ACTION PLAN West Africa Seed Committee (COASem-CRSU) by CORAF/WECARD

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

ACTION PLAN

West Africa Seed Committee (COASem-CRSU) In charge of monitoring the implementation of the Harmonized Regional Seed Regulation ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

© 2015 by CORAF/WECARD CORAF/WECARD encourages a fair use of this material. Proper citation is requested. Correct citation CORAF/WECARD (Conseil Ouest et Centre Africain pour la Recherche et le Développement Agricoles/ West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research for Development), 2015. ACTION PLAN, West Africa Seed Committee (COASem-CRSU). In charge of monitoring the implementation of the Harmonized Regional Seed Regulation ECOWAS - UEMOA - CILSS. Dakar, Senegal. Conseil Ouest et Centre Africain pour la Recherche et le Développement Agricoles West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research for Development 7 Avenue Bourguiba B P 48, CP 18523, Dakar, Senegal Tel: +221-338699618; Fax: +221-338699631 Email: secoraf@coraf.org www.coraf.org ISBN 2-916111-22-0 Edit : CORAF/WECARD - WASP/PSAO Design : INFOCOM - Alassane DIA

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

Dr Lapodini Marc ATOUGA, ECOWAS Commissionerin charge of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Water Resources (DAEWR)

1. It would be recalled that one of the most significant partnerships between the regional bodies (ECOW AS, UEMOA and CILSS) and CORAF/WECARD has been : • lthe signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to designate CORAF/WECARD as the technical arm of ECOWAS, in the implementation of the CAADP. The MoU in 2005, has facilitated : • (1) the development and effective implementation of the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAPP) initiated in 2007; (ii) the development and adoption of the Action Plan for the integration of biotechnology in the agricultural system in the ECOWAS region since 2007, (iii) the development of the theme «Sustainable management of agricultural production systems for the Regional Agricultural Invest ment Plan (RAIP) in 2009 «, and (iv) the consensus in 2014, among the Organizations for the establish ment of a Unique West Africa Seed Committee to assist in the implementation of the Harmonized Regional Seed Regulation. 2.

The seed regulation, which is an integral part of the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP), aims, inter alia, to create conditions favorable for the emergence of a strong seed industry, which is able to ensure regular and timely supply of quality seeds in sufficient quantities and at affordable prices, in the 17 countries of the sub-region. The originality of this regulation lies, undoubtedly, in his approach of reframing and clarification. The regulation gives detailed guidance on actions to be taken both by ECOWAS Member States and the ECOWAS Commission, to facilitate its implementation.

To effectively support the implementation of the Regulation, the ECOWAS Commission, in its quest to create favorable conditions for cooperation and pooling of resources, decided to entrust to CORAF/WECARD, the coordination and animation of the West Africa Seed Committee, for a transitional period of five years. The choice of CORAF/WECARD was based on its proven expertise and skills already mobilized for implementing the West Africa Seed Program (WASP).

4. The West Africa Seed Committee (WASC/COASem-CRSU) may be regarded as the engine for driving the emergence of a strong seed industry within the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS region. The Action Plan developed will serve as a guide and a catalyst of the Committee’s operation.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

M. Ibrahima DIEME,

UEMOA Commissioner in charge of the Department of Food Security, Agriculture, Mines and Environment (DFSAME)

1. The MoU signed between the UEMOA Commission and CORAF/WECARD in 2006 resulted in the implementation of several initiatives in the staple crop value chain, livestock and aquaculture genetic resources, and in the cotton sector. 2.

Seed management occupies a dominant position in the UEMOA Agricultural Policy (UAP), the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP) and CILSS Food Security Strategic Framework, with a view to reduce poverty in the region.In this perspective, each of these three Institutions have planned to intervene in the actions in the seed system, including the area of regulation.

The different stakeholders (ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS) and their technical and financial partners, therefore, acknowledged the coexistence of several regulations within the region and the complexity of implementing them. This indeed, does not only result in resource wastage, but also in inefficiency and blockages, especially when the regulatory texts are not harmonized.

4. For the smooth management of the issues relating to agricultural inputs, ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS realizing the complexity of implementing separate regulations, decided to move towards the use of a common approach in implementing the HARMONIZED REGIONAL SEED REGULATION. 5.

The process of developing a HARMONIZED REGIONAL SEED Regulation began in 1998 in Abidjan, Cote dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ivoire where a consensus was reached in the definition of seed policies and programs to improve the production and supply of seeds in the region. This was done in two stages: firstly, between ECOWAS and UEMOA, and secondly, between ECOWAS-UEMOA and CILSS.

6. The establishment of a Unique ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee is an important step in the implementation of the Harmonized Seed Regulation in West Africa, as well as in Mauritania and Chad. For that, I congratulate the three West African Inter Governmental Organizations for achieving this great milestone. 7. In this regard, I reiterate the willingness of the UEMOA Commission, to work in synergy with ECOWAS and CILSS, and also urge stakeholders to support the effective and efficient implementation of the Harmonized Regional Seed Regulation.

VII

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

Dr AdoumDjimĂŠ,

Executive Secretary, CILSS

In 2008, CILSS signed a MoU with CORAF/WECARD on collaborative actions, which facilitated the implementation of the ECOWAS Bio-technology and Bio-safety Program, the Cereal Network, the Regional Seed Regulation and initiatives relating to drought control, resilience and food security in the region. The West Africa Seed Committee which covers the entire Sahel and the West Africa region is an integration tool that reinforces the CILSS resilience strategy in the realization of a process of harmonization of seed policies in ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS region. This Committee will facilitate the promotion of seed trade to increase the supply and improve the quality of seeds in our region. Thus, in carrying out its mission, the committee will contribute to food and nutritional security of the populations in the Sahel and in West Africa.

Aware of this challenge, CILSS has been working for several years in the harmonization of policies on agricultural inputs (pesticides, fertilizers and seeds) and biosafety in its member states. In 2006, CILSS adopted a Framework on the Convention on plant seeds. By positioning itself as a technical arm of ECOWAS and UEMOA, CILSS is now extending this initiative to all the Member States in the ECOWASUEMOA-CILSS region. This collaboration with sister Institutions facilitated the adoption of the Regulation on the Harmonization of Rules Governing Quality Control, Certification and Marketing of Plant Seeds and Seedlings. The Harmonized Regional Seed Regulation was adopted in 2008, by ECOWAS (C / REG.4 / 05/2008) and in 2009, by UEMOA (Regulation No. 03/2009 / CM / UEMOA). This regulation is being extended to all CILSS countries (including Mauritania and Chad), through a tripartite Convention being developed by these three Organizations.

3. In this context, the establishment of a Unique West Africa Seed Committee in charge of the implementation of the Regional Harmonized Seed Regulation in West Africa and in the Sahel is relevant and fully justified. 4. CILSS is firmly committed to working with ECOWAS, UEMOA and CORAF/WECARD to the establishment of this Committee and to support its operations.

VIII

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

Dr Alexandre DEPREZ,

Director, USAID â&#x20AC;&#x201C; West Africa Mission

In 2012/2013 certified seeds marketed in West Africa represented 12.5% of the potential, which was a reflection of seed use by farmers The gap between the seed demand and the actual supply, coupled with the improving favorable policy environment, provide a great opportunity for investment in the seed sector by both the public and the private sector stakeholders

The implementation of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS harmonized seed regulation is on the increase among the 17 Member States. For example while the average implementation level stood at 41% in 2013 it now stands at 77%. In countries, such as Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Senegal with high level of implementation, good progress in seed sector development and in the supply and use of certified seeds are on the rapid increases in recent times.

Continued improvement in the implementation of the regulation will be a priority of the USAID in partnership with ECOWAS, UEMOA, CILSS and CORAF/WECARD. Countries such as Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Cape Verde, Sierra Leone, Mauritania and Chad with low levels of implementation will receive special attention by strengthening their capacities to implement the regulation to ensure effective regional harmonization.

The USAID takes this opportunity to congratulate the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions, the CILSS and CORAF/WECARD Executive Secretariats and partners for making this event a reality. We wish the West Africa Seed Committee a great success in carrying out its mission in assisting and coordinating the implementation of the Harmonized Regional Seed Regulation.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

Dr. Alioune Fall, Director Director General, ISRA, Senegal)

In the implementation of the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP) within the framework of CAADP, ECOWAS designated CORAF/WECARD, through a MoU signed in 2005, as its Technical Arm for the agricultural research and development agenda. In a similar vein, the UEMOA Commission, CEMAC and CILSS signed MoU with CORAF/WECARD in 2006, 2007 and, 2008 respectively. Within this context, CORAF/WECARD as a Sub-Regional Organization under the continental umbrella of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) is implementing the CAADP Pillar IV (Improving Agriculture Research, Technology Dissemination and Adoption) with the objective, broad-based agricultural productivity, competitively and markets sustainably improved for target groups in West and Central Africa.

Recognizing the importance of seeds in agricultural productivity improvements, the ECOWAS Commission by a letter referenced ECWREL/010/CAER/E43/13/fne, and dated March 27, 2013, confided to CORAF/ WECARD, among other responsibilities, the coordination of the establishment of the National Seed Committees (NSCs) in the 17 ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS countries and the management of the West Africa Seed Committee (WASC/COASem) Secretariat for a provisional period of five years. The mission of the COASem is to assist the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions and CILSS in the implementation of regulations in force, related to quality control, certification and marketing of seeds and seedlings, in view of contributing to the development of the seed sector in Member States.

During 2014, CORAF/WECARD carried out a scoping study in the region which resulted in the development and validation of an action plan to establish the WASC/COASem-CRSU and to strengthen the National Seed Committees (NSCs) in the implementation of the regulations. The missions of these committees provide a harmonized approach for regional integration that facilitates seed marketing in West Africa.

