basic research and foundation seed production. A longer term goal is to move more foundation seed production to the private sector, a policy condition under the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition.