Dr. Wilson Songa is a seasoned expert in Kenya’s agricultural sector, with over 19 years of experience across national and regional agricultural systems. Currently a Senior Advisor for Strategy and Partnerships at the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture, Dr. Songa has held various high-profile roles, including Agriculture Secretary, Principal Secretary in Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture, and Managing Director of the Horticultural Crops Development Authority.

In this exclusive Q&A, Dr. Songa shares his vision for Kenya’s seed sector, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and market competitiveness.

Q: How would you assess Kenya’s seed sector in terms of meeting food security, sustainability, and climate resilience challenges?

A: Kenya’s seed sector has made notable progress, particularly in horticulture, which contributes over 150 billion shillings annually in export earnings. However, there are significant gaps. Certified seed adoption remains low among smallholder farmers due to limited access and awareness. This affects crop yields and overall productivity.

To address these challenges, we must prioritize demand-driven research, diversify seed varieties to include climate-resilient crops like sorghum and groundnuts, and strengthen institutions like KEPHIS. Regional collaboration through COMESA and EAC is also critical for harmonizing seed certification and trade standards, which benefits farmers and markets alike.

Q: Having contributed to key agricultural policies, what role do policies play in fostering innovation and harmonizing seed systems?

A: Policies set the foundation for innovation and market competitiveness. Strong institutions like KEPHIS have led the way in creating regional guidelines that ensure high standards for seed certification and phytosanitary measures.

Harmonizing policies across COMESA and EAC facilitates smoother trade and ensures Kenyan seeds meet global market standards. Policies must also integrate local communities’ input to conserve biodiversity and leverage indigenous knowledge, which is vital for developing resilient seed varieties.

Q: How can emerging technologies like gene editing and digital agriculture enhance Kenya’s seed sector?

A: Technology is the future. Gene editing, for instance, allows breeders to develop seeds with higher yields and pest resistance, while digital agriculture platforms connect farmers to vital information like weather patterns and market trends.

Investing in training programs for breeders and building digital infrastructure will ensure farmers access the benefits of these technologies. For instance, BT cotton has shown promise, and similar advancements in horticultural crops like tomatoes and potatoes could significantly boost productivity and market competitiveness.

Q: How can indigenous seed varieties and traditional knowledge systems contribute to sustainability and climate adaptation?

A: Indigenous seeds are a treasure trove of resilience. Many traditional varieties have natural tolerance to soil stresses and pests. By integrating these with modern breeding techniques, we can develop seeds that are not only productive but also adaptable to erratic weather patterns.

Gene banks play a crucial role here. We need to invest in preserving local landraces and incorporating them into breeding programs. This will ensure food security and contribute to diversified production systems that benefit both farmers and ecosystems.

Q: What lessons have you learned from working with Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in agriculture?

A: PPPs are a game-changer for smallholder farmers. Collaborations between research institutions like KALRO, private seed companies, and regulatory bodies like KEPHIS enable farmers to access certified seeds at affordable prices.

One successful model is the partnership supporting potato seed certification, where smallholder groups work alongside KALRO and KEPHIS. Such initiatives must be scaled up, with emphasis on capacity building for farmers and seed stockists to ensure the availability of high-quality seeds in rural areas.

Q: How can Kenya’s seed sector scale innovations to reach resource-constrained farmers?

A: Scaling innovations requires robust dissemination channels. Demonstration plots and regional seed fairs allow farmers to see the benefits of new seed varieties firsthand. Institutions like STAK should also leverage digital platforms to provide farmers with timely information about seed availability and suitability based on climate zones.

Investing in infrastructure for seed stockists and ensuring capacity-building programs are tailored to rural needs will be key. Additionally, collaboration with development partners can provide financial and technical support to scale these innovations effectively.

Q: What is your vision for Kenya’s seed sector over the next decade?

A: The future is bright if we build on our strengths. Kenya’s private sector is robust, and institutions like KEPHIS have established a solid reputation regionally and globally. My vision is for Kenya to lead in sustainable seed innovations, supported by a strong value chain that includes climate-resilient crops like groundnuts, sorghum, and soybeans.

We must diversify seed varieties, invest in demand-led research, and foster partnerships with regional neighbors like South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to create a win-win situation for our farmers. The goal is not just food security but also to position Kenya as a global leader in sustainable agricultural innovation.

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