Organization: Wageningen University
Registration deadline: 02 Apr 2018
Starting date: 14 May 2018
Ending date: 01 Jun 2018
Seed is an essential input for crop production. Access of farmers to affordable quality seed of superior varieties is key in increasing agricultural production and productivity. ISSD recognizes that farmers obtain their seed from different sources or systems, and builds programmes upon a diversity of seed systems. Supporting the development of a vibrant and pluralistic seed sector can substantially contribute to increasing food security and prosperity in developing countries.
In this course participants can broaden their international experience and strengthen their competencies to support seed sector development, taking an integrated perspective. The overall objective of the programme is to enhance the capabilities to translate the ISSD concept into strategies for making seed programmes and policies that seek enhancement by connecting to present practices. The training is experience-based and task-oriented and highly interactive. It includes lectures, visits to different Dutch seed companies and organisations, case studies, group discussions, assignments and field work.
Upon completion of the course you will:
be able to support farmer groups in taking an entrepreneurial approach towards seed production and trade;
know how to strengthen private and public functions in seed sector development;
know how to address through partnerships and innovation institutional bottlenecks in the seed sector;
understand how international agreements impact on domestic seed policies, seed laws and regulatory frameworks;
understand the opportunities for putting the ISSD-concept into practice in your own work context.
Target audience
The course is designed for researchers, managers, policy makers and practitioners, working in a field related to seed sector development, employed by public, private, civil society, research, education and/or development organisations. Applicants should have a MSc degree and have at least three years of relevant professional experience. Proficiency in English is required.
How to register:
Go to the course website to register: http://www.wur.nl/en/Expertise-Services/Research-Institutes/centre-for-development-innovation/short-courses/Short_courses_2018/CDIcourse_ISSD_2018.htm