Establishing community-based Seed Growers Groups (SGGs) to produce certified seeds of improved and traditional varieties

Establishment of Community-based Seed Growers Groups (SGGs) was one key activity of the Seed Development Project, which was implemented between 2012 and 2018 based on cooperation between government organizations and authorities of North and South Kordofan States with responsibilities in the areas of seed and plant genetic resources, together with several public and private sector partners, such as service providers and local extension teams. The objective was to increase crop productivity of smallholder farmers through adoption of certified seeds of crops grown under rain-fed conditions in both states. The Project had four complementary and reinforcing components: (1) strengthening the regulatory environment and relevant government institutions; (2) enhancing the performance of the seed production system by providing the necessary support; (3) market development, including through support to farmers’ groups and associations and private sector enterprises providing relevant technologies, goods and services; and (4) project management. 17 community-based SGGs including 853 farmers (38% women) were established and enabled to produce certified seeds of improved and traditional varieties; produced seed is sold to seed companies, neighbors and farmers in other areas of Sudan, such as West Kordofan and Darfur. These achievements have resulted in a significant improvement in food security nationally.