Sowing sovereignty: How seed fairs are reviving indigenous crops and empowering farmers
In the bustling halls of seed fairs across Kenya, farmers gather, their eyes alight with wonder as they behold the rich diversity of indigenous seeds on display. From the vivid hues of red maize to the earthy tones of local beans, these seeds evoke memories of a bygone era, stirring a sense of nostalgia and reverence among those who hold them dear. Wambui Munyiri, Communications Officer for Seed Savers Network, takes us on a journey into the heart of this agricultural resurgence.
Participants moved from one table to another in awe as they gazed at the arrays of different seeds displayed. From shaking and opening the glass and plastic bottles used to contain the different types of seeds, it was evident that the seeds reminded them of something that was once dear.
While holding a gourd displaying an indigenous variety of maize, red in colour, Irene Chepkemoi, a farmer from Chepkotoyan, Baringo County, recalls how she and her siblings would enjoy roasting and eating the red-coloured maize during the late 90s. “Being the firstborn in a family of six, I would roast the maize for my siblings, and it was sweet. Sweeter than the maize we consume nowadays,” she said. “I thought it was extinct. I am glad to see it again here.”
Mohammed Salad from the International Organisation for Migration, Somalia, joined the Seed Savers Network (SSN) members in Lamalok, Baringo County, for the event that brought together farmers, organizations, and government officials from across Kenya, Tanzania, and Somalia. He was interested in attending the seed fair, which he said is a concept he would like to emulate in Somalia, a country with a long history of pastoralism.
Seed fairs organized at the beginning of every planting season
Lead farmers from different farmer groups under the umbrella of the SSN in Kenya, bring together members of the group in strategic locations in their different villages. Different varieties of local crop seed varieties are displayed, attracting members of the public to view and purchase, as some exchange their seeds for other preferred varieties. This creates a rich platform for farmers to access seeds for planting, while others get to sell their surplus and earn a living.
In March, a total of 44 seed fairs (Seed Fair Mashinani-grassroot) were organized by lead farmers from SSN across the country (Nakuru, Kakamega, Vihiga, Lamu, Baringo, Embu, Murang’a, and Kiambu). These events, driven by the farmers, foster independence and ownership among the farming communities. Over 1600 people were directly reached.
Held on the 8th of March, in line with the International Women’s Day, and in collaboration with HIVOS, the events sought to recognize and celebrate the crucial role of women in seed saving and seed banking, which have vastly contributed to the conservation of agrobiodiversity. According to Chepkemoi, she would not have known of the existence of the red maize, had she not stopped to look. Dina Sikamoi, a farmer hailing from Salabani, Baringo, was one of the exhibitors. She says that seed saving has enabled her to farm, earn a living and support her husband in taking care of the family.
“The cost of seed has been rising over the years, which is making small holder farmers like me skip planting in some seasons. In addition to seeds, the prices of inputs such as fertilizer have also gone up further discouraging farmers. Since I received capacity building from Seed Savers Network on seed saving three years ago, I have been farming comfortably. I was enlightened on how to select seeds while crops are still in the farm, sorting, moisture testing, and storage. I stopped buying seeds. Now I don’t even know the price of seeds in the agrovet,” she said.
She added, “I also don’t use any chemical inputs since I make my own biofertilizer and foliar for my crops. This enables me to utilize available materials, protect my family’s health since most of the chemicals sold are harmful and save money in the process which I use to provide for my family. I like sharing this information with my group members and even other farmers and especially women. That is why I am here today.” By showcasing a diverse range of seed varieties, seed fairs promote the conservation of traditional and indigenous crops, which are often better adapted to local environmental conditions and more resilient to climate change impacts. Faith Juma from ECHO Community in Tanzania and a partner of SSN, emphasized the importance of preserving local crop varieties, which ensures diversity is maintained. “When the diversity of crops is upheld and promoted, we also consume foods with diversified nutrients and build strong communities,” she noted during the seed fair organized at the Seed Savers Seed Bank in Lamalok, Baringo. Joel Koskei from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries in Baringo County also emphasized the importance of seed saving, calling it “noble work” that all farmers should embrace.
Unenabling policy environment
The Seed and Plant Varieties Act, 2012, however, criminalizes the sale, exchange, bartering, and distribution of varieties not registered and listed in the National Variety List. Most seeds used by smallholder farmers in Kenya are unregistered by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS). Farmers are, therefore, encouraged to avoid exchanging them in any way and risk being in jail for two years or pay one million shillings fine or both. Chepkemoi, while holding three maize cobs for the red maize that she had just purchased, said that farmers should be allowed to conserve and use seeds as they please. “It is saddening to hear the limitations imposed on farmers’ utilization of seeds in the country. They should have the liberty to sell seeds if they want because a lot of work is done by farmers in protecting seeds. More activities led by farmers such as the ones I’m holding, should be supported just to ensure that more and more people are sensitized on the importance of local crop varieties. I will go and plant these in my garden and join the seed savers. My children will also get to enjoy what I enjoyed growing up,” she said smiling.
Wambui Wakahiu, a Program Officer at SSN, noted that despite limitations in the law, smallholder farmers have remained vigilant to protect their diversity and heritage with more and more people embracing the cultivation and preservation of indigenous seed varieties in community and individual seed banks. Currently, 74 community seed banks have been established in different parts of the country with support from SSN and over 405,000 community members have joined the network.
The Seed Savers Network, based in Kenya, is a partner of the African Biodiversity Network (ABN). SSN became a member of ABN in September 2023. https://seedsaverskenya.org