Conference Brochure
1. INTRODUCTION
Global food security concerns in the light of climate change and rising food prices have in recent years led to an increased interest in seed sector development in Africa, inviting new thinking on the role of seed in defraying these concerns. A country’s seed sector is made up of different seed industry components, value chain actors, approaches, technology innovation and management practices (TIMPs), seed systems and trade as guided by policy and legal framework. Seed sector development plays a crucial role in fighting food insecurity at global, national and local levels. Since the quality of seed determines the success of crops in terms of yield and productivity, quality seed and availability are crucial elements in securing food security.
Agriculture sector in Africa has not developed to its potential due to a myriad of challenges. These include; low investment by government, limited availability of resources to farmers, poorly structured production chains, adverse soil and climatic conditions, overdependence on rain-fed agriculture, limited quality assurance infrastructure for quality inputs amongst others. Key to these challenges is the inadequate conservation mechanisms and infrastructure which has led to virtually complete loss and depletion of important diverse genetic resources, unavailability of high-quality seeds of high nutrition, climate resilient crop varieties, inadequate variety improvement and seed quality enhancing techniques by farmers and farmer groups, systemic stresses such as drought, low soil fertility and prevalence of pests and diseases.
To discuss such challenges; the Government of Kenya, Partners, KEPHIS and COPE have planned the First International Seed Quality Conference on 19th to 22nd August 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya whose theme is “Seed quality assurance and technological advances for climate change adaptation towards sustainable food and nutrition security”
This conference will bring together private and public, national, regional and international stakeholders in the seed arena to discuss current affairs and share experiences in seed quality assurance. Delivery in the conference will be through identified strategic world-renowned keynote speakers and well vetted oral and poster presentations aligned to identified thematic areas. Alongside the conference, there shall be side events, field excursions and exhibitions to display the array of efforts and experiences in promoting seed quality.
The conference targets over 150 participants drawn from the government agencies (public), policy makers, agricultural industry players, international agencies, donor agencies among others. The venue of the conference will be KEPHIS Headquarters, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya.
2. OBJECTIVES
Overall objective:
To provide an opportunity for the seed actors to share experiences, new knowledge, achievements, challenges, opportunities and solutions.
Specific objectives
1) To share knowledge and approaches to seed quality assurance
2) To showcase Innovations and Technologies in the seed industry
3) To foster discussions on Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience
3. THEMATIC AREAS
In order to ensure that the objectives of the conference are achieved, various components of seed systems and emerging areas have been organised into thematic areas. Discussions around these thematic areas are expected to provide a platform for exchange/ sharing of experiences so as to enhance mitigation measures towards the identified challenges. The thematic areas are:
a. Sustainable Seed systems for delivery of quality seed.
b. Technological advancements and Innovations in seed production and quality assurance for climate adaptation and resilience.
c. Plant health and Biosecurity in seed quality assurance.
d. Advancements in Variety evaluation, release and maintenance.
e. Approaches to Seed quality assurance for Vegetatively propagating seeds.
f. Conservation of plant genetic resources for sustainable seed systems.
g. Regional/international harmonization of standards and cross border trade in seeds.
h. Plant variety protection for climate resilience and sustainable agricultural production.
i. Policy and regulatory environment in the seed industry.
j. Cross-cutting issues in seed systems (Capacity building and knowledge transfer, trade negotiations and communication in seed systems, Seed quality surveillance: case studies/practical approaches, GMOs, Biosafety, gender youth issues in seed systems, collaboration and partnerships).
4. PARTICIPANTS
The conference targets over 150 participants drawn from, scientific research institutions, government agencies (public), policy makers, private agricultural industry players, institutions of higher learning, international agencies, donor agencies among others.
5. LANGUAGE
• The key language of communication during the conference shall be English and Kenya sign language.
6. COST PER PARTICIPANT
• Registration fee: Students US$ 150; Delegates US$ 300; Corporate max of 3 participants US$ 750 (to include meals [2 teas and lunch], bag, stationery, cocktail, abstract book, transport for field visit)
7. ACCOMODATION
• Accommodation is available at KEPHIS on a first come first served basis. Rates: Half Board at USD 45 per person per day for residents and USD 50 per person per day for international guests. For reservations contact the conference secretariat (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
• Alternative accommodation can be found at KCB leadership Center. For more information on KCB leadership Center, kindly call Reservations on 0720855457.
• Accomodation facilities can be also found in the neighbouring Karen suburb.
8. EXHIBITION BOOTHS
Twenty booths will be available for displaying products or services relevant to the concerned event. Contacts: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
9. ABSTRACTS
• Prospective participants are expected to submit their abstracts by 14th June, 2024. The abstracts should meet the following specifications: language: english, Microsoft Word (*.doc), font: Times New Roman, Font size: 12, indicate name(s), affiliations/institutions, 6 keywords, one paragraph of 300 words. The abstract topics and contents should fall within the thematic areas. The abstracts should be sent to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• Abstracts will be typically selected for oral presentations (15 minutes).
10. POSTERS
• Due to the limited time of the event, some abstracts will be presented as posters during specially organized poster sessions.
11. SIDE EVENTS
• There will be side events linked to various Seed quality issues targeting journalists, professionals in seed industry, farmers, youth, women and industry players.
12. CONTACT
For more information/ further guidance, please contact:
The Secretariat: Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.