Existing Constraints

Unavailability and high cost of quality improved seed yam are foremost production constraints to yam farmers in West Africa. The formal seed yam system has been non-existent due to inefficient seed production, distribution, and quality assurance systems, and inadequate seed production has stalled yam development across West Africa. Yam multiplication ratios are low, and seed tubers are prone to contamination with pests and pathogens in the traditional systems of production.

Positive-Impact Solutions

YIIFSWA-II seeks to enable the emergence of a formal seed system that better serves the needs of farmers who depend on the yam value chain for food and income.

Primary beneficiaries of the program include seed and ware yam producers, processors, marketers, transporters, and consumers.

The project team works closely with private seed companies to evaluate the business case for seed yam production, demonstrate the value of quality seed yam, and execute sales & marketing strategies.

Focusing on business model optimization, the organizations intend to improve Early Generation Seed (EGS) system economics, localize seed production, and enable the scale-up of private seed companies.