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 |