Africa needs to grow and consume more vegetables. Currently, average consumption of vegetables is just 40 kg per year per person, only about half of the minimum set by the World Health Organization. But vegetable production in Africa has been constrained by the poor availability and high price of good quality vegetable seed, much of which is imported. In Tanzania, Mali, Cameroon, and Madagascar, AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center works with local farmers to improve seed supply for both exotic and indigenous vegetable species. In “Vegetable seed – Africa steps up production” Agfax’s Martha Chindong interviewed Christophe Kouamé in the Center’s Cameroon office.

About Agfax

Agfax began as a radio and press service for broadcasters and news houses in Africa and Asia over 15 years ago. Now focused solely on Africa, with reporting done by local journalists, Agfax keeps listeners in touch with recent developments in farming and rural livelihoods, with an emphasis on science and innovation. Millions of listeners in Africa tune in to Agfax interviews and features, which are broadcast by a network of 80 radio stations across the continent.