4. CORAF/WECARD reaffirms its commitment to support the implementation of the agricultural policies of the ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS and for that matter, the seed policy.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

RESUME EXECUTIF This action plan has been developed within the general context of the weaknesses in the agricultural sector in the ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS countries where yields and productivity per farmer are among the lowest in the world. On the average, the region spends approximately19% of its revenue on imports of food while the agricultural sector experiences the highest proportion of people living in poverty. Seed contributes nearly 40% to yield increase and in order to realize its potential in achieving the food sovereignty objective of CAADP, ECOWAP and PAU, two key conditions must be fulfilled as follows : i) Necessity for Member States to provide in sufficient quantity, certified seeds of improved varieties ii) A legal and regulatory framework must be established in order to set a free trade area of certified seed. The ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS harmonized Regional Seed Regulation is one of the instruments necessary to achieve the agricultural development objectives enshrined in the agricultural policies of the ECOWAP, PAU and the CAADP. The harmonized regulation is hinged on three major axes. These are : • Release and registration of new varieties of plant species and varieties in national catalogues of Member States and the Regional Catalogue (which is a compilation of of national catalogues); • Quality control and certification of seeds; and • Importation and exportation of seeds. The operationalization of this framework is reflected in the activities of the governing bodies:: (i) the West Africa Seed Committee, common to the three regional organizations ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS, (ii) the National Seed Committee (NSC) in each of the Member States of the Harmonized Regional Seed Regulations (for ECOWAS Regulation C/REG.4/05/2008and for UEMOA Regulation 03/2009/CM) harmonizing the rules governing Quality Control, Certification and Marketing of Plant Seeds and Seedlings , as a uniform law on the territory of the ECOWAS, WAEMU and CILSS States. The West Africa Seed Committee is an intergovernmental mechanism for coordinating and monitoring the application and the implementation of the seed regulatory framework. The National Seed Committee (NSC) is a national frame for dialogue of representative of stakeholders in the seed sector of each Member State. It is the technical arm of the Ministry in charge of agriculture, for all issues relating to seeds. The regional catalogue of plant species and plant varieties (WAfCPSV or CREVU) is a computerized platform for information sharing on the plant varieties, administered by the executive secretarial of the West Africa Seed Committee. This platform ensures, in real time, a permanent flow of official technical information on plant varieties, between the NSCs and the West Africa Seed Committee, and for the users of the mentioned plant varieties. The Action Plan is developed around the objectives below : i) Establish and operationalize the West Africa Seed Committee to assure the coordination and monitoring of the implementation of the Harmonized Regional Seed Regulation ii) Establish and strengthen the capacities of the NSC to implement the Regulation and those of the private seed sector, to ensure a steady supply of quality seeds in sufficient quantity at the right time and at affordable prices.. These objectives are respectively written in two and four strategic activities hinging on twelve activities or sub-activities to be implemented. Each activity is presented in the order of the description/ context, one or several results to be achieved within the framework of the proposed action, the strategy for implementation, the necessary capacity required and the Coordination/ Administration. To ensure overall consistency and sharing of experiences and best practices, a communication mechanism has been proposed. The five-year action plan for the establishment and operationalization of the West Africa Seed Committee and the NSCs has a logical framework detailed in the Appendix and budgeted for a total of US $20 989 000.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD ECOWAS COMMISSION......................................................................................................................................VI UEMOA COMMISSION........................................................................................................................................VII CILSS EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT...................................................................................................................VIII USAID WEST AFRICA MISSION..........................................................................................................................IX CORAF/WECARD CHAIRMAN.............................................................................................................................X EXECUTIVE SUMMARY........................................................................................................................................11 LIST OF ACRONYMS...........................................................................................................................................13 I. INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................................................15 1.1 THE SITUATION OF AGRICULTURE IN THE ECOWAS-WAEMU-CILSS ZONE...........................15 1.2 AGRICULTURAL POLICIES: ECOWAP, UAP AND CAADP.............................................................16 1.3 ROLE OF CORAF/WECARD AND WASP.........................................................................................17 1.4 THE WEST AFRICA SEED COMMITTEE: OBJECTIVES AND ATTRIBUTIONS.............................19 1.5 THE NATIONAL SEED COMMITTEE: OBJECTIVES AND ATTRIBUTIONS...................................19 1.6 OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES OF THE ACTION PLAN.............................................................20 1.7 STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION.................................................................................................21 II. OPERATIONALIZATION OF THE WEST AFRICA SEED COMMITTEE........................................................21 2.1 OPERATIONALIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT (ES).............................................21 2.1.1 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ES OF THE WEST AFRICA SEED COMMITTEE................................21 2.2 MONITORING, EVALUATION, SUPPORT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION AND COORDINATION OF THE PROPOSED STRATEGIC ACTIVITIES.................................................22 2.2.1 THE IMPLEMENTATION AND COMPLIANCE WITH RULES AND STANDARDS..........................22 2.2.2 OPINIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSALS ON ALL MATTERS RELATING TO SEEDS...................................................................................................................... 23 2.2.3 COMPLETING THE APPENDIX TECHNICAL REGULATIONS AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS...................................................................................................25 2.2.4 COLLABORATION AND INFORMATION EXCHANGE.....................................................................27 III. OPERATIONALIZATION OF NATIONAL SEED COMMITTEES ..................................................................29 3.1 IMPLEMENTATION OF NASCS IN THE 17 COUNTRIES OF THE ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS ZONE .............................................................................................29 3.1 .1 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND JUDICIAL ACT FOR THE CREATION, ATTRIBUTIONS, ORGANIZATION, FUNCTIONING AND FINANCING OF EACH NSC.................29 3.2 STRENGTHENING THE CAPACITY OF NSC .................................................................................30 3.2 .1 REINFORCING THE HUMAN, MATERIAL, INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT OF THE NATIONAL SEED SYSTEM...........................................................................30 3.3 3.3.1 3.3.2

IMPLEMENTING THE COMMUNITY REGULATION BY MEMBER STATES........................................32 IMPLEMENTATION AND COMPLIANCE TO RULES AND AGREED STANDARDS..............................32 OPINIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSALS ON MATTERS RELATING TO SEEDS.............................................................................................................32

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3.4 3.4.1 3.4.2 3.4.3

PROMOTING THE PRIVATE SEED SECTOR..........................................................................................34 PROMOTE THE EMERGENCE OF A STRONG PRIVATE SEED SECTOR IN THE ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS REGION.............................................................................................34 PUT IN PLACE INSTRUMENTS TO PROMOTE PRIVATE SEED SECTOR..........................................35 STRENGTHENING TECHNICAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITIES OF PRIVATE SECTOR........................................................................................................35

IV. BUDGET....................................................................................................................................................38 V. NARRATIVE BUDGET...............................................................................................................................42 VI. CHRONOGRAM........................................................................................................................................47 VII. ANNEXE : LOG-FRAME...........................................................................................................................48

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

LIST OF ACRONYMS ASIWA : CAADP : CGIAR: CILSS : CNA : DUS : ECEAS : ECOWAP : ECOWAS : EMCCAS : ES : F.CFA : FARA : MIS : MYPOW : NAARS : NAD : NARS : NFDAFL : NSC : NSTA : OSC/SOC : FNDASP : PPD : ROPPA : SME : SSC/ISU : SSSF : TFP : UAP : UPOV : URCSV : URSC : US.D : USAID : VCU/VATE : WAEMU : WAfCPSV : WASC : UEMOA : UPOV : USAID : US.D : VATE : WASP : WECARD :

Alliance for Seed Industry in West Africa Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program Consultative Group for International Agriculture Research Permanent Inter-State Committee against Drought in Sahel Competent National Authority Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability Economic Community of East African States ECOWAS Agriculture Policy Economic Community of West African States Economic and MonetaryCommunity of Central African States Executive Secretariat Franc de la Communauté Financière Africaine Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa Market Information System Multi-year program of work and budget plan National Agriculture and Agro-alimentary Research System National Agriculture Department National Agriculture Research System National Fund for the Development of Agriculture, Forestry and Livestock National Seed Committee National Seed Trade Associations Official Seed Control and Certification Service Fonds National de Développement Agro-Sylvo-Pastoral Plant Protection Department West Africa Farmer and Producer Organizations Network Réseau des Organisations Paysannes et des Producteurs de l’Afrique de l’Ouest Small and Medium Enterprises Seed Science Center of Iowa State University Seed Sector Support Fund Technical and Financial Partner UEMOA Agriculture Policy International Union for the Protection of New Varieties Regional Catalogue of Plant Species and Plant Varieties in UEMOA Union West Africa Seed Committee UEMOA USA Dollar US Agency for International Development Agronomic, Technologic and Environmental Value for Cultivation and Use West Africa Economic and Monetary Union West African Catalogue of Plant Species and Plant Varieties West Africa Seed Committee West Africa Seed Program Union Internationale pour la Protection des Obtentions Végétales Agence des États-Unis pour le développement international Dollar des États-Unis d’Amérique Valeur Agronomique, Technologique et Environnementale West Africa Seed Program West African Counsel for Agricultural Research and Development

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

I. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Situation of agriculture in the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS zone 1. The agriculture sector is the main driver for socio-economic development in most African countries in general, and the ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS countries, in particular. In the last two decades, the agricultural sector within each member state has : • engaged an average of over 67% of the national population and almost 84% of rural people • contributed an averageof34% to the GDP • absorbed on average 10% of public investment • contributed to the improvement of food security, while providing raw materials to agro-industry.. 2. Despite various policies and development strategies implemented, the sector’s performance has not met expectations due to consistent trends of structural, technical, organizational, economic and financial constraints. 3. More specifically, characteristic dysfunctions of the seed systems, has impacted on the poor performance of the agriculture sector. The causal factors have included weak private sector and producer organizations, lack of transparency in the allocation/ acquisition of public procurement, insufficient human, financial and material resources for seed quality control, weak seed production systems, including collection, packaging, distribution and marketing, weak research capacity to meet breeder seed requirements, low technical and managerial capacity of private seed companies, etc.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee 1.2. Agricultural policies: ECOWAP, UAP and CAADP 4. Consequently, the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions as well as the CILSS Executive Secretariat have been involved in a process of reflection and concerted sub-regional exchange, to harmonize provisions of the seed regulation. The various workshops that had taken place for that purpose, have resulted in the formulation of seed regulations harmonizing the rules governing Quality Control, Certification and marketing of Plant Seeds and Seedlings in the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS zone, adopted by the organizations’ authorities, according to their own procedures (2008 for ECOWAS, and 2009 for UEMOA, preceded in 2006 by the Framework Convention on Plant Seeds and Regional Consultative Framework for CILSS). This regulation stem from the regional agricultural policies (ECOWAP, UAP) which aims, among others, at creating, in the ECOWAS- UEMOA -CILSS region, favourable conditions to the emergence of a strong seed industry capable of ensuring a regular and sustainable supply of quality seeds and plants, in sufficient quantities and at affordable prices. By its legal nature, the regional seed regulation has the same effects as the national law and is directly integrated into national law, without transposition or ratification. 5. Its originality lies in the fact that a unique legal instrument governs harmoniously: production, quality control, certification process and marketing of seeds within the ECOWAS- UEMOA - CILSS Member States. It gives detailed guidance on the steps to be taken, on one hand, by the ECOWAS Commission, and, on the other hand, by the Member States, to facilitate its implementation.

