IITA Empowers 35 Seed Certification Officers to Boost Crop Quality and Strengthen Food Security in Togo

In a significant step towards improving the quality of seeds and strengthening the agricultural sector in Togo, IITA has successfully trained 35 seed certification officers from six regions of the country. The officers, hailing from the Maritime, Kara, Savanna, Plateau East, Plateau West, and Central regions, underwent an intensive training program focused on the certification protocols for yam, cassava, and sweet potato, key crops in Togo’s agricultural landscape. IITA’s extensive experience in agricultural improvement ensures the quality and effectiveness of the training.

The primary objective of the training was to equip certification officers with the knowledge and practical skills required to apply the newly developed seed certification protocols for these vegetatively propagated crops. These protocols are part of a broader initiative under the Zero Hunger Project, which aims to ensure that the seed system in Togo meets both national and international standards, ultimately boosting agricultural productivity and food security. During the training, the officers were guided through the technical and procedural requirements for certifying yam, cassava, and sweet potato seeds.