b'PARTNER CONTENTSeeds of Hope for AfricaMAS Seed Expands to provide farmers with more stable crops and food suppliesI n developed countries, it can beseed quality aids in better germination, difficult to imagine what true foodearly season vigor and overall crop viabil-insecurity looks like. Its more than justity for farmers.wondering if youll have the money to put food on the tableits struggling to findBridging the Educational Dividefood to buy at all. Countries in many partsFertilizer, pest control, seeding rates and of Africa struggle with food insecurity onmechanical planting might seem like a a daily basis, something one companytired group of conversations to many in strives to correct. the U.S., but its critical in African coun-We have to bring new innovation totries. Many farmers are limited by what help Western Africans develop food andthey dont know when it comes to boost-agricultural products, says Songalo Ouat- ing yields through smart management tara, country manager for MAS Seeds.practices.Seed is the key to innovation, thats whyMAS Seeds is coming into Africa as were expanding our activities in Africa. a teammate to farmers, Ouattara says. Situated on the Ivory Coast in WestWere in touch with farmers as a techni-Africa, Outtara is leading MAS Seeds newcal team and were even hosting business venture on the continent. Farmers in manyschools to show them that agriculture is countries in Africa are using seed tech- a business and can be a successful one. nologies and production practices that areWere teaching farmers that together we decades old and falling sharply behind incan make a difference.food production. The team is teaching farmers not only how to use fertilizer and control pests, but Seeds of Purpose connecting them with markets and help-The seed found in many regions of Africaing them locate funds from government are not only older cultivars, but theyreprograms and other grants to improve also often in poor condition. This makestheir production. Much of this training is already lowered yield potential worse asinformal, but MAS Seeds is planning an germination is the first attribute sacrificedonline event in September to provide more in poor quality seeds. structured instruction.Many of the farmers in that area areWere inviting speakers from the area using saved seed, which presents big chal- to talk about the issues theyre facing lenges to preserve germination, says De- locally and what theyre doing to solve nis Villenave, new markets and licensingbuild up a portfolio tested in field trials these issues, Villenave says. Common director at MAS Seeds. Its a huge issuenot a lab. challenges include access to seed, product because the way the seed is stored doesMAS Seeds teams are catering toler- delivery, seed quality, financing and ac-not put it in good condition to be planted. ances to insects, diseases and other pestscess to markets.Because of this, and lower overall yieldto local areas, too, while keeping regulato- Ultimately, MAS Seeds is there for potential, their average yield is only twory restrictions in mind. For example, nonefarmers in Western Africa. They need ac-tons per acre, according to the Food andof the maize in Western Africancountriescess to higher quality seed, better genetics Agriculture Organization statistics. Theis transgenic. and information that helps them farm continent has great potential to boostAnother commitment the team isbetter. By partnering with these growers, yields overall. making in Africa is to provide high qualitythe company is setting the stage for better The market is demanding quick im- seeds, which will provide marked im- production, increased market opportunity provement, Villenave adds. We screenprovement over saved-seed or other less- and higher food security for the region as tropical germplasm from partners tothan desirable conditioned crops. Highera whole.INTERNATIONAL EDITION 2021SEEDWORLD.COM /43'