6. In its configuration, the Regional Seed Regulation (with its administrative templates and related technical regulations: see Articles 57 and 58) articulates around three axes : Approval and registration of new varieties (exercise modalities and experimental protocols), including the development of national and regional catalogues (sum of national catalogues); • Quality control and quality certification of plant seeds and seedlings (modalities of exercise and standards), including accreditation, and • Import and export of plant seeds and seedlings (modalities of exercise and standards), including trade issues. 7. The specific objectives of the implementation of the regulation are (see Article 2.3): i) Facilitate the local production of quality seeds; ii) Facilitate seed trade between Member States through the implementation of regionally agreed on principles and rules, to minimize trade barriers; iii) Facilitate farmers’ access to quality seeds at the right time and place; iv) Create a favourable environment for private investment in the seed industry; v) Facilitate the increase in the number of crop varieties available to farmers; vi) Promote partnership between the public sector and the private sector.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee 1.3. Role of CORAF/WECARD and WASP Summary presentation 8. In the implementation of ECOWAS Common Agriculture Policy(ECOWAP) in harmony with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP), ECOWAS in 2005, through an Agreement protocol, designated CORAF/WECARD, as its technical arm with regard to Agriculture Research and Development. In that same vein, UEMOA, the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) and CILSS signed Agreements with CORAF/ WECARD respectively in 2006, 2007 and 2008. It is within this context that CORAF/ WECARD, as a regional organization, is implementing the CAADP Pillar 4. The latter is related to the improvement of agriculture research, the dissemination and adoption of technologies; for the sustainablee improvement of productivity and competitiveness of agriculture markets for target groups in West and Central Africa 9. Furthermore, the ECOWAS Commission has negotiated and obtained from the USAID Mission in West Africa, the financing of a seed program for West Africa (West Africa Seed Program, WASP/ PSAO), to support the implementation of the Community seed regulations, coordinated by CORAF/WECARD. The program aims at increasing the availability of seeds from a current rate of 12% to 25% at the end of the five year project (20122017). The activities are fully implemented in seven countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal), and cover all 15 Member States of ECOWAS (plus the two CILSS members which do not belong to ECOWAS, i.e. Mauritania and Chad)in the implementation of the Community Seed Regulation .

10. The expected results of WASP are: (i) Alliance for a Seed Industry in West Africa, ASIWA implemented. The implementation of the Alliance will facilitate sharing of experiences, mutualising resources and working in synergy, within the sub-region (or country) to achieve the common goal of developing the seed sector, while minimizing duplication of efforts; (ii) a regional seed policy, effectively implemented and facilitating seed trade among the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS Member States, and minimizing trade barriers; (iii) national agricultural research systems (NARS) which have the capacity to produce pre-basic and sufficient seeds of standard quality to meet the demand; (iv) a strong Regional Private Sector, able to ensure a steady supply of basic and certified seeds, in sufficient quantity, at the right time and at affordable prices. Thus, the WASP assumes leadership of seed industry development in the ECOWAS- UEMOA-CILSS region.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee 11. In the context of the implementation of WASP, with regards to the skills displayed in the program, the ECOWAS Commission decided, through the memorandum No. ECWREL/010/CAER/E43/13/fne, dated March 27 2013, to entrust the CORAF/ WECARD with the coordination of the implementation of the National Seed Committees (NSC) in the 17 ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS countries and the management of the Executive Secretariat of the West Africa Seed Committee (WASC), for a period of five (05) years. 12. The Meeting of the Consortium of WASP partners , held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on December 13 and 14 2013, recommended making further reflections to agree on an implementation approach of the ECOWASUEAMOA-CILSS harmonized Seed Regulation. In this context, two working sessions were held on January 31 and November 27 2014, at the UEMOA Commission headquarters with the participation of UEMOA, CILSS and ECOWAS, with the later represented by CORAF/WECARD.

These meetings resulted in recommendations and a roadmap to move the process forward. Among the recommendations were the agreement to establish a single CILSS-ECOWAS-UEMOA West Africa Seed Committee, instead of two,(the West Africa Seed Committee (WASC) for the Regulation adopted by ECOWAS and the Union West Africa Seed Committee (CRSU) adopted by the UEMOA). The mission of the West Africa Seed Committee is the same as the one assigned to WASC (Article 10.1, C/REG.4/05/2008 -ECOWAS) or CRSU (Article 81.1, Regulation No. 03/2009/CM - UEMOA). The Action Plan developed initially for the establishment and operationalization of WASC was revisited to accommodate these new developments.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee 1.4. The West Africa Seed Committee : Objectives and attributions 13. In accordance with Articles 10 and 81, referred to in the preceding paragraph, the West Africa Seed Committee is responsible for assisting the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions and the CILSS Executive Secretariat in coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the current regulation with regards to the production, quality control, certification and marketing of plants seeds and seedlings, so as to contribute to the development of the seed sector in the ECOWAS- UEMOA-CILSS region. 14. n the framework of its mission, the West Africa Seed Committee has the responsibility to : i) Ensure compliance and enforcement of the rules and standards of the production, quality control, certification and marketing of seeds; ii) Issue opinions and recommendations and make proposals on all matters related to seeds, including the organization and the update of the Regional Catalogue1 of Species and Varieties common to the ECOWAS-UEMOA CILSS Member States (WAfCPSV & CREVU); iii) Define the technical requirements for the preparation of registration files; iv) Ensure collaboration and exchange of infor mation between Official Control Services and Seed Certification in the Member States; v) Monitor the organization and management of Official Control Services and Seed Certifica tion in the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS zone.

1.5. LThe National Seed Committees: Objectives and attributions 15. In accordance with Articles 10 and 81, referred to in the preceding paragraph, the West Africa Seed Committee works closely with the National Seed Committees in the development of the seed sector. Thus, each Member State establishes a National Seed Committee (NSC) and a Seed Sector Support Fund (SSSF). 16. As far as seeds are concerned, NSCs are the technical arm of both the Agriculture Ministries and the West Africa Seed Committee. The function, organization, operation and financing of the NSC are specified in the administrative act (decree) which establishes them. The composition of each NSC is limited to representatives of national stakeholders in the seed sector. Each NSC is chaired by the Minister responsible for Agriculture or his representative and the Secretary is the head of the Official Seed Quality Control and Certification Service. 17. Given the diversity of on-going seed initiatives in the Region, it is imperative to implement and operationalize the West Africa Seed Committee coherently with these initiatives to ensure consistency and avoid duplication.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee 1.6. Objectives and strategies of the Action Plan Objectives of the Action Plan 18. With regards to what has preceded, the Planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objectives are to : a) Make operational the West Africa Seed Committee so as to enable it to carry out its mission; b) Strengthen the capacity of NSCs, to implement community seed regulation in accordance with the dispositions agreed upon in the Region and the ones taken by the private seed sector to ensure the sustainable development of the sector.

Strategies of the Plan 19. In addition to on-going activities in the WASP, the Action Plan for the implementation and operationalization of the West Africa Seed Committee, include the following : i) Implementation of the West Africa Seed Committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Executive Secretary Office (recruitment of staff, acquisition of machinery and equipment, operation, etc.); ii) Monitoring, evaluation, support for implementation and coordination of all proposed strategic actions (compliance and implementation of regional rules and standards agreed upon, notice of issuance, counseling and proposals on any matter relating to the seed sector, completion of appendix technical regulations and other relevant documents, management of the Official Seed Quality Control and Certifi cation Service, communication strategy, etc.); iii) Support the NSC functioning (reinforcement of technical, human, material, infrastructural and budgetary capacity); iv) Strategic activities to be implemented by the West Africa Seed Committee and NSC so as to promote the emergence of a strong private seed sector within the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS region. 20. Each proposed strategic activity is a set of headings or sections which are intended to facilitate the presentation of the activity. Some recommendations may be included in the various headings. Although no strict definition of the sections is necessary, some explanations may be helpful : a) The Background section provides the rationale for the proposed strategic action and summarizes the progress made since 2012, mainly on the basis of baseline studies. b) The Objectives section specifies the ultimate and intermediate objectives to achieve in the proposed action. The explicit articulation of objectives can help the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS Member States evaluate the progress made over the years in the implementation of the proposed strategic action. c) The Policy/Strategy section suggests policies and/or strategic, national and regional approaches to achieve the strategic objectives of the proposed action. In some cases, the recommendations relate to new regional policies. In other cases, the proposals aim at changes in the approach, priorities or perspectives.. d) The Capacity section indicates the human and institutional capabilities that should be developed or provided through the implementation of the proposed strategic action.. e) The Coordination/Administration section shows how the above issues can be addressedin the effective execution of the action plan. It is primarily limited to the national level to avoid repetition. Furthermore, the need to intensify collaboration between the West Africa Seed Committee and NSC, and to increase infor mation sharing between all the Official Seed Quality Control and Certification Service and stakeholders, applies to all activities in the action plan. Cooperation among the NSCs, through the Official Seed Quality Control and Certification Services is fundamental in order to share the successes and experiences among them.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee 1.7. Structure and Organization 21. Strategic actions outlined above helped formulate the action plan below. For the sake of convenience and understanding, strategic actions outlined in this plan can be considered as projects to be executed both by the West Africa Seed Committee and the NSC Secretariats using the principle of subsidiarity. Strategic action related to administrative, organizational and infrastructural capacities are the support base for the achievement of relevant activities: i) The mission and functions of the West Africa Seed Committee and of its Executive Secretary (monitoring, evaluation, coordination and support); ii) The attributions of NSC (compliance and implementation of regional rules and standards agreed upon, notice of issuance, counseling and proposals on any matter related to the seed sector, management of the Official Seed Quality Control and Certification Service communication, strategy, etc.).

II. Operationalization of the West Africa Seed Committee 2.1. Operationalization of the Executive Secretariat (ES) 2.1.1 Establishment of the ES of the West Africa Seed Committee

22. Backgoud : As a result of its achievements in the coordination of seed activities as part of the WASP , ECOW AS has confided to CORAF/WECARD the coordination of setting up of NSCs in 17 countries and the animation of the Executive Secretary of the West Africa Seed Committee. ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS agreed upon the creation of only one West Africa Seed Committee instead of two, WASC and URSC.

23. Policy/strategy : Administrative and financial actions must be implemented on the basis of a provisional budget for : • Staff recruitment (Permanent Secretary, Assistant and driver) ; • Rental of office space ; • The acquisition of materials and equipment (vehicles, projector, etc.) ; • The functioning of the Executive Secretariat (telephone, water, electricity, internet, etc.) • Consultancy services. 24. Capacity : Capacity reinforcement actions could be carried out when needed. 25. Coordination / administration : On behalf of the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions and CILSS Executive Secretary, CORAF/WECARD coordinates through the WASP, the implementation and animation of the Executive Secretariat of the West Africa Seed Committee during a transitional five year period.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee 2.2. Monitoring, evaluation, support for the implementation and coordination of the proposed strategic activities 2.2.1 Ensure the implementation and compliance with rules and standards agreed upon regionally

