SEED UNIT ACTIVITIES - TRAINING

Introduction
Seed programs exist in virtually all countries of the WANA region, having been established by development projects during the last two decades. Those projects put in place the essential infrastructure for organized seed production such as processing plants, stores and seed laboratories. However, successful seed programs depend heavily on good management and skilled staff for a wide range of technical operations. Additional investment in capital equipment cannot compensate for sound human resource development.

To respond to these needs, the Seed Unit at ICARDA has had a strong commitment to training since it was established in 1985. The main objective is to develop the professional and technical capability of seed programs and related staff throughout the region. These training needs are not static, they evolve over time as the national programs develop. For example, in its early years the Unit concentrated mostly on technical procedures related to seed production, processing and quality control. In recent years, with the onset of privatization in many countries, management and financial issues have become more important and this is reflected in the training provided. Similarly, more efforts are being directed now towards forage and pasture seed production, whereas in the past the activities of the Unit were mainly focused on major crops (cereals and food legumes).

Types of training offered by the Seed Unit
To meet the increasing and diverse needs of the national seed programs, the Seed Unit adopted a "Train-the-Trainers" approach, by which primary courses held at ICARDA Headquarters lead to secondary or follow-up course organized in country by national seed programs. This approach not only makes the training more relevant and cost effective but also allows the decentralization of these activities and helps to strengthen the culture of human resource development within the region. Fig 3

Short courses at Headquarters: These are aimed at meeting the training needs of seed staff in the region. They are typically of two weeks duration and are conducted at ICARDA headquarters either as regular courses or "Train-the-Trainers" courses.

In-country courses: These are provided either as a follow up to the "train-the-trainers" courses held at the headquarters or at the request of the national seed programs to address a particular problem (tailored courses). The national programs host these courses and the Seed Unit provides specialist inputs and materials. 

Individual training: The Unit can accept individuals for training in general seed production and /or specialized subjects of particular interest to the national seed programs. Individuals may work in the Unit for a period ranging from two weeks to several months and the training may include a combination of lectures, field work, discussions and assigned research/ production projects.

Degree training: This can be arranged in collaboration with Universities in the region to enable young scientists to pursue an MSc degree in seed technology. The Unit provides means for students to register at the University, and to carry out their study and research programs. 

Training services: Upon request, the Seed Unit can contribute to other training programs, at headquarters or elsewhere in collaboration with local or international organizations, to enrich the experience of related seed issues.

Training workshops: These are mainly intended for senior staff of national programs. These workshops are designed to create awareness and facilitate open discussion of key issues which are relevant to many countries in the region, such as forage seed production, plant variety protection and the management of seed programs and seed enterprises.

Subjects covered
Among the courses which have been offered in recent years are the following:
  - General seed production
  - Variety description, maintenance and breeder seed production
  - Cereal/ legume/ forage seed production 
  - Seed processing and storage
  - Seed certification and seed quality testing
  - Seed health testing
  - Management of seed programs
  - Economics of seed production

Our Training Philosophy

Training is not only about transferring information and skills. It helps to build the confidence of individuals and provides an opportunity for professional interaction between staff from different countries and backgrounds, which can be of lasting value. This is a two way process in which the Seed Unit also gains information about the current problems of national programs and becomes more responsive to the needs of its clients in the region.


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