The Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) participated in the 2025 edition of Seed Connect, held on 26 and 27 November in Abuja. The two-day event convened key stakeholders across Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem, including seed companies, research institutions, policymakers, development partners, agribusinesses, and private-sector actors, to advance conversations on seed systems, food security, innovation, and policy.
FSSS maintained an active presence throughout the event, engaging participants from our exhibition booth. The team showcased quality seed varieties and shared insights into the Foundation’s Farmers’ Hub model, which supports smallholder farmers through access to improved inputs, extension services, mechanisation support, and better post-harvest practices. Visitors engaged with the FSSS team to better understand how these interventions contribute to improved productivity and more sustainable rural livelihoods.
A major highlight of this year’s Seed Connect was the visit of the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, alongside Dr Kingsley Uzoma, representing the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of His Excellency, Kashim Shettima, GCON. During their tour of the exhibition area, both dignitaries interacted with exhibitors and explored opportunities for collaboration within the seed and agriculture sectors.
Their stop at the FSSS booth offered an opportunity for the team to present the Foundation’s success stories and impact across multiple states and demonstrate how its Farmers’ Hub model continues to support thousands of smallholder farmers with access to quality seeds, mechanisation, extension services, and improved post-harvest solutions.
Another significant milestone at the event wothy of mention, was the official launch of the Seed for Renewed Hope Initiative, introduced under the leadership of His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, GCON. The initiative reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the seed sector, improving farmer productivity, and driving national food security, goals that closely align with FSSS’s community-level interventions.
The second day of Seed Connect 2025 featured technical and policy-focused sessions on critical issues such as varietal monitoring, quality assurance in seed systems, and strengthening extension delivery to ensure farmers receive accurate and timely information. FSSS team members participated in these discussions, gaining insights into emerging trends and the collaborative approaches required to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural systems.
Reflecting on the event, Clinton Inene, Brands and Communications Lead at FSSS, stated:
“Seed Connect 2025 provided a valuable platform to showcase how we are empowering smallholder farmers, strengthening Nigeria’s food security efforts, and supporting the agricultural sector through access to quality seeds via our Farmers’ Hub model. It also enabled us to engage with like-minded individuals, organisations and government stakeholders who can help advance our vision of a Nigeria where smallholders thrive through farming.”
With strong visibility, meaningful engagement, and new partnership opportunities, Seed Connect 2025 marked a productive outing for the Foundation as we continue to champion resilient and inclusive agricultural growth in Nigeria.
View photos from SEED CONNECT 2025 Event
