Over 187,000 farmers reached through our knowledge Transfer Foundation —East West Seed official

The Regional Business Head, West Africa at East West Seed, Coen Everts in this interview highlights some of the impacts made over the years on Nigerian farmers through the East West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, a non-profit arm of the company. COLLINS NNABUIFE brings excerpts.

Tell us briefly about East-West Seed.

Seed is dedicated to supporting smallholder farmers by providing high-quality tropical vegetable seeds and equipping them with the knowledge to increase their yields and enhance their livelihoods.

Since our founding in 1982 by Simon Groot, a World Food Prize Laureate, we’ve understood that seeds alone aren’t enough to transform farming practices. That’s why we’ve invested heavily in training programmes.

In Nigeria, where we’ve been active since 2015, our non-profit arm, the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, began working in Northern Nigeria in 2018 and has worked tirelessly to train farmers in improved and sustainable farming techniques.

Over the years, this initiative has directly benefited more than 187,000 farmers, particularly in Kano and Kaduna states, helping them achieve higher productivity and profitability.

 

What type of seeds do you sell?

We specialise in tropical vegetable seeds tailored to the needs of farmers in warm, humid regions. Our range includes tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn, papaya, onion and other vegetables that are vital for local markets. This specialization allows us to provide varieties specifically adapted to the challenges of tropical climates, ensuring optimal performance for our customers.

 

How would you describe the West African seed sector?

The seed sector in developed regions like Europe and Asia is well advanced, but West Africa is still in a developing phase. To unlock the potential here, collaboration is critical. Government support, partnerships with stakeholders, and a concerted effort to strengthen the value chain are all necessary.

At East-West Seed, we are committed to contributing to this development. We actively participate in platforms like SeedConnect, organized by the National Agricultural Seeds Council, and we work closely with groups such as the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) and World Vegetable Center.

By engaging with academic institutions, farmer associations, and local seed trade organisations, we aim to strengthen the seed sector across West Africa.

 

What potential do you see in Nigeria’s agricultural sector?

Nigeria’s vast population of nearly 230 million people offers significant opportunities for agriculture. Nigerians, especially the younger generation, are beginning to see farming not as a profession of last resort but as a viable and profitable career. This shift is critical for driving growth in the agricultural sector.

East-West Seed is committed to supporting this momentum by ensuring farmers have access to seeds that are not only high-quality but also specifically adapted to Nigeria’s diverse climatic zones.

Our presence across all six geopolitical regions allows us to work closely with farmers, enabling them to maximize their yields and profits while contributing to food security in the country.

 

How do your seeds address the challenges of climate change?

Innovation is the core of our work. Climate change presents a significant challenge, especially in regions like northern Nigeria, where rising temperatures are a growing concern.

To address this, we’ve developed heat-tolerant varieties such as the Platinum tomato, which can thrive in temperatures above 40 degrees. This variety is specifically designed to withstand extreme heat, making it an ideal choice for areas experiencing desertification and other climate-related impacts.

Are your seeds affordable for Nigerian farmers? At East-West Seed, we are known for offering premium-quality seeds that deliver outstanding results. While our seeds are not the cheapest on the market, they are competitively priced for the value they provide.

Farmers recognise that investing in our seeds comes with great returns in terms of higher yields, better disease resistance, and adaptability to local conditions.

Seeds typically account for only 5–10% of a farmer’s total costs, with expenses like labor and other inputs making up the rest. By providing seeds specifically adapted to Nigerian farming practices, we ensure that farmers get the best return on their investment. Our reputation for quality is a testament to the superior products we deliver.

 

How else do you support Nigerian farmers beyond selling seeds?

We believe that empowering farmers with knowledge is as important as providing high-quality seeds. Through the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, we have trained over 187,000 farmers in Kano and Kaduna states alone. These programs focus on improving agronomic practices, promoting sustainable farming methods, and helping farmers achieve better crop yields.

This initiative is supported by funding from East-West Seed and partnerships with organisations like the Netherlands Government. By collaborating with academic institutions, farmer groups, and local seed organizations, we aim to create a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that benefits the entire sector.

In addition to training, we operate over 400 demonstration plots annually across Nigeria. These plots serve as hands-on learning spaces where farmers can see the benefits of our seeds and practices firsthand. This “seeing is believing” approach not only boosts adoption of improved techniques but also fosters knowledge-sharing among farming communities.

 

What is your company doing to improve extension services in Nigeria?

Extension services are a cornerstone of our approach. Beyond the training provided by the Knowledge Transfer Foundation, we work closely with farmers through demonstration plots and model farms. These small demo fields allow farmers to test our seeds and techniques under real-world conditions.

The success stories from these plots often inspire neighboring farmers to adopt similar practices, creating a ripple effect of knowledge sharing. This grassroots approach ensures that our impact extends far beyond the farmers we directly train, contributing to widespread improvements in agricultural practices.

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