26. Background : Article 2, paragraph 1 of Regulation C/REG.4/05/2008 of ECOWAS, states that the object of the Regional Seed Regulation is the harmonization of rules and standards governing quality control, certification and marketing of plant seeds and seedlings. In paragraph 3, it indicates the specific objectives of this harmonization, namely : i) to facilitate the local production of quality seeds; ii) to facilitate seed trade between Member States through the implementation of regionally agreed upon principles and rules that minimize trade barriers; iii) to facilitate farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; access to quality seeds in suitable time and place ; iv) to create a favourable environment for private investment in the seed industry ; v) to facilitate the increase of available seed choices for farmers ; vi) to promote partnership between the public sector and the private sector. 27. By ensuring the implementation and enforcement of regionally agreed upon rules and standards, the ECOWAS Member States create the necessary conditions for the development of national and regional seed sectors by establishing trust among States and facilitating Seed movement. 28. Objective : to ensure that regionally agreed upon rules and standards, which are the basis of the harmonization of operations related to the registration of plant varieties in the catalogue, to quality control and certification and to the import/export of seeds are respected and enforced. 29. Policy / strategy : To apply and respect the regionally agreed upon rules and standards, Member States need to use the regional regulation. This requires strengthening of capacities in terms of release of varieties, development of the official catalogue, quality control and seed certification, phytosanitary certification (compliance with specified phytosanitary requirements of importing countries and prevention against the entrance and spread of quarantine pests. Field audits will assess the status of implementation at the end of capacity strengthening interventions. 30. Capacity : The first beneficiaries of this capacity strengthening interventions are: seed producers, storekeepers and conditioning agents, plant breeders for variety registration, controllers and inspectors, staff of seed testing and laboratory analyses, other licensed persons for quality control and certification of seeds, and control officers at borders for phytosanitary certification. 31. Thus, these stakeholders will be interviewed during the monitoring missions, to ensure the effectiveness of the NSC and the Regional Committee. 32. Training programs would be coordinated by the ES of the West Africa Seed Committee, through the WASP task force composed by seed experts, supported by resource persons and the Seed Sciences Center of Iowa State University (SSC/ISU) depending on the subject. These trainings will aim at ensuring a harmonized monitoring of operations for the implementation of the regional regulation by State regulators within the ECOWAS-UEMOA- CILSS region. They also offer opportunities to sensitize stakeholders of the national seed system on implementation arrangements of the regulation. They are always planned and organized at the demand and in collaboration with the Agriculture ministry through its departments (NARS, the Official Seed Quality Control and Certification Service, National Directorate Agriculture, Plant Protection and Regulatory Service, etc.). Monitoring of the implementation facilitates the measurement of impact.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee 33. Coordination / administration : the NSC and ES of the West Africa Seed Committee coordinate the monitoring through the organization of periodic monitoring missions among the stakeholders of the national seed systems and through the organization of annual review and statutory meetings. 2.2.2 To issue opinions, recommendations and proposals on all matters relating to seeds, including the organization of the Regional Catalogue of Plant Species and Varieties common to the countries of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS (WAfCPSV or CREVU) 34. Background : The West Africa Seed Committee is an advisory body of the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions and CILSS Executive Secretariat. As such, it provides the most appropriate responses to seed related issues so that Public Authorities can decide in accordance with the Regional approach. 35. The recognition of the harmonization approach is essential for the development of the regional catalogue which is a sum of national catalogues. The standardized configuration of the national catalogues facilitates the development and exploitation of the Regional Catalogue. In addition to the principles and rules of the DUS technical examination, the VCU assessment protocols and the software management of catalogue data, a procedure manual has been developed, which shall be used during training sessions to facilitate catalogue development and variety registration. 36. The same principle applies to the quality control operations, seed certification and phytosanitary certification. Implementation approaches of the Regulations are agreed upon norms and the procedure manuals, which are didactic tools to ensure that harmonization happens. 37. Objective : to promote better decision making by policy makers and greater ownership of seed regulations. 38. Policy /strategy : AThrough the training sessions, particularly with regard to registration of plant varieties in the national catalogue, the West Africa Seed Committee encourages NSCs to respect agreed upon procedures for registration, namely: (i) the constitution and the maintenance of reference collections of plant varieties or, (ii) the conduct of technical examination of distinctness, uniformity and stability of the characters (DUS) of eligible varieties, according to the guidelines of the International Union for the Protection of New Plants Varieties (UPOV), (iii) the conduct of agronomic, technological and environmental test on value for cultivation and use (VCU) of eligible varieties, according to agreed experimental protocols (multi-year and multi-location trials), for the 11 priority crops, by Experts of within the Community, and finally, (iv) the use of catalogue data management software, including the updating of the regional database, to avoid the registration of existing varieties in the country or within the Community, (v) the updating and regular editing of the Regional Catalogue of Plant Species and Varieties. 39. The same applies to quality control process and seed certification, phytosanitary certification and trade. 40. Concerning quality control and certification of seeds, the West Africa Seed Committee encourages the recognition of provisions related to: (i) admission control, (ii) organization of seed production (iii) conditions of production, (iv) control in the field, (v) laboratory analysis and tests of seeds, (vi) preparation and packaging, including

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee labelling and tagging of seed, (vii) control of certified seed lots. 41. Concerning phytosanitary certification, the West Africa Seed Committee encourages compliance with Regulations on seed import and export. The West Africa Seed Committee will accompany countries to develop and/or update their lists of quarantine pests.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee 42. Regarding seed trade, the West Africa Seed Committee encourages NSC to comply with the provisions of Title IV of Seed Regulation C/REG.4/05/2008 related to seed marketing. 43. Capacity : Based on the needs expressed by the NSCs, a training plan is developed for each country to improve the understanding of the regional seed regulation and therefore improve performance in their functions as advisory bodies on seed issues. 44. Coordination / administration : Training is provided by the Executive Secretariat of the West Africa Seed Committee, through the WASP Task Force, including experts in the field of seed, supported by resource persons and the Seed Science Centre of Iowa State University (SSC/ISU). These training of trainers sessions are conducted in close collaboration with the Agriculture ministry through its departments (NARS, the Official Seed Quality Control and Certification Service, National Directorate Agriculture, Plant Protection and Regulatory Service, etc.). 2.2.3 Completing the appendix technical regulations and other relevant documents 45. Background : Drafts of related technical regulations were elaborated by the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions and CILSS Executive Secretariat with respect to Articles 56 and 58 of the ECOWAS- UEMOA-CILSS Regulation respectively. They include : i) Additional technical regulations related to production modalities, quality control and seed certification. These drafts, validated by regional experts must be adopted by the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions and CILSS Executive Secretariat ii) Organization of the Regional Catalogue of Plant Varieties and Species (West African Catalogue of Plant Species and Varieties â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WAfCPSV or Regional Catalogue of Plant Species and Varieties in the Union - URCSV). 46. Furthermore, the arrangements of the Regional Regulation concerning the import and export of seeds, the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions and CILSS Executive Secretariat have not developed a technical regulation. The latter must be done by taking into account the No. 0072007/CM regulation on the safety of plants, animals and food within UEMOA.. 47. Procedure manuals have been elaborated by the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions and by CILSS Executive Secretary, for the : (i) Registration of eligible varieties in the national catalogue of plant species and varieties; (ii) Quality control and seed certification, including accreditation. These manuals need to be finalized, mainly the seed import and export Manual, with the insertion of the regional list of quarantine pests in the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS region. The finalization of these manuals consists of adapting them to specific conditions in each country in the ECOWAS-UEMAO-CILSS region - the substance remains the same for all countries.. 48. Objective : to make available all instruments (technical regulations, procedure manuals, software management of catalogue data, etc.) necessary for effective and harmonized approaches in the implementation of the Regional Seed Regulation. 49. Policy/strategy : alongside its own competencies, the Executive Secretariat of the West Africa Seed Committee will depend on the expertise of consultants to execute some tasks. This may involve the revision of the two drafts: (i) the technical regulation appendix (quality control standards) and (ii) technical regulations on the organization of regional catalogue, to be available in three languages (English, French and Portuguese) and submitted to the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions and to CILSS Executive Secretariat for adoption and dissemination to Member States. For the executive regulation on import and export, it will be developed and made available in three languages before submission for adoption.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee 50. The finalization of procedure manuals involves organizing a regional workshop of experts per manual. 51. The executive regulation of June 4 2012, related to the organization, functioning and financing of WAfCPSV/ CREVU also need to be reviewed to become the executive regulation of the West Africa Seed Committee within the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS region. 52. Capacity : These documents are the basis for training courses to ensure mastery by regulators. These are: (i) the breeders that conduct DUS and VCU trials which are required for the registration of any variety eligible to be included in the catalogue of plant species and varieties, (ii) controllers and inspectors in charge of seed quality control and certification and, (iii) officers at borders or phytosanitary controllers (National Office for Plant Protection/ Quarantine Service), in charge of preventing the entry and spread of quarantine pests in each country. 53. Coordination / administration : the completion of the executive rules and other relevant technical documents is accomplished under the coordination of the ES of the West Africa Seed Committee, by consultants, the WASP Task Force and the Seed Science Centre of Iowa State University (SSC/ ISU).At the National level, ministries and their departments are involved. The documents adopted are transmitted to the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions and the CILSS Executive Secretariat for dissemination to the Member States. All the expected regulatory texts, relevant for the implementation of the West Africa Seed Committee are as follows: i) Technical regulation related to the organization of the Regional Catalogue of Plant Species and varieties (WAfCPSV/CREVU) ; ii) Regulation related to appendix technical regulation regarding production modalities, quality control, and seed certification. iii) Technical regulation related to seed import and export modalities; iv) Procedure manual for the registration of varieties in the national catalogue / the regional catalogue of species and plant varieties; v) Procedure manual for quality control, seed certification and accreditation; vi) Procedure manual for seed import and export; vii) Regulation related to organization, functioning and financing of the Regional Seed Committee viii) Internal Rules of Regional Seed Committee.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee 2.2.4 Ensure collaboration and information exchange between the Official Seed Quality Control and Certification Services and communication strategy 54. Background : The study on perception conducted to evaluate the flow of information and the level of cooperation between national inter-agencies and organizations, and to provide strategic orientation, revealed communication problems in the majority of Member States. 55. The approach of the study focused on information sharing at national level and between the national and the regional partners. The study concluded that: communication is episodic and/or limited in its targets. 56. It also appears that communication is very important in the operationalization of the activities of the Regional Seed Committee because of controversies due to changes brought to seeds and plant varieties by regulations, stakeholders’ ignorance or insufficient dissemination of key elements of the regulations. The importance of information in socio-economic development must prompt Member States to improve Communication on developmental agenda. 57. Accordingly, the communication effort has to be improved for greater efficiency in the application and implementation of regulations. Communication must be central to the operationalization, coordination and monitoring of activities of the Regional Seed Committee so as to achieve national and regional objectives of transparency and development, in line with the application of Article 8 of the EC Regulation on the principle of participation and information. 58. Objective : To facilitate the sharing of success stories among the Official Seed Quality Control and Certification Services/ NSC in the implementation of regional seed regulation. More specifically, it aims to : i) promote the application of legal and regulatory instruments related to plant seeds and varieties ; ii) promote a greater inclusion and coherence ; iii) promote the use of certified seeds and plants in the region ; iv) ensure a proper flow of information between actors the planting materials value chain ; v) ensure visibility and transparency of activities of the board of theNSC and Regional Seed Committee. 59. Policy/strategy : Elements on communication : The supports used in the communication strategy determine the actions to be implemented by the drafting committee of the Executive Secretariat of the Regional Seed Committee and within the NSC of Member States. These supports consist of : • Internet (website, e-mailing list, e-newsletter, e-seeds, etc.) • Newsletters • Public and Private Media (radio, television, newspapers and online news, etc.) • Periodic seminars on specific themes • Technical consultation meetings • Disseminations and meeting reports • Official mail, if necessary • Study tours, etc 60. In the implementation, stakeholders must : • Provide information on the activities of the CNS, plant varieties and seeds • Share information from the Regional Seed Committee at the national level • Organize information and training workshops • Request regular reporting according to a standard format, particularly at the end of workshops and othemeetings

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee 61. Actions to be implemented :

At a National level (NSC)

• • • • •

At a regional level (Regional Seed Committee; WAfCPSV/CREVU)

• • • • • • •

Operationalization of NSC; Development of a national strategy and a budgeted action plan for a good flow of information; Organization of information campaigns and sensitization of stakeholders; Dissemination of meetings and workshops reports; Holding information dissemination /sharingsessions Creation of a website with a link for each country; Publication of a Newsletter with pages reserved for countries; Making a series of programs / TV and radio reportages for a regional broadcast; Organization of workshops and seminars for the training of trainers; Dissemination of workshop and seminar reports; Organization of information and sensitization campaigns, within relevant communication frameworks (world agriculture day, World Food Day, etc.); Audit Report of the information and communication system associated with performance indicators.

