Regional workshop on farmer seed systems opens

Sifelani Tsiko

Innovations Editor

A three-day regional workshop on farmer seed systems began today (Monday) in the capital to explore ways to promote seed policies and legislation that support farmer seed varieties.

The workshop, which runs from November 25 to 27, was convened by the Community Technology Development Organisation (CTDO), the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), and RETE SEMI RURALLY – Rural Seeds Network of Italy.

At least 70 delegates from nine African countries and the European Union, representing NGOs, researchers, academics, as well as Government and development partners, are attending the event.

“The workshop aims to collectively review and recommend the development of appropriate seed policies and legislation that are more transformative and supportive of diversified farmer seed systems to achieve food and nutrition security,” said Mr Andrew Mushita, executive director of CTDO, which is hosting the workshop.

“The workshop is principally designed to enhance the development of the smallholder farmer’s agricultural sector, facilitating access to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture to realize food and nutrition security and addressing the challenges of climate change.”

The regional workshop is being held under the theme “From breeding for diversity to seed regulations/laws: How to promote an enabling environment for farmers’ seed systems.”

Zimbabwe is a signatory to the ITPGRFA, commonly known as the Treaty.

The nine participating countries include Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Eswatini, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Niger, and Zimbabwe.

Recommendations from this workshop will be submitted to the African Union Commission, which will hold a conference on the development of a policy framework for farmer-managed seed systems.

The AU conference will be held next month in Nairobi, Kenya.

“Seed security is equal to food security. Seed is an important security matter. We should never underestimate the importance of farmer seed varieties in our region,” Mr Mushita said.

“We need to promote community seed banks and local seed varieties to help our farmers cope with climate change and achieve food security. We should establish our seed system. No one will work in our interest; they will try to control our seeds and what we eat.”