Assessing the Performance of Egypt’s Seed Sector

Agriculture plays an important role in the Egyptian economy. Alongside rapid population growth and pressure on scarce natural resources such as land and water, climate change is a major threat to food and nutritional security in the country. Cognizant of this fact, the role of agricultural research and seed sector development is high on the agenda of the Egyptian Government. In the development and scaling of climate and water smart technologies and innovations, seed remains at the forefront of the government’s agricultural strategy in national food system transformation.

To identify entry points for supporting the development of a well-functioning seed sector in Egypt that is innovative, competitive, resilient and inclusive, we assessed the current performance of the seed sector. The Seed Sector Assessment (SSA) reviewed the status of seed systems of key field and horticultural crops with a particular focus on cereals, legumes, and vegetables, including potato.

To provide directions for seed sector transformation, seed sector constraints identified in the desk study and stakeholder consultations were translated into seed sector ambitions. Challenges were observed in all key seed sector functions, including: seed production, value addition and distribution, service provision, seed utilization, stakeholder organization, sector regulation, sector coordination, and funding. The outcome of the study was shared and discussed with a range of seed sector stakeholders through workshops in both Egypt and the Netherlands.

Egyptian stakeholders prioritized a number of key intervention areas. In relation to access to adapted varieties, they indicated the importance of: strengthening genetic resources management; development/access to climate resilient varieties; and access to locally adapted hybrid varieties of vegetables. For seed production and marketing they prioritized: establishment of seed storage facilities; facilitation of international investment; access to finance/foreign currency; and effective control of seed markets. Also prioritized - and key to the success of all interventions - is increased farmers’ awareness on the importance of seed quality. In relation to seed sector regulation, importance is given to reviewing the seed law, including some ministerial decrees (currently ongoing). Highlighted was the need for stronger market incentives for increasing crop production; this will create a demand for quality seed. The vegetable sector was mentioned as a key sector to focus on.

The SSA will support stakeholders in Egypt and beyond to find entry points for collaboration improving the performance of the seed sector, including collaboration between Egypt and the Netherlands. The ambitions, as elaborated through the study, inform entry points for Egypt-Netherlands partnerships in seed.