PROSSIVA: Program for Seed System Innovation for Vegetatively propagated crops in Africa

Project description / objective

To enhance the efficiency, productivity and profitability of seed systems for vegetatively-propagated crops (VPCs) in target African countries (Nigeria, Ghana and Tanzania) by conducting research and delivering innovations that overcome seed-system bottlenecks.

Market systems focus

Vegetatively-propagated crops (VPCs)

Seed producers of vegetatively-propagated crops (VPCs) - such as yams and cassava - often lack the market knowledge and business skills to sell certified seed effectively, limiting farmer demand.

Better data, stronger planning and more structured marketing will help seed producers improve their market position, boost farmer adoption and put VPC seed systems on a more sustainable footing.

Programme approach

The programme strengthens vegetatively-propagated crop (VPC) seed systems across Africa by addressing productivity, delivery and market challenges through research and innovation. Implemented with public and private partners, it promotes inclusive market-driven solutions that enhance seed access, increase productivity and create jobs, especially for women and youth.

Programme interventions

Vegetatively-propagated crops (VPCs)

Support to seed companies:

Business and management capacity development
Strengthened the business and management systems of seed companies in Nigeria and Ghana by developing eight actionable, growth-oriented business plans.

Develop marketing tools for seed companies:

Marketing profiles for promoting registered and released yam varieties
Developed tailored marketing profiles for the localised varieties, especially for seed yams. These tools improved communication of varietal benefits, enhanced farmer awareness and adoption and expanded market reach to underserved communities.

Linkages through community seed entrepreneurs:

Last-mile seed delivery and market linkages
Implemented demand-creation strategies - including demonstration plots, field days, outgrower models and targeted promotional campaigns - while integrating decentralised seed entrepreneurs into formal market channels in Nigeria and Ghana. This approach improved last-mile delivery and increased the affordability, accessibility and adoption of certified seed.

Develop innovative packaging materials:

Seed supply and packaging innovation
Developed innovative, durable and cost-effective packaging for VPC seeds to improve supply chain efficiency. The packaging preserves seed quality, simplifies handling and transport, uses standardised labelling with key product information and serves as a branding tool that enhances traceability, farmer trust and market visibility across the seed value chain.

Notable results

Enduring systemic change

Support to seed companies

Enhanced the business capacity of eight seed companies in Nigeria and Ghana through the development of actionable, growth-oriented business plans designed to strengthen management, marketing and financial systems, improve investment readiness and promote strategic partnerships.

Development of varietal profiles for seed companies

Nine seed companies now consistently use the 14 standardised varietal marketing profiles to market certified seed yams, resulting in sustained growth in farmer-driven demand and expanded commercial distribution across multiple agro-ecological zones within Nigeria and Ghana.

Market linkages through community seed entrepreneurs

Seed distribution through community seed entrepreneurs has become a commercially viable channel, leading to a 30 - 50 per cent sustained increase in certified seed yam production and corresponding growth in sales revenues among participating seed companies in Nigeria.

Innovative packaging materials for VPCs

Standardised, branded packaging for VPC seeds has been adopted by 80 per cent of the seed companies under the PROSSIVA project, reducing post-harvest losses, improving seed quality and enhancing market visibility. This strengthens farmer trust, supports reliable distribution and institutionalises packaging as a sustainable practice within the seed value chain.

Impacts for target beneficiaries

Business plan development for seed companies (Nigeria & Ghana)

Seed companies that implemented tailored business plans have increased their revenue by an estimated 35 - 40 per cent as a result of improved commercial operations, better financial planning and expanded market access within their areas of coverage.

Varietal profile development

Seed companies using the standardised varietal marketing profiles have improved farmer awareness of variety-specific benefits, leading to increased adoption of certified local yam varieties and expanded market demand across underserved agro-ecological zones in Nigeria and Ghana.

Market linkages through community seed entrepreneurs

The number of community seed entrepreneurs has increased by 36 per cent from the previous year, improving last-mile delivery of certified seed yam, expanding farmer access and strengthening income and business opportunities for rural seed entrepreneurs.

Innovative packaging materials for VPC seeds

Seed companies adopting durable and labelled packaging have reduced post-harvest losses by 10 per cent and improved the efficiency of seed delivery. Results showed that improved packaging materials increased seed survival to 90 per cent compared with around ≤80 per cent under conventional packaging.

The improved packaging also strengthened seed quality, enhanced traceability and branding and increased farmer confidence in certified VPC seeds. These improvements benefit both seed enterprises and farmers by providing more reliable and accessible planting materials.

_{*Other implementers: National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), Rwanda Agricultural Board (RAB), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Strategic Seeds Nigeria Limited, DA-ALLGREEN Seeds Limited, Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD), IITA GoSeed, Umudike Seeds, HIKMA Agro Services Limited, Nwabudo Agro Seeds and Inputs Company Limited.}

[uploaded April 2026]