62. The summary table of the multi-year program of work and budget (MYPOW), structures the implementation of these actions from sub-activities: (1.2.4) Ensure collaboration and information exchange between Official Seed Quality Control Services; (2.4.3) Strengthen the technical capacity of private stakeholders, through: (i) the organization of a workshop for the network of Official Seed Quality Control and Certification Services in order to share information, (ii) the implementation of a Market Observatory (Markets Information System –MIS) of plants seeds and varieties, (iii) the organization of advocacy and lobbying sessions for technical and financial partners (TFP) and policy makers, Information and sensitization about the potential impact of seed regulations and opportunities, (iv) the publication and dissemination of folders on advocacy techniques, bi-annual newsletters, newsletters, reports of statutory sessions, etc. 63. Key messages and main themes to be developed; the most prominent messages to attain the objectives of the communication strategy related to : 1) The enforcement of the regulatory framework, the establishment of implementing instruments of the Seed Regulations, 2) The dissemination of the harmonized Rregulation, 3) Compliance to the procedures of variety releases and the constitution of the collection of varieties, 4) Compliance to production standards and labeling of marketable products, 5) Compliance to procedures and standards of seed import and export, 6) Sharing data on the newest varieties available in the member-states territory, 7) Reminder of the Seed Regulation arrangements.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee 64. Key themes that can be developed and discussed in detail, in addition to key messages, especially to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders, improve their level of knowledge on seeds and seedlings : 1) Information on seed systems, including availability of different classes of seed in the Member States; 2) Important concepts contained in the regulatory instruments, 3) Procedures, cultural practices, production standards and varietal and phytosanitary certification of different species; 4) Development of activities involving new varieties and intellectual property rights; 5) Presentations and comments directed at the non-compliance with the regulations governing plants seed and seedling trade, etc. 64. Capacity : The identified targets, namely: policy makers (in the ministries of agriculture, trade and other public administrators responsible for seed issues), aagriculture technicians, producers, distributors, importers and exporters of plant seeds and seedlings, plant breeders, custom officers, radio presenters and communicators, are grouped together as one. A second category, identified as targets and actors are the communication facilitators and technical staff. The latter receives finalized reports from the head of the communication unit of the Executive Secretariat of the Regional Seed Committee for diffusion. 66. Coordination / administration : The implementation of the communication strategy is a component of the annual work plan and budget, updated by the NSC, as presented by the regional seed committee. It relies on a data management experts who will be designated within the board of the Regional Seed Committee and the NSC. 67. The purpose of the strategy is to contribute, through operational actions to information and communication in accordance with the ECOWAS regional integration ideals, for the establishment of a transparent, stable and efficient Community framework for seed and seedling trade.

III. Operationalization of National Seed Committees 3.1. Implementation of NSCs in the 17 countries of ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS region

3.1.1 Establishment of the administrative and judicial act for the creation, attributions, organization, functioning and financing of each NSC 68. Background : according to the regional seed regulation, two series of complementary measures must be taken to facilitate its application, by Member-States as well as by the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions . One of these measures is the establishment of a National Seed Committee. Indeed Article 10/81, paragraph 2/2 of the ECOWAS/UEMOA Regulation indicates that the Regional Seed Committee work closely with National Seed Committees in the development of the seed sector. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In this regard, each Member-State establishes a National Seed Committeeâ&#x20AC;?. 69. The regional ECOWAS seed regulation, through the implementation of regulation of01/06/12, related to the attributions, organization and functioning of the Regional Seed Committee, sets the attributions, organization and functioning of the National Seed Committee. The NSC is primarily an important consultative body in the management of the seed system. If required, it can create ad hoc committees to examine particular themes. Each NSC is presided or chaired by the Minister of Agriculture or his/her representative and the Secretariat is maintained by the head of the Official Quality Control and Seed Certification Service.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee 70. Objective : to establish the advisory body in order to advise the Minister of Agriculture on any national seed matter. 71. Policy / strategy : each ECOWAS-UEMAO-CILSS Member State will establish a NSC, by a decree or order supporting its responsibilities, organization, functioning and financing. These are political reforms enacted in conformity with the implementation of the regional seed regulations. 72. Given the importance of this advisory body, the Regional Seed Committee should, through its ES, continue to provide all the necessary support to all States in the implementation of NSC measures as is currently done by the WASP Seed Policy Task Force. The baseline for the implementation of seed policy reforms in the 17 ECOWAS-UEMAOA-CILSS Member States, on the eve of the starting up of the WASP (2012) has resulted in the development of success stories in the light of the progress made. Indeed, these advances noted in seed policy reforms were made possible by two catalytic factors namely: (i) awareness creation and advocacy deployed by the Task Force, through correspondence, which contributed to the application of the Harmonized Regional Seed Regulation by the National Competent Authorities (NCA) of the various States, and (ii) the task of explaining, clarifying and developing roadmaps at different stages of the implementation of political reforms, have contributed to stakeholder ownership. 73. Ultimately, these actions and missions have encouraged Competent National Authorities of target States to request the support of the WASP Seed Policy Task Force in the conduct of political reforms prescribed by the Community Seed Regulation. Success stories are attributable to shared methodological approach. The NCAs that were sensitized on the provisions of the Harmonized Regional Seed Regulation understood its purpose and implementation modality; these are more willing to solicit support of the Task Force in the implementation of the prescribed political reforms. 74. Capacity : By adopting the administrative act creating the NSC, a Member State stands to achieve compliance to the provisions of Articles 10.2 / 81.2of ECOWAS and UEMOA Regulations. The act defines the conditions for its operationalization 75. Coordination / administration : The implementation of political reforms enacted by the seed regulation for carrying out administrative and legal actions establishing responsibilities, organization, operation and financing of NSC in every State in the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS region is the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture. To ensure that implementation is carried out in compliance with the provisions of the Regional Seed Regulations, Member States may request the Regional Seed Committee ’ES to support them. This support, which has already been done through the WASP Task Force, could continue under the coordination of the Regional Seed Committee’ ES and under the authority of the Ministry of Agriculture, through its NSC.

3.2. Strengthening the capacity of NSC

3.2.1 Reinforcing the human, material, infrastructure and equipment resources, infrastructure of the national seed system. 76. Background : For an effective implementation of regional seed regulation by the Member States, a number of actions are needed to be taken at the national level as follows : •

•

Registration of varieties in the Official Catalogue of Plant Species and Varieties, the NARS should have the necessary expertise(researchers, breeders and/or agronomists) with knowledge on technical examination of varieties using the DUS and VCU tests, required to register a plant variety in the catalogue and the use of catalogue data management software. The DUS examinations are conducted under controlled conditions in an agricultural research station (one location) for two independent growing cycles; Quality control and seed certification, the Official Seed Quality Control and Certification Service must have seed inspectors with the requisite knowledge of the process of seed quality control and certification, sampling and identification of varieties in the field; the quality control and certification agency should have

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

â&#x20AC;˘

the necessary materials and equipment, means of transport and a seed laboratory; Phytosanitary certification, the agents of the National Office for Plant Protection (NOPP) at the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s border posts, should have skills in sampling, analysis and identification of quarantine pests to prevent pests from entering and spreading in the country. To carry out this task, the have supplies and equipment, as well as a laboratory to analyse seed samples.

77. Beyond these technical aspects, material, infrastructure, budget issues occupy a key position both to undertake the conduct of operations of the registration tests of plant varieties, quality control for the varietal, technological and phytosanitary seed certification, and to organize the statutory meetings of the NSCs.

78. Objective : to provide to (i) regulators, the necessary means to carry out the sovereign mission of quality control and seed certification confided to them and, (ii) other stakeholders in the seed system, ways to ensure production, collection, packaging and distribution to farmers so as to ensure the availability of quality seeds 79. Policy / Strategy : Thus, the NSC, accompanied by the Regional Seed Committee ES must pursue the on-going efforts to strengthen the capacity of national seed services and other stakeholders of the seed sector. Then the national seed service will have the above listed capabilities necessary to the effective implementation of regional seed regulation. The human resources, infrastructure, material and equipment capacities are strengthened, with funds from the Ministry of Agriculture, in addition to the support from Technical and Financial Partners (TFP), seed initiatives and others. The resources deployed by ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS for the establishment of the Regional Seed Committee can also help to strengthen the NSC capacity. 80. Capacity : As indicated above, minimum support in relation to human resource, material, infrastructure and equipment capacities should be given to the NSC for effective implementation of the Regulation with regards to the three major components: (i) approval, of plant varieties for release and registration, (ii) quality control and seed certification, and (iii) phytosanitary certification. 81. Thus, the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS region can provide enabling environment for agricultural development in motivating farmers through the availability and the use of certified seeds, in sufficient quantity, at the right time and affordable price. 82. Coordination / administration : Training sessions to reinforce competencies of regulators and other stakeholders are conducted under the supervision of NSC and the support of the Regional Seed Committee ES through the WASP Task Force, consultants etc.

