TASAI News – June 2018
![]() Welcome to TASAI’s occasional newsletter, where we share updates about our work and opportunities to engage with us on all things African seed systems-related. ![]() Ed on TEDx Jo-burg! On March 1st TASAI principal investigator Dr. Ed Mabaya presented insights on seed systems gained from TASAI research at the TEDx Johannesburg event titled “Hacking the Farm.” The event drew a wide range of participants and audience, including farmers, agronomists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, commodity traders, chefs, restaurateurs, analysts, and activists from around the world to discuss the future of food and farming. TASAI UPDATES ![]() TASAI in the DRC – updates Co-financed with ELAN RDC, in 2017 MM Inc. completed the first-ever TASAI country study of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The work yielded detailed insights into the challenges constraining seed sector development in the country. The TASAI team held dissemination events in Kinshasa, Goma and Lubumbashi to share findings with seed industry stakeholders. As the next step, ELAN RDC and MM Inc. are co-funding work to formulate a Seed Sector Strategy for DRC. ![]() East African Regional Trade Assessment A recent study conducted by Agri-Experience highlighted significant challenges constraining regional trade in East Africa. In response, USAID AfricaLead convened a meeting in Nairobi to discuss the findings of the study. TASAI was invited to contribute to the discussion. TASAI @Making Markets Matter 2018 TASAI Coordinator Mainza Mugoya facilitated a special session for seed companies at the 2018 Making Markets Matter Program held on May 8, 2018 in Somerset West, South Africa. The meeting covered various topics relevant to seed companies, including sources of foundation seed, harmonization of seed regulations, and The African Seed Access Index. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() TASAI IS HIRING! REGIONAL COORDINATOR – WEST AFRICA REGIONAL COORDINATOR – EAST AFRICA Market Matters Inc. (MM Inc.) invites applications for the position of Coordinator of The African Seed Access Index (TASAI) in West Africa. Interested applicants with a comprehensive understanding of the formal seed sectors in the region are encouraged to apply. Market Matters Inc. (MM Inc.) invites applications for the position of Coordinator of The African Seed Access Index (TASAI) in East and Southern Africa. Interested applicants with a comprehensive understanding of the formal seed sectors in the region are encouraged to apply. TASAI COUNTRY RESEARCHERS Market Matters Inc. (MM Inc.) invites applications from seed industry expert to join TASAI country research teams in the following countries: Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone. Click the link below to read about the position and the selection criteria. TESTIMONIALS We want to ensure that the TASAI work responds to your industry information needs. If you have used our data in your work or have suggestions for knowledge products that would be helpful to you, please drop us a line! media@tasai.org
“The articles/ study reports are excellent in content and analysis ,which would prove to be very helpful for understanding and widening existing knowledge base and enhance business opportunities with special emphasis on agriculture(Seed)” -Dr Kalyan B Goswami, NSAI “It was interesting for me to go through you 2017 Ten Emerging Lessons , Senegal and Ghana Brief to crosscheck information I got from the ground . In addition working with small holders projects in rice and corn I found useful inputs for my country group West and Central Africa . I hope in the near future to find more reports on country of importance for me such as Nigeria , Ivory Coast , Mali and Burkina Faso .” -Marc Chardet, Bayer |