The project emphasizes a "seeing is believing" approach, using field demonstrations to show farmers practical ways to improve their cultivation practices. By focusing on high-value vegetable farming, SEVIA helps rural economies generate significant employment and income per hectare. A dedicated team of expert agronomists works to ensure that these improved techniques are accessible and effective for local farmers. Beyond field work, the project leverages digital tools to reach a wider audience and ensure the sustainability of the knowledge shared. Through these combined efforts, SEVIA has become a respected brand that empowers farmers to seize market opportunities in both rural and urban centers.

The Goal of this project

This project develops a professional education and demonstration framework to transform vegetable farming through proven expertise. Our main goals:

To drastically improve the productivity and quality of vegetable cultivation in Africa.
To provide farmers with accountable, evidence-based knowledge and practical extension strategies.
To increase food security and food safety for rapidly growing urban and rural populations.
To boost rural economies by maximizing the profit and employment potential of vegetable farming.

The focus is on the vegetable sector in Tanzania and other parts of Africa, such as Nigeria and Uganda.

What are we building?

Field Demonstrations: Practical on-site training that reached over 48,000 farmers to showcase improved cultivation methods.
E-learning Platform: Four comprehensive online courses in English and Kiswahili covering crop protection, fertilization, and more.
Educational Tutorials: Short clips and animations led by professionals to introduce key agricultural subjects.
Certification Program: A challenging final exam system that allows farmers and professionals to master and validate their expertise.
Agri-Expertise Network: A lasting knowledge brand supported by expert agronomists from Wageningen University & Research.

Potential impact

This project brings partners together to work on:

Increased Yields: Farmers are able to significantly improve their productivity and produce quality.
Economic Growth: Improved farming practices lead to higher profitability and employment generation per hectare.
Climate Resilience: Farmers are better equipped to face the effects of climate change through modern agricultural techniques.
Sustainable Knowledge: The combination of field work and e-learning ensures that expertise remains accessible for years to come.

By bridging the gap between technical expertise and practical application, SEVIA empowers African farmers to build a resilient and profitable vegetable sector.

Partners

Wageningen University & Research.

Funding

Various sources.

Sevia - Tropical Field Crops : SEVIA: Seeds of Expertise for the Vegetable Sector of Africa

Projectstatus

Lopend

Regio

Africa

Thema

Vegetable production