Moshi meeting sets tone for scrutiny of regional Bill on plant varieties
“This workshop equips us with the technical knowledge required to effectively scrutinise the proposed Seed and Plant Varieties Bill, participate meaningfully in public consultations, and contribute to sound regional legislation,” said Gideon Gatpan Thoar, the ATNR committee chairperson.
The EAC Seed and Plant Varieties Bill, 2025 seeks to create a harmonised regional framework for the evaluation, registration, certification, marketing and protection of plant varieties across partner states. (AFP)
The East African Community Secretariat this week convened a three-day sensitisation and capacity-building exercise for members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources Management (ATNR).
The workshop held in Moshi brought together lawmakers and technical experts to unpack the EAC Seed and Plant Varieties Bill, 2025, ahead of public hearings and further legislative consideration.
The Bill was developed under Article 106 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
It seeks to create a harmonised regional framework for the evaluation, registration, certification, marketing and protection of plant varieties across partner states, a measure expected to ease cross-border trade in quality seed, strengthen plant breeders' rights and improve farmers' access to climate-resilient varieties.
“This workshop equips us with the technical knowledge required to effectively scrutinise the proposed Seed and Plant Varieties Bill, participate meaningfully in public consultations, and contribute to sound regional legislation,” said Gideon Gatpan Thoar, the ATNR committee chairperson.
He underscored the strategic role of agriculture in food security, productivity and sustainable development, and linked the Bill to ongoing regional initiatives such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
“As a committee, we have a responsibility to ensure that legislation addresses the needs of East African citizens and supports the region's agricultural transformation agenda."
Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, the EAC deputy secretary in charge of infrastructure, productive, social and political sectors, recognised the contribution of youth champions in agribusiness in bringing practical perspectives on youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship.
“This Bill seeks to establish a harmonised regional legal and regulatory framework for seed systems, strengthen seed quality assurance and certification, facilitate the movement of quality seed across partner states, and promote agricultural productivity, food security and regional trade.”
He emphasized the strategic importance of agriculture to the EAC's socio-economic development and the need to invest in youth through agribusiness, horticulture, livestock and fisheries.
“I encourage members to actively engage with the technical experts, apply the knowledge gained to strengthen the legislative process, and contribute to the development of an effective regional framework for seed and plant variety management."
Technical presentations by the EAC Secretariat walked members through the Bill's rationale, seed classification and certification system, and regional experiences.
Members observed the need to protect indigenous seeds and farmers' rights, plant breeders' rights, and to enhance the readiness of newer partner states to apply the harmonised framework.
“We must ensure that provisions on the protection of indigenous seeds and traditional varieties are made clearer, and that climate resilience is fully integrated into how we release new seed varieties across the region," said Thoar.
Members also received briefings on the CAADP, presented by Dr Paul Guthiga of AKADEMIYA2063, covering the transition to the Kampala CAADP Declaration (2025–2035) and the Fifth Biennial Review, in which the EAC region posted an average score of approximately 6.20, progress that remains below the threshold for being fully on track.
The secretariat presented the EAC Regional Agriculture and Food Systems Investment Plan (RASIP), adopted by the Sectoral Council on Agriculture and Food Security on 3 July 2026, spanning six thematic pillars from sustainable production to inclusivity for women, youth and persons with disabilities.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our economies. Strengthening our seed systems and domesticating the Kampala CAADP Declaration are essential steps towards food security, resilience and inclusive growth for the people of East Africa," said Ariik.
The session observed that although agriculture remains East Africa's single largest employer, most young people still regard farming as unattractive and unprofitable, a perception gap that necessitates modernization through climate-smart practices, digital tools and better access to finance.
Delegates pointed to Rwanda's district- and national-level youth structures, which channel elected youth representatives into governance and entrepreneurship, as a model the wider region could learn from to turn that perception around.
The meeting closed with a set of recommendations, including;
▪️strengthening the Seed Bill to protect indigenous seeds and farmers' rights
▪️developing clear implementation guidelines and regulations
▪️building the capacity of national seed authorities and laboratories
▪️enhancing public consultations and awareness
▪️accelerating implementation of RASIP and domestication of the Kampala CAADP Declaration.
Members reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the enactment of the Bill as a catalyst for agricultural transformation, food security and regional economic integration.
They also expressed commitment to enhancing advocacy on the involvement of youth in EAC Agrifood systems in meaningful and profitable ways.