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee 3.3. Implementing the Community Regulation by Member States

3.3.1. Ensure the implementation and compliance to rules and standards agreed 83. Background : The purpose of the Regional Seed Regulation is to harmonize the rules and standards governing quality control, certification and trade of plant seeds and seedlings (Articles 2/2, ECOWAS/UEMOA). To achieve the harmonization process, the Regional Seed Committee, on behalf of the Community/Union, contributes to harmonize the regional regulation with to the State laws (Article 4/4 ECOWAS / UEMOA). In this view, the Regional Seed Committee supports Member-States in implementing the provisions of the Regional Seed Regulations. In Ensuring compliance and enforcement of the regionally agreed rules and standards, Member States create the necessary conditions for the development of the national seed sector, and in effect the regional seed system. 84. Objective : to ensure that regionally agreed rules and standards, which are the basis of harmonization for the registration of plant varieties in the catalogue, quality control and seed certification and the phytosanitary certification are respected and applied. 85. Policy/strategy : agreed rules compliance and standards go through strengthening of capacities for variety release and development of the national catalogue of plant species and varieties, quality control and seed certification. Field auditing will help assess the status of implementation of capacity strengthening actions. 86. Capacity : the first beneficiaries of this type of capacity strengthening actions are: plant breeders for the variety release, controllers/ inspectors, seed analysis and testing laboratory technicians and any other person approved for quality control and seed certification, as well as plant protection personnel for phytosanitary certification. Strengthening of technical skills is essential for efficient delivery the respective missions. 87. Coordination / administration : training sessions should be provided by the Regional Seed Committee ES, through the WASP Task Force, supported by resource persons and the Seed Science Centre of Iowa State University (SSC/ ISU), depending on the subject. It is about training of trainers. These training sessions are delivered to ensure a harmonized approach for the implementation of the operations of the regulation by regulators from the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS Member States. The training sessions are also an opportunities to reach out and sensitize national stakeholders on the regulation. They are always planned and organized at the request of the NSC, and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture through its departments and units (NARS, Official Seed Quality Control and Certification Service, National Agricultural Directorate, Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Department, etc.). 88. National level surveillance is coordinated by the NSCs, through the organization of periodic monitoring missions targeting at the national seed system stakeholders, and by holding annual review workshops for sharing results of monitoring missions. 3.3.2. Issue opinions, recommendations and proposals on all matters relating to seeds, including the development of the National Catalogue of Plant Species and Varieties 89. Background : The NSC is a national advisory body and as such, it should provides the most appropriate answers to any question relating to seeds, which will guide the Minister of Agriculture in making the best decisions of national interest. The NSC is to the Nation what the Regional Seed Committee is to the Regional Economic Communities. 90. With regards to the national catalogue, the NSCs have been consulted to agree on practical arrangements for the development of the regional catalogue and national catalogues. Registration procedures in the national catalogue of plant species and varieties are those agreed on by all ECOWAS-WAEMU-CILSS countries. To facilitate the conduct of the registration process in the national catalogue, procedure manuals with approved DUS testing guidelines/VCU protocols and a software for catalogue-data management have been developed by ECOWAS

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee and UEMOA Commissions and the Executive Secretariat of CILSS. All these documents are made available to participants at training sessions or to the NSCs at their requests, by the Executive Secretariat of the Regional Seed Committee through the WASP Policy Task forces. 91. The same procedure will be followed with regards to Quality control and varietal release process and for phytosanitary certification. 92. Objective : Promote better decision making by policy makers and greater ownership and stakeholder buy-in of seed regulation. 93. Policy/strategy : Through the training sessions, for registration of plant varieties in the national catalogue, quality control and seed certification, as well as phytosanitary certification and marketing, the NSCs ensure that agreed procedures and standards are applied. 94. Regarding the National Catalogue of Plant Varieties and Species, the application and respect of agreed procedures in the development of the national catalogue makes the update and development of the Regional Catalogue (sum of national catalogues) smooth and easy. Plant varieties registered and promoted in the national catalogue are those that the State had subjected to compliance with crop production conditions and have guaranteed their performances. 95. Management Mechanism of the Regional Catalogue of Plant Species and Varieties (WACPSV/ CREVU): Variety registration is the process in which eligible varieties for inclusion in the national catalogue of plant species and varieties are listed. It is a process based on the verification of (i) the identity of the eligible variety, through the examination of their characteristics for distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS) and (ii) the performance of varieties for a particular agro-ecological zone, through the assessment of agronomic, utilization and environmental value (VCU). These two categories of test (DUS and VCU), which are done at the national level, are those tests that a variety must fulfil in order to be registered. Numerous data using harmonized criteria are generated through the conduct of these tests, and the good management of it ensures the reliability and credibility of the national catalogue, as to the performance of listed plant varieties. The computer program software for data management was developed by the ECOWAS and WAEMU Commissions and CILSS ES with the support of SSC/ ISU, to facilitate the management and exchange of regional data 96. Features of the system : The generation of data for the Regional Catalogue (WACPSV/ CRSU) is based a computer software application built in the form of a portfolio database platform for the management and registration of plant varieties in the region. It has a search engine (database server) and cross analysis module information needed for the evaluation of the genetic diversity of plant varieties available in the Catalogue. It is in theory a compilation of the national catalogues of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS Member States, but must virtually contain the essential information on plant varieties in the region. In the very near future, the development of the platform will also rely on an Internet server, to allow online entrance and therefore remain accessible to the public as a regional information system on plant varieties. 97. Objectives of the information system on varieties : TThree objectives underpin the relevance and the functioning of the system. There are to : ii) Make available, in real time, secure data information on plant varieties (qualitatively); ii) Provide benchmarking analysis results (similarity and differences of varietal identity) reliable enough (quantitatively and qualitatively), and iii) Edit without redundancy, the Regional Catalogue of Plant Varieties and Species (WAfCPSV/ CREVU), as a limited list of tradable plant varieties in the ECOWAS-WAEMU and CILSS countries. WACPSV/ CREVU Operation management mechanism : i) Initial development of regional reference collections: IThis is a collection of databases of plant varieties already included in the national catalogues ofcountries, and respecting the identification procedures

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee agreed on at the time of the establishment of the WACPSV/ CREVU; ii) Providers of information data: The only providers of data for the database are the NSC Secretaries, i.e. the OCS, guarantors of compliance with approved procedures for plant varieties at the national level. From a procedural standpoint, the NSCs ends for registration the WAfCPSV/ CREVU, identity cards of approved that plant varieties registered in their official catalogue in the approved format (standard model). Figure 1 schematically shows the flow of information within the registration mechanism of plant varieties WACPSV/ CREVU iii) Frequency of the database update: The update of the information on the database should take place following the statutory sessions of the Regional Seed Committee to facilitate the validation of the reviewed results of the national requests for registration, presented by the information system manager of the Regional Seed Committee ES,. The frequency of update will be based on the statutory sessions; the frequency and mode of operation are specified in the Executive Regulation of the Regional Seed Committee (see the Regulations01/06/12 of June 4 2012 ECOWAS). iv) Support to the platform for NSC (feedback): From the information flow from the region, it appears that the Regional Seed Committee will necessarily have to manage, through the WACPSV/ CREVU WACPSV/ CREVU, the database of information on plant varieties in the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS region. It will therefore make cross analysis of the information, to ensure informative value, essential for further consideration in the first analysis (Prima facie). To exercise the verification function of the distinctive, uniformity and stability characteristics of candidate varieties, NSC, through their Technical Committees on variety release or designated DUSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; examination centres (if the latter do not exist), will establish a functional link with the Regional Seed Committee, as part of the Prima facie analysis. This analysis makes it possible to check if a plant variety eligible for inclusion in the official catalogue is distinct from all other plant varieties commonly known in the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS region. The Regional Seed Committee is also attached to the NSC through their Technical Committee for variety release or a designated Examination Centres. 98. The same applies to the quality control, seed certification, phytosanitary certification and marketing process. 99. Concerning Control and seed certification, the NSC ensures compliance of provisions, including: (i) admission of control, (ii) organization of seed production (iii) conditions for production, (iii) field control of production, (iv) analysis and seed testing laboratory, (v) the preparation and packaging, including the tagging with seed certification labels, (vi) batch control of certified seed. 100. As for Phytosanitary certification, the NSC ensures compliance to Seed Regulation relating to seed import and export. The NSC develops and/or updates its national list of quarantine pests. 101. For Seed trade, the NSC will ensure compliance to the provisions of Title IV of Seed Regulation C/ REG.4/05/2008 -ECOWAS, on seed trade. 102. Capacity : Based on the needs expressed by the NSC, a training plan is developed to enable them to have a better understanding of the regional seed regulation and therefore better perform their function as advisory bodies on any matter relating to seed. 103. Coordination/administration : Training sessions are provided by the ES of the Regional Seed Committee, through the WASP Task force, supported by resource persons and the Seed Science Centre of Iowa State University (SSC/ISU), depending on the subject. These training sessions are conducted in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture through its departments (NARS, the Official Seed Quality Control and Certification Service, Plant Protection and Regulatory Service, National Directorate of Agriculture, etc.).

3.4. Promoting the private seed sector

3.4.1. Promote the emergence of a strong private seed sector in the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS region

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee 104. Background : With the support of the public sector in the past, commercial seed production activities, packaging and distribution of seeds in the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS region are increasingly becoming the responsibility of the private sector. However, the private sector is still under developed and struggles to take leadership in the sector to fully perform its role. This is reflected, among other things, by the low use of quality seeds against the potential needs. Moreover, the policy environment is not motivating enough for the private sector, often competing with the public sector, NGOs and other development programs. Emerging seed SMEs/ SMIs are confronted with lack of knowledge of the actual demand; weakness in technical and managerial capacity, the low financial capacity and difficult conditions in accessing credit, low level of structured investments and logistics dedicated to the sector, and low level of knowledge of the Regional Regulation provisions, etc. 105. There is an interest for both the public and the private sectors to create conditions to strengthen the private sector when it comes to production and marketing of certified seed and to reduce financial, technical and infrastructural obstacles which hinder the promotion of seed use in the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS region. In this sense, significant support will need to be provided for the development of seed SMEs, through the incubation of new businesses, facilitating access to financial resources and capacity building, investment in modern production equipment and packaging of seeds and provision of assistance to the Official Seed Quality and Certification Service. 106. Objective: Create sufficiently motivating environment for seed SMEs / SMIs in order to motivate them to fully play their role as leaders of the regional seed industry. 107. Policy / strategy : Several constraints relating to policies exists which contribute to the reduction of the availability of certified seed and generally prevent the development of the seed sector in the ECOWAS-UEMOACILSS region. Through exploratory missions and advocacy, NSCs, with the support of the ES of Regional Seed Committee, are expected to develop national policies to : i) Eliminate barriers and abnormal practices impeding the promotion of private entrepreneurship; ii) Formulate national strategies to promote the private sector and advocate ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS Member States, for more private sector engagement in their implementation; and finally, iii) Reduce tax measures for the establishment of companies/seed industries, the introduction of plant genetic materials and provision of equipment for the production and/or packaging of seeds and plants 3.4.2 Put in place instruments to promote private seed sector 108. Policy/ Facilitation strategy : the development and facilitation of relationships to find solutions to financial and commercial problems which seed enterprises/ industries are facing, is a pledge to strengthen the role of the private sector in the production and the supply of quality certified seeds. The instruments for the promotion of the private seed sector (Business solutions) should include solutions such as : i) One-stop shops for the creation of operations, information, including incubation of seed SMEs/ SMIs ; ii) Facilitating access to credit by reducing the interest rate and developing appropriate financial mechanisms such as Collateral management iii) The establishment of support funds for capacity building, such as the Inter-professional Fund for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Advisory (FIRCA) in Cote dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ivoire, the National Development Fund for Agriculture-Forestry-Livestock (FNDASP) iv) Integration and promotion of information and communications technology (ICT) in seed distribution, such as electronic wallet or purse (e-wallet), electronic shopping voucher (e-voucher); v) Establishment of basic infrastructure (warehouses, packaging facilities, seed production farms and centres, etc.) 3.4.3 Strengthen the technical and organizational capacities of private seed sector players 109. Policy/strategy : The performance of the private sector in the ECOWAS-UEMOA -CILSS region depends on the reinforcement of its technical and organizational capacity. With the support of the ES of Regional Seed

