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TAAT Strengthens Youth Capacity in Certified Maize Seed Production in Ghana
The Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation continues to advance Africa’s agricultural transformation agenda by empowering young agripreneurs with the skills needed to drive sustainable seed systems. In line with this mission, TAAT, in collaboration with key partners, successfully organised a Seed Production Training Workshop for youth and input dealers under the Maize Innovation Platform in Ghana.
Held from 27–28 April 2026 at the Damongo Agricultural College in the Savannah Region, the training brought together over 100 participants, including youth, extension agents, and seed sector actors, to deepen technical expertise in certified maize seed production.
Addressing a Critical Gap in Ghana’s Seed Systems
Maize remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s food security and agro-industrial growth. However, limited access to high-quality certified seed continues to constrain productivity, particularly in northern Ghana.
Through its partnership with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation and the CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, TAAT is working to close this gap by strengthening seed systems, promoting climate-smart maize hybrids, and building local capacity through innovation platforms.
Youth engagement sits at the heart of this strategy—offering a pathway to job creation, improved seed availability, and agribusiness development.
From Training to Transformation
This workshop builds on an earlier training conducted in September 2025, providing a structured follow-up to reinforce knowledge, address real-world challenges, and advance participants toward becoming certified seed producers.
The programme focused on strengthening technical skills in hybrid maize seed production, enhancing understanding of seed certification and quality assurance, improving post-harvest handling and storage practices, and promoting youth-led seed enterprises and market linkages.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions, problem-solving clinics, and practical demonstrations designed to bridge the gap between theory and field application.
Building Technical Excellence in Seed Production
The training delivered comprehensive modules covering the entire seed value chain, including Pre-Planting and Field Establishment, during which participants learned best practices in site selection, isolation distances, land preparation, and planting techniques—critical for maintaining genetic purity and achieving high yields.
Under Crop Management and Field Operations, Sessions focused on fertiliser application, weed and pest control, and detasseling techniques to ensure optimal crop performance and seed quality, while Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling emphasised moisture management, seed drying, cleaning, and storage—key factors in reducing losses and preserving seed viability.
For Seed Certification and Quality Control, Participants were introduced to certification procedures, regulatory requirements, and standards for producing market-ready certified seed.
Driving Youth-Led Agribusiness
Beyond technical training, the workshop highlighted the economic potential of seed production as a viable agribusiness opportunity for young people. By equipping youth with the skills to produce certified seed, the initiative is expected to increase the availability of quality maize seed in the Savannah Region, reduce post-harvest losses through improved handling practices, strengthen local seed systems, create sustainable income opportunities for young agripreneurs, and form partnerships to power Impact.
The success of the training reflects strong collaboration among partners, which includes CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, led by technical delivery and facilitation
African Agricultural Technology Foundation provided specialised expertise in seed systems and post-harvest management, and the Damongo Innovation Platform coordinated participant mobilisation and local engagement
This multi-stakeholder approach ensures that knowledge transfer is practical, scalable, and aligned with national agricultural priorities.
Toward Sustainable Seed Systems
The training is expected to translate into tangible outcomes, including increased certified seed production, improved adoption of best practices, and stronger linkages between youth producers and seed markets.
To sustain these gains, TAAT and its partners will continue to provide mentorship, facilitate the formation of youth seed producer groups, and strengthen connections with certification bodies and private-sector actors.
A Catalyst for Agricultural Transformation
As a flagship initiative of the African Development Bank’s Feed Africa strategy, TAAT is committed to scaling proven agricultural technologies across the continent. By targeting youth and strengthening seed systems, the programme is laying the foundation for resilient food systems and inclusive economic growth.
The Damongo training marks another step forward—transforming young farmers into skilled seed producers and positioning them as key drivers of Ghana’s agricultural future.
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