admin | July 17, 2026
News Brief
Angel Tadie began her farming journey with local seeds bought from the market. When she began farming, she could get about 600 kg per hectare. She says, "It was the system I grew up with: plant, wait, and hope for the best." Her perspective has changed as she was introduced to improved bean seeds which have increased her production by 200% She is now a seed producer, sharing improved seeds – and the knowledge of good planting practices – to others in her community.
Angel Tadie began her farming journey with local seeds bought from the market. When she began farming, she could get about 600 kilograms per hectare of beans. She says, “It was the system I grew up with: plant, wait, and hope for the best.”
Her perspective – and results – changed when she met Lucas Fofe, a retired researcher from the Institute of Agricultural Research and Development. In retirement, Mr. Fofe remained actively involved in seed production and mentorship. Mrs. Tadie explains, “He showed me the practical importance of using quality-improved seed, a concept I had not fully grasped.”
With his guidance, she purchased 70 kilograms of Mex 142, GLP 190, and DOR 701 – improved bean seeds. She planted them on one hectare of land. The results were remarkable. The improved varieties far outperformed local seeds, emphasizing the importance of quality seed and proper agronomic practices.
She continued to receive support from Mr. Fofe, including referrals to other initiatives and farmer training opportunities. She received structured training in improved production techniques, seed quality management, and the business aspects of seed production.
She is now part of a multi-stakeholder platform run by the Institute of Agricultural Research and Development, the Alliance of Bioversity International, and CIAT. This platform and knowledge-sharing WhatsApp groups provides her with continued access to technical guidance, peer learning, and sector updates.
Mrs. Tadie says her yields have improved 200%, from 600 kilograms per hectare to 1,800 kilograms, using the improved variety Mex 142.
With these results, she wanted to become a seed producer. With Mr Fofe’s guidance, she dedicated land to seed production and adhered to recommended technical guidelines. The first challenge was accessing land. It took two years for Mrs. Tadie to acquire five hectares of land suitable for diversified production and seed multiplication – three uplands and two lowlands.
She uses this land to produce bean seeds and grains, maize seeds and grains, tomatoes, and plantains. She has chosen these crops for their commercial value, profitability, and for household food security.
Challenges remain, including labour shortages, high certification costs, strict field management, and market fluctuations. She says, “To overcome these, I have focused on building strong market relationships and enhancing market strategies.”
Despite these challenges, the benefits are clear. She uses her own quality seed, resulting in higher yields, more household food security, and greater income. She adds, “Beyond material gains, this journey has boosted my confidence, given me a sense of purpose, and earned me recognition as a role model for other women farmers.”
She has now come full circle and is providing guidance to other farmers. She was chosen as a focal farmer for an exchange visit between women farmers in the West and Northwest regions. Participants visited her farm to learn from her experience in both grain and seed bean production, establishing her as a role model and local resource.
To other women in farming, she says, “Begin now; don’t wait for the perfect moment, as it will never come. Dream big because farming is not a small task; it involves entrepreneurship, science, and leadership. Be persistent because challenges are inevitable, but consistency brings results.”
This story is based on an article written by Bella Siri, Hortense Mafouasson, Eileen Nchanji, and Paul Aseete for the Alliance Bioversity & CIAT blog, titled “From local seeds to lasting impact: Angel Tadie’s inspiring journey into seed production.” To read the full story, go to: https://alliancebioversityciat.org/stories/local-seeds-lasting-impact-angel-tadies-inspiring-journey-seed-production
Photo: Angel Tadie, Cameroon. Credit: Alliance Bioversity & CIAT