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee Committee and in partnership with the locally existing initiatives, NSCs have to design and implement training programs for the private seed stakeholders on related topics : In Technical production/multiplication, conditioning and management of seed quality; ii) Business management/ seed industries and marketing; iii) Development of an Information System on the Market and Business Intelligence (ISMBI) on seeds 110. Furthermore, to fully play their role as leaders, seed SMEs/ SMIs must be organized in networks or professional and inter-professional (national and regional) organizations that are strong, democratic and representative enough of the sector of interest, in order to be able to influence and participate effectively in the process of policy making. 111. The private seed sector in the ECOWAS-UEMOA- CILSS region is already represented by: associations / seed growers’ cooperatives; seed SMEs/ SMIs, international seed companies, etc. Each one of them contributes to the development of regional vs. national seed industry. Support and developmental actions to improve the private sector must be designed and configured, taking into account national specificities, profile and specific needs of the targeted stakeholders. In this respect, the approach of the NSC and the ES of Regional Seed Committee must consist of : i) Capitalize and share experiences and the successful «Business Models» ; ii) Co-opt private sector representatives as full members and not as observers in the NSC and Regional Seed Committee; iii) Advocate for the effective implementation of national Seed Sector Support Fund (SSSF) which takes into account the specific needs and concerns of the private sector, i.e. the financing of key infrastructure dedicated to private credit lines and facilitating financing of SMEs/ SMIs. 112. Coordination/administration : Around most of the ECOWA-UEMOA-CILSS Member States, there are two types of organizations of the private seed sector , some of which are affiliated to regional and continental networks (NSTA members, AFSTA members or non-member), West Africa Farmer Organizations Platform (ROPPA) etc. For good ownership and to ensure sustainability, the support of the Regional Seed Committee to the private sector, should focus on existing local organizations, by strengthening their representation in the national and regional seed committees in order to increase their legitimacy and thus enable them to play their full role within the committees. Where there is no private sector organization, the Regional Seed Committee, in partnership with the NSC and stakeholders should support the establishment of national private sector associations and accompany them on their membership in regional and even continental networks and platforms (AFSTA, ROPPA, Africa Seed, ASIWA, etc.).

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

1. To make the West Africa Seed Committees functional (WASC&CRSU)

Objective

1.2. Monitoring, Evaluation, Support to the implementation, and Coordination

1.1. Operationalization of the ES of West Africa Seed Committee

Strategic Activity

IV. Budget

Renting of premises for office usage Material and equipment acquisition (cars, video projectors) ; Functioning of the West Africa Seed Committee (tel., water, electricity, internet) ; Establishment of a counseling service

• •

•

1.2.2 To issue opinions, recommendations and proposals on any question relating to seeds, including COAfEV / CREVU

1.2.1 Ensure the implementation and compliance with rules and standards agreed on regionally

Staff Recruitment (Drivers, assistants)

•

1.1.1 Implementation of the ES West Africa Seed Committee

Sub Activities

Intra-communal seed trade is facilitated

Establishment and Implementation of a West Africa Seed Committee

Expected Results

West Africa Seed Committee ES/W ASP/ CW

WASP/CW

Resource Persons

850 000

595 000

385 000

60 000

58 000

345 000

(en dollars US)

Estimated Costs

848 000

(en dollars US)

Activity Subtotal

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

2. 2. To make the National Seed Committees functional (NSC)

1. To make the West Africa Seed Committees functional (WASC&CRSU)

Objective

Production, quality control and certification of seeds and plants in the ECOWAS

Import/export of seeds and plants in the ECOWAS ;

•

Infrastructure ;

Material and equipment ;

• •

Human (training) ;

2.2.1 Capacity reinforcement :

2.2 Operationalizing NSC •

2.1.1 Take the administrative and legal act establishing, organization, operation and financing (SSSF) of a NSC in each Member State (MS) ;

2.1. Implementation ofNSCinthe17 Member States

1.2.4 ensure collaboration and information exchange between the NSC - communication Strategy ;

Release and registration of varieties in the national catalogue of plant species and varieties ;

1.2.3 Completing the appendix technical regulations and other relevant documents regarding :

1.2. Monitoring, Evaluation, Support to the implementation, and Coordination •

Sub Activities

Strategic Activity

Operational NSC

NSC established in each MS

Intra-communal seed trade is facilitated

Expected Results

WASC Office

Government of the MS

West Africa Seed Committee ES/ WASP/CW

Resource Persons

816 000

3 230 000

1 020 000

200 000

180 000

340 000

(US $)

Estimated Costs

5 066 000

200 000

1 445 000

(US $)

Activity Subtotal

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

2. Rendre fonctionnel les Comités Nationaux des Semences (CNS)

Objective

2.4 Promotion of private seed sector

2.3.1 Ensure the implementation and compliance with rules and standards;

2.3 Implementation of the EU regulation by M.S

Quality control and certification (including accreditation) ; Import / export (including quarantine) ;

•

Elimination of abnormal and practical barriers impeding the promotion of entrepreneurship ; The formulation of national strategies to promote the sector and funding commitment to the strategy; The easing of fiscal measures ( for the introduction of plant material and equipment for rural agriculture).

•

2.4.1 To promote the emergence of a strong private seed sector in ECOWAS - UEMOA and CILSS , through :

Release and registration ;

•

2.3.3 dapt Procedure manual for :

2.3.2 To issue opinions, recommendations and proposals on the national catalogue (including cataloguing);

Sub Activities

Strategic Activity

• The private sector becomes the leader of the national seed industry

• Farmer access to quality seeds at right time and place is facilitated.

• Local production of quality seeds is facilitated;

Expected Results

NSC

NSC/ WASC Office

Resource Persons

340 000

180 000

340 000

3 400 000

850 000

(en dollars US)

Estimated Costs

1 020 000

4 250 000

(en dollars US)

Activity Subtotal

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

2. To make the National Seed Committees functional (NSC)

Objective

2.4 Promotion of private seed sector

Strategic Activity

Facilitating access to credit ; The creation of basic infrastructure (warehouses, packaging facilities, farms and seed production centers) .

• •

Technical training and supporting networking creation ; The information and monitoring system on seeds and plants ; Supporting the professional and inter–professional structuring of the private seed sector.

•

2.4.3 Strengthen the technical capacities of the private sector , through :

One stop shop for creating awareness and information on operations of seed companies ;

•

2.4.2 Establish private sector promotion instruments, through :

Sub Activities

• The private sector becomes the leader of the national seed industry

Expected Results

GRAND TOTAL

NCS

Resource Persons

20 989 000

1 020 000

1 700 000

5 100 000

170 000

(US $)

Estimated Costs

20 989 000

2 720 000

5 440 000

(US $)

Activity Subtotal

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

1. operationalizing ReSeedCo (WASC&URSC)

Objective

1.2. Monitoring and evaluation support for the implementation and coordination

1.1. West Africa Seed Committee ES operationalization

Strategic activity

V . Budget Narrative

Establishment of consultancy services

•

385 000

60 000

850 000

Operation of the West Africa Seed Committee ES (telephone, water, electricity, internet, etc.) ;

•

58 000

1.2.2 To issue opinions, recommendations and proposals o any question relating to seeds, including COAFEV / CREVU

Acquisition of a vehicle and equipment (office equipment, projector, etc.) ;

•

595 000

Rent of an office space ;

•

345 000

Estimated Costs (US $)

1.2.1 Ensure the implementation and compliance with rules and standards agreed on regionally

Staff recruitment (driver and assistant) ;

•

1.1.1 Establish the West Africa Seed Committee ES

Sub Activities

This amount corresponds to the cost of developing the regional catalogue (collection, validation, posting and publishing) and other seed relevant documents: (basis for calculation: US $ 20,000 (10,000,000 CFA francs per country per year).

7,000 (3,500,000 CFA francs) per mission) .

This amount corresponds to the costs of monitoring visits (audits) of the management and organization of SOC in the 17 countries with one mission per year per country (basis for calculation: US $

This amount corresponds to the costs of the various consultants to be recruited for specific tasks (cataloguing, follow up studies, impact studies, etc.).

This amount corresponds to vehicle operating costs (insurance, fuel, maintenance, repair, etc.) and payments of water, electricity and telephone bills of the WASP, for five years ;

This amount is for the purchase of a vehicle and a projector, etc. for coordination.

In addition to the Permanent Secretary, supported by the WASP / CW , this amount corresponds to salaries over five years of an assistant and a driver to be recruited to complete the team (basis for calculation: US $ 5,000 (2,500,000 CFA francs) per month for the assistant and US $ 750 (375,000 CFA francs) per month for the driver)

(US $)

Budget Narrative

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

2. Operationalizing NSC

1. 1.operationalizing ReSeedCo (WASC&URSC)

Objective

2.1 Implementation of NSCs in the 17 Member States

1.1. West Africa Seed Committee ES operationalization

Strategic activity

production, quality control and certification of seeds and plants in the ECOWAS ; import / export of seeds and plants in the ECOWAS- UEMOA-CILSS Region

•

2.1.1 Take the administrative and legal act establishing, organization, functioning and financing ( FASS ) of a NSCs in each Member State;

1.2.4 ensure collaboration and information exchange between the SOC - Communication Strategy ;

approval and registration of varieties in the national catalogue of plant species and varieties ;

•

1.2.3 completing the appendixes’ technical regulations and other relevant documents regarding :

Sub Activities

200 000

180 000

340 000

Estimated Costs (US $)

This amount corresponds to the cost of workshops to review the texts of 10 countries that have not yet established their NSCs (basis for calculation: US $ 20,000 (10 million CFA francs) per workshop).

This amount represents the cost of three workshops for exchanging information between the SOC of the 17 Member States (basis for calculation: US $ 60,000 (30 million CFA francs) per workshop).

This amount corresponds to the cost of 17 workshops for developing procedures manuals for phytosanitary certification, including quarantine (basis for calculation: 10 million CFA francs per workshop).

This amount corresponds to the cost of 17 workshops for developing procedure manuals for seed quality control and certification, including accreditation (basis for calculation: US $ 20,000 (10 million CFA francs) per workshop).

This amount corresponds to the cost of 17 workshops for developing procedure manuals for the registration of varieties in the catalogue (basis for calculation: US $ 20,000 (10 million CFA francs per workshop).

(US $)

Budget Narrative

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

2. Operationalizing NSC (continued)

Objective

2.3 Implementation of the communal Regulation by Member States

2.2 Operationalizing NSC

Strategic activity

infrastructure ;

•

approval and registration ; qualitycontrol and certification (including accreditation) ; import / export (including quarantine) ;

• •

•

2.3.3 Adapt procedures manual for :

2.3.2 To issue opinions , recommendations and proposals on the national catalogue (including cataloguing);

2.3.1 Ensure the implementation and compliance to rules and standards ;

material and equipment ;

managerial and technical training ;

•

2.2.1 Building capacity :

Sub Activities

Pour mémoire

3 400 000

850 000

816 000

3 230 000

1 020 000

Estimated Costs (US $)

See 1.2.3

This amount corresponds to the costs of activities related to the process of certification and registration of varieties (collection management, DUS trials and VCU, workshops) to be implemented in 17 countries (basis for calculation: US $ 20,000 (10 million CFA francs) per workshop).

