Angola

Seed sector in Angola

Since the end of civil unrest in 2002, there has been limited commercial seed industry activity in Angola. Farmers rely almost entirely on farm-saved seed or imported seed from the government and private companies. It is estimated that 94% of maize seed planted by farmers in Angola comes from farm-saved seed on the farm or from grain or seed that is multiplied by farmers. This percentage is believed to be even higher for other crops such as beans, millet, sorghum, groundnuts and wheat. Crop production is low, resulting from the use of old varieties and of low quality seed, together with traditional low input crop management practices.

The government plays a large role in providing improved crop varieties and agronomic extension services to farmers. It has instituted a legal and regulatory structure for the seed industry, such as a recently passed seed regulatory law. It also stimulates the development of a commercial seed sector and encourages foreign seed companies to increase activities.

Observations

There are 14 index companies operating in Angola, almost entirely in sales. Capstone Seeds and Seed Co are the only companies going beyond this, with both producing and testing seed in the country.

Capstone Seeds is the only company with at least one processing location in Angola. It reports having a close partnership with the local company Jardins da Yoba, through which it supplies parent material for maize seed and assists with developing local seed production.

None of the 14 index companies have breeding activities or extension services