Lilongwe, Malawi
April, 2006

By Felix Jumbe, Secretary of the Seed Trade Association of Malawi (STAM)
Source: Electronic Newsletter of the African Seed Trade Association
Republished with the authorization from the author.

Introduction

The Seed Trade Association of Malawi (STAM) was founded in September 2004 at a general conference held at Crossroads Hotel and was formally launched by the then deputy Minister of Agriculture Hon. Sidik Mia. The conference elected, Enock Chikava as its interim president, Patrick Khembo as its Deputy, Felix Jumbe as Secretary, Melvin Moyo as Treasurer and the following committee members: Dr. John Kumwenda, Mcleod Nkhoma, Lucia Mtabo and Ian Kumwenda all representatives of their respective organizations.

Achievements

The interim board has so far undertaken the following assignments:

• STAM has held five board meetings where various issues concerning the seed industry have been discussed and lobbied government on issues concerned policy. One most important issue was to persuade government to include hybrids in its programs and not only OPV seed maize.
• An interim Constitution is now in place, which has been adapted from the others in the region.
• Unity of purpose, companies that used to regard each other as competitors are now joining hands in market development with a view to increasing the use of improved seed by the farming communities. Currently only
  about 12% of land under maize are using improved seed.
• To underscore the importance of using improved seed members of STAM are hosting this year field-days on their joint demonstration plots. One of the high profile field days will be held on 5th May 2006 where the Minister of Agriculture will be the guest of honor.
• STAM has now a bank account, which was opened last year in November.
• STAM has been represented in several forums under SADC on harmonization issues and on many international forums as part of capacity building.

Challenges

The board is still looking at doing more in order for STAM to be perceived by its membership to be of service to them and see the value for their membership. Some of these challenges include:

• Establishing a sustainable Secretariat where two full time employees will attend to day-to-day operations of STAM and be able to respond to demands. A project proposal is already done and presented to some donors for funding.
• A strategic plan is in the process of production and STAM is looking for an interim donor to facilitate the establishment of sustainable base of income in line with the services that are expected of STAM.
• STAM is looking forward to being part of the establishment of the Foundation Seed Enterprise in Malawi to relieve small-scale entrepreneurs on the entry barrier to seed business.

By Felix Jumbe, Secretary of STAM
E-mail: fejumbe@malawi.net