Community seed banks in Zimbabwe, particularly in the Mudzi district, are helping local farmers access drought-resistant crop seeds amidst severe climate changes. Initiatives established by the Community Technology Development Trust are empowering communities, enhancing agricultural diversity, and ultimately fostering resilience to climate challenges. Support from the government is also growing, indicating positive authentication for these sustainable practices.
In Zimbabwe, community seed banks are becoming crucial for enhancing climate resilience among farmers. The initiative, particularly prominent in the Mudzi district, allows locals to access drought-resistant seeds for crops like millet and sorghum without any cost. The establishment of these seed banks is part of a broader strategy aimed at making agriculture more sustainable amid worsening weather patterns caused by climate change. Notably, a severe drought last year devastated local crops, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, and left many farmers struggling for food.
Farmers have long dealt with challenging conditions, and last year’s drought was reportedly the worst in living memory. More than 68 million people in southern Africa found themselves in need of food assistance, with nearly half of Zimbabwe’s population affected. However, the Chimukoko seed bank provided a vital lifeline for many farmers who could access seeds for planting new crops when conditions permitted. This community seed bank was founded in 2017 as part of an international initiative to enhance agricultural resilience in response to climate-related threats.
The Chimukoko seed bank is one of many globally, yet it operates at a local and often informal level, contrasting with larger gene banks like the famous Svalbard Global Seed Vault. While the latter maintains genetic material for over 2.5 billion seeds under strict conditions, community seed banks focus on utilizing traditional agricultural knowledge and enhancing local biodiversity. As pointed out by Andrew Mushita of the Community Technology Development Trust (CTDT), these seed banks foster agricultural biodiversity and empower communities.
Mushita highlights the importance of local seed ownership in promoting crops that thrive in local climates and cultural contexts. This leads to greater resilience against climate variations, allowing farmers urgent access to seeds when their own crops fail. In Mudzi, for instance, the community seed bank enabled farmers to replant several times when rainfall was insufficient. Furthermore, these banks promote a diversification of crops, steering away from the historical reliance on corn monocropping.
Despite the many benefits, community seed banks faced initial skepticism, with formal conservation bodies previously viewing them as impractical. However, this perception has shifted, and the movement has gained traction globally. Ronnie Vernooy, involved in community seed banking efforts, noted a considerable evolution in attitudes, with now widespread support for these grassroots initiatives.
CTDT has been instrumental in promoting the community seed banking in Zimbabwe and has established over 26 such facilities since 2017. These banks not only cater to local seed needs but also promote cooperative initiatives where farmers manage and decide what varieties to plant and how to distribute seeds. Each seed bank typically costs about $30,000 to build and relies on local farmers for the procurement of materials and construction.
Community involvement has grown, and education efforts, especially farmer field schools, have increased awareness regarding the benefits of seed banks. Though it started slowly, community seed banks are now gaining popularity as experience shows their effectiveness in enhancing food security and resilience against natural disasters.
On the governmental side, recent workshops with officials including the deputy minister Vangelis Haritatos have helped align national policies with international guidelines regarding plant genetic resources. Despite some legal challenges regarding formal recognition of seed banks, there is growing support for local initiatives. CTDT is working closely with the government to create a legal framework that supports these essential local resources across all districts.
The outcome from this grassroots movement is encouraging. Although the data is still being compiled, there is observable evidence that communities with seed banks are better able to withstand shocks such as droughts. Similar studies in other countries have corroborated these findings, indicating improvements in food security linked to the establishment of community seed banks. Overall, these initiatives not only enrich agricultural diversity but also contribute to a more sustainable and secure food future.
In summary, community seed banks in Zimbabwe are gaining prominence as vital resources for ensuring food security amidst climate challenges. These local initiatives not only empower farmers but also foster agricultural diversity necessary for resilience against climatic adversities. Support from the government and communities showcases the potential for scaling up these networks across the country, marking a significant step towards sustainable agriculture amidst global climate change. The ongoing work of organizations like CTDT is shaping a promising future for agriculture in Zimbabwe.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