This amount is for the organization of audits and debriefing workshops relating to the organization and management of the OCS countries (basis for calculation: US $ 10,000 (5,000,000 CFA francs) per country per year).

This amount corresponds to the construction of 17 seed laboratory units (basic calculation US $ 48,000 (24,000,000 CFA francs) per lab unit).

This amount is for the acquisition of quality control laboratory equipment, vehicles, motorcycles in the 17 Member States (basis for calculation: US $ 100,000 (50 million CFA francs) for a lab equipment, US $ 30,000 (15 million francs) for a vehicle and US $ 3,000) (1,500,000 CFA francs) for motorcycles with 20 motorcycles per country).

(US $)

Budget Narrative

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

2. Operationalizing NSC (continued)

Objective

2.4 Promotion of private seed sector

Strategic activity

the easing of unfavourable fiscal measures (for the introduction of plant material and equipment for rural agriculture.

•

a one stop shop for creation and information operations of seed companies ; facilitating access to credit ;

provision of basic infrastructure (warehouses , packaging facilities, farms and seed production centres).

•

2.4.2 Establish private sector promotion instruments , through:

the formulation of national strategies to promote the private seed sector and commit to its funding

removing barriers and abnormal practices impeding the promotion of entrepreneurship ;

•

2.4.1 To promote the emergence of a strong private seed sector in the ECOWAS UEMOA-CILSS region through :

Sub Activities

5 100 000

170 000

340 000

Estimated Costs (US $)

This corresponds to a contribution of the public sector to private sector efforts to develop in each of 17 countries, warehouses in compliance with regulations and/or seed conditioning units, etc. (calculation based on lump sum of US $ 300,000 (150 million francs CFA per country).

This amount corresponds to the organization of a workshop to share experiences, information and best practices in agreeing on a mechanism to facilitate credit access (basis for calculation: US $ 10,000 (5,000,000 CFA francs) per country).

This amount corresponds to the organization of a workshop to share experiences, information and best practices in the implementation of improved one- stop shops for seed companies (basis for calculation: US $ 10,000 (5,000,000 CFA francs) per country).

This amount represents the cost of the 17national workshops of validation strategies of relief tax measures on the basis of studies confided to national consultants (basis for calculation: US $ 20,000 (10,000,000 CFA francs) per country).

This amount corresponds to the cost of 17 National workshops validation strategies of the private sector promotion on the basis of studies confided to national consultants ( basis for calculation: US $ 20,000 (10,000,000 francs) per country).

This amount represents the cost of the 17 national strategies validation workshops to eliminate trade barriers, based on studies performed by national consultants (basis for calculation: US $ 20,000 (10,000,000 CFA francs per country).

(US $)

Budget Narrative

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

2. Operationalizing NSC (continued)

Objective

2.4 Promotion of private seed sector

Strategic activity

technical training and networking ; information and monitoring system in seeds and plants ; supporting the professional and inter-professional structuring of the seed sector .

•

2.4.3 Strengthen the technical capacities of the private sector, through :

Sub Activities

1 020 000

1 700 000

Estimated Costs (US $)

This amount is meet the needs of the private sector relating to organizational and managerial capacity strengthening (basis for calculation: US $ 20,000 (10,000,000 CFA francs) per training session, with three sessions per country).

See 1.2.3

This amount is for meeting the training needs entrepreneurship and technical capacity strengthening as well as networking.

(US $)

Budget Narrative

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

QUARTERS

2.7. Strengthen Technical and Managerial Capacities of the Private Seed Sector

2.6. Put in Place Promotion Instruments for the Private Seed Sector

2.5. Promote a Strong National Private Seed Sector in ECOWASUEMOA-CILSS Countries

2.4. Give Opinions and Advice and Make Proposals on All Matters Related to Seeds, in particular the Organization and Updating the National Catalogue of Plant Species & Varieties

2.3. Ensure Compliance to and Enforcement of Regionally Agreed Rules and Standards

2.2. Strengthen Human, Material, Infrastructural and Equipment Capacities of National Seed Systems

2.1. Undertake Administrative and Legal Act on the Creation, Attributions, Organization, Functioning, and Financing of NSCs in Each Member State

2. National Seed Committees

1.5. Ensure collaboration and exchange of information among National Seed Services – Communication Strategy

1.4. Culminate the Enabling Technical Annexed Regulations and other relevant documents

1.3. Give opinions and advice and make proposals on all matters related to seeds, in particular the organization and updating the West African Catalogue of Plant Species and Varieties hereinafter known as “WACPSV/COAfEV”, common to Member States

1.2. Ensure compliance to and enforcement of regionally agreed rules and standards

1.1. Establishment of the Executive Secretariat

1. West Africa West Africa Seed Committee

ACTIVITIES

VI. Chronogram 2016 1 2 3 4

2015 1 2 3 4

2018

2019

2020

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

2017

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

Purpose

EXPECTED RESULTS

• No.of regional meetings organized

1.5. The collaboration and exchange of information between the NSCs (Communication Strategy) are strengthened

• No.of Newsletter outputs on COASem

• No.of documents finalized, translated & adopted by the Commissions

• No.of countries who reviewed their seed regulation framework

• No.of countries who gazetted the Regional seed Regulation

1.4. The Annexed Enabling Technical Regulations and other relevant documents are finalized, adopted and disseminated to beneficiaries

Relevant opinions, advices and proposals are given on all matters related to seeds, including the organization of the Regional Catalogue of Plant Species and Varieties (WACPSV or CREVU) common to States of the ECOWASUEMOA and CILSS region.

Relevant documents (regulations, executive regulation, procedure manuals, ...)

• Decree / Orders

• NSS Annual reports ;

•

• COASem M&E reports ;

• Regional % of certified seeds

1.2. The regionally agreed rules and norms are applied and respected 1.3.

• COASem Annual reports ;

• Annual reports of Ministries in charge of Agriculture

• Survey reports of beneficiaries;

• Equipment purchase bonds

• No.of new seed SMEs

• % of satisfaction of national needs of certified seeds

• No.of missions organized

• No. of MS who gazetted the Regional Seed Regulation

• State Gazettes

- Survey reports of Regional/National R&D services

• At least 25% increase of the seed trade among Member States ; • Availability of quality seeds of improved varieties increased

Verification Sources

Indicators

1.1. An office of the ES of the West Africa Seed Committee is put in place

2. National Seed Committees are put in place and functional in the 17 States, and a strong private seed sector is promoted in ECOWASUEMOA-CILSS region

1. The Common ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee is made functional/operational

Specific Objectives

Finality

To contribute to the effective implementation of the Regional Harmonized Seed Regulation ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS.

(Narrative summary)

Intervention logic

Global Objective

1. COASem-CRSU

Objectives Goal levels

VII. Log-frame

• Political stability in the countries of the community

• Support of decision makers and partners

• Respect of commit- ments on institutional support of TFP;

• Stability & motivated teams of regulators;

• Best coordination of support services;

• an enabling legal environment for private investments ;

• A consensual and favorable agricultural policy;

Hypothesis

(Critical conditions)

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

EXPECTED RESULTS

Objectives Goal levels

2. NCS

Administrative and legal act on the creation, responsibilities, organization, operation and financing of NSCs is undertaken in each Member State

(Narrative summary)

Intervention logic

2.7. The actors of private seed sector with enhanced technical and organizational capabilities

• No.of instruments developed & implemented in the country

2.6. Promotional instruments sufficiently motivating the private sector enterprises at national level by States of the ECOWAS-UEMOA and CILSS region

• No.of supports provided ( training, equipment, funds, etc.).

• No.of New seed SMEs created

2.5. An enabling environment for the private seed sector is created

• Frequency of updating the Catalog

• No. of NSCs meetings organized ;

• No.of new varieties released

2.4.

Relevant opinions, advices and proposals are given on all matters related to seeds, including the organization of the National Catalogue of Plant Species and Varieties of each state in the ECOWAS-UEMOA and CILSS region

• National % of seeds certified

• No. of NSS supported

• Decree/Orders

• NSS Annual reports;

• Political stability in the countries of the community

• Support of decision makers and partners;

• Respect of commit ments on institutio nal support of TFP;

•

• No.of infrastructure set up

Relevant documents (regulations, executive regulation, procedure manuals, ...)

• Stability & motivated teams of regulators;

• COASem M&E reports ;

• No.of individuals trained on VR,

• Best coordination of support services;

• COASem Annual reports;

• Decrees/Orders establishing NSCs

Hypothesis

(Critical conditions)

Verification Sources

Indicators

2.3. The regionally agreed rules and standards are applied and respected nationally

2.2. Human resource, material, infrastructure and equipment capacities of the National Seed System are strengthened

2.1.

Log-frame (Continued)

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee

ACTIVITIES

50 1. COASem - CRSU

Provide relevant opinions, advices and proposals on all matters related to seeds, including the organization of the Regional Catalogue of Plant Species and Varieties (WACPSV or CREVU) common to States of the ECOWAS-UEMOA and CILSS region.

Undertake administrative and legal act on the creation, responsibilities, organization, operation and financing of a National Seed Committee (NSC) in each Member State

Provide relevant opinions, advices and proposals on all matters related to seeds, including the organization of the National Catalogue of Plant Species and Varieties of each state of the ECOWAS-UEMOA and CILSS region.

2.7. Enhance the technical and organizational capabilities of actors of the private seed sector

2.6. Put in place promotion al instruments sufficiently motivating private sector at national level in each states of the ECOWAS-UEMOA and CILSS region

2.5. Create an enabling environment or the private seed sector

2.4.

2.3. Ensure the implementation and enforcement of agreed rules and standards nationally

2.2. Strengthen the human resource, material, infrastructure and equipment capacities of the National Seed Systems

2.1.

1.5. Ensure the collaboration and information exchange between National Seed Services Communication strategy

1.4. Culminate the Annexed Enabling Technical Regulations and other relevant documents

13.

1.2. Ensure the implementation and enforcement of agreed rules and standards regionally

•

When the activity is confided to a consultant, it is also required of him to provide a comprehensive CN before initiating the work.

Develop CN on each scheduled activity providing precise indications on objectives, interventions to be undertaken to achieve the expected results, procedures, methods of collecting and analyzing data, the arrangements to ensure the reliability of data collected, dissemination and use of information, the necessary resources and responsibilities of the various partners in the program.

Methodology approaches :

1.1. Establish the Executive Secretariat of the West Africa Seed Committee •

Indicators

(Narrative summary)

Intervention logic

The ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions ensure the availability of the budget for the implementation of the Plan of Action

2. NCS

Objectives Goal levels

20989 000 USD

9 180 000

2 720 000

5 440 000

1 020 000

9 516 000

3 400 000

850 000

5 066 000

200 000

2 293 000

180 000

1 020 000

850 000

595 000

848 000

Verification Sources Good coordination of support services (timely funds availability) ;

Previous Conditions

• Political stability in the countries of the Community.

• Support of decision makers and partners;

• Respect of commit ments on institutio nal support of TFP;

• Stability & motivated teams of regulators;

•

Hypothesis

(Critical conditions)

Action Plan of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS West Africa Seed Committee