TAAT Technical Advisor – Seed Systems - TAAT II

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is implementing the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) Program phase II, financed through a grant from the African Development Bank as administrators of funds under the TAAT II Addendum. IITA intends to apply part of the proceeds of the grant to facilitate payment for TAAT Technical Advisor- Seed systems who will be seconded to Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI)- Rwanda to provide technical leadership and coordinate implementation under the “Building a Sustainable Private Sector-Led Seed Sector in Rwanda’s Food Basket Sites”.

IITA and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI)- Rwanda, seeks to strengthen Rwanda's seed sector through a market-driven and private sector-led approach by supporting youth Agripreneurs establish profitable enterprises engaged in certified maize seed production and basic seed potato multiplication by fostering partnerships with anchor seed companies, Farmer Service Centers (FSCs), financial institutions, and other stakeholders. While technical support for seed production will be provided by anchor seed companies, there is also a need to strengthen the entrepreneurial, financial management, and business development capacities of youth enterprises to ensure their long-term sustainability.