NAIROBI – The critical role of high-quality seed in modernizing East Africa’s agricultural landscape took center stage at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Congress 2025. Industry leaders and policymakers gathered in the Kenyan capital to address the dual challenge of escalating counterfeit markets and the urgent need for climate-resilient inputs to safeguard the region’s food security.
The panel, moderated by Airah Cadiogan, Communications Manager at the International Seed Federation (ISF), opened with a sobering assessment of the “grey market” in agricultural inputs. Cadiogan warned that illegal seed practices, including the sophisticated repackaging of low-quality grains with fraudulent commercial branding, now threaten over half of the crop seeds sold in some African nations. “Counterfeit seeds are low-quality seeds repackaged and disguised as popular or commercial varieties. This is done by mislabeling the seed products or misusing seed company logos,” she explained, noting that the ISF is intensifying collaboration with regional affiliates to dismantle these illicit supply chains.
Dianah Orinda, Country Manager for Kenya and Uganda at East-West Seed, positioned quality seed as the fundamental “bridge” between subsistence farming and a transformative, commercialized sector. She argued that the adoption of high-yielding, early-maturing hybrids is no longer a luxury but a strategic necessity to counter the increasing unpredictability of rainy seasons. “Quality seed is making transformation possible and enabling farmers to cross the bridge from household to transformative agriculture with improved yields,” Orinda stated, adding that modern seeds offer the secondary benefit of built-in disease resistance and climate adaptability.
Addressing the barrier of affordability, Betty Kiplagat, Government Affairs Leader at Corteva Agriscience Kenya, emphasized the shift toward bundled input solutions. By offering seeds alongside fertilizers and crop protection in smaller, accessible packaging, the private sector is attempting to provide a comprehensive “crop production program” for smallholders. However, Kiplagat stressed that private initiatives must be met with robust public policy and the revitalization of government extension services. “Governments should go out to areas and contact retired researchers and scientists and empower them to become extension and agronomic services providers, because they have the knowledge,” she said.
The discussion also highlighted the necessity of protecting intellectual property to stimulate further research and development in the region. Panelists argued that clear, science-based regulations are essential for the safe movement of technology across borders and for building a predictable grain supply. Emmah Mwenda, Client Manager at Rijk Zwaan Kenya and a board member of the Seed Trade Association of Kenya (STAK), concluded that while quality seed may carry a higher upfront cost, the long-term value in yield and marketability far outweighs the initial investment. “Our goal is for everybody in the value chain, from the farmer to the consumer, to benefit from quality seed,” she noted.
