Develop Policies that Support Farmer Seed Systems, Says Lobby

A lobby group is advocating for the inclusion of cultural systems of seed conservation into national law. The Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya (BIBA Kenya) is spearheading this initiative, emphasizing the critical role of farmers as custodians of traditional seeds through established seed banks.

Anne Maina, the national coordinator of BIBA Kenya, highlighted the importance of seed conservation for biodiversity during a recent media engagement forum on bio-cultural conservation held in Nairobi. “We need to diversify and promote farmer-managed seeds. In Kenya, there are challenges with our seed laws. While farmer seeds are recognized and approved for sharing, they cannot be sold. We have been engaging with various policy departments and we are pleased with the steps taken,” Maina stated.

The current Seed and Plant Variety Act in Kenya prohibits farmers from selling seeds they have traditionally conserved. This has posed a significant challenge for farmers who rely on the sale of these seeds as part of their livelihood. The Act is currently under review, with a focus on access and benefit-sharing regulations. Maina emphasized the need for a thorough review of this Act to support farmer-managed seed systems.

BIBA Kenya, a network of 47 organizations dedicated to biodiversity conservation and biosafety, is part of the Africa Biodiversity Network. This network is actively working on a project funded by the Swedish International Development Agency to conserve biocultural diversity across Africa. The project spans 21 sites in 14 countries, with a strong emphasis on promoting farmer-managed seed systems and indigenous seeds.

Maina noted the various initiatives undertaken by BIBA Kenya to promote traditional seeds. “We have been conducting numerous cultural and seed festivals in the past two years. We have also partnered with the National Museum of Kenya and the Intersectoral Forum on Agrobiodiversity and Agroecology to host national seed fairs and indigenous seed and food culture harvest fairs. This year, we will be holding one in October in Kisumu, specifically in Nyando, to promote our seeds,” she said.

The cultural significance of seeds in African communities was underscored by Fassil Gebeyehu, the general coordinator of the African Biodiversity Network. He pointed out that seeds hold a sacred element in African communities, fostering a deep connection among community members. “Seed in the African community has an element of sacredness that is highly respected. It also fosters a connection among community members, making the understanding and perception of seed crucial,” Gebeyehu remarked.

Gebeyehu also highlighted a critical knowledge gap regarding seed laws in the country, which affects their implementation. “Those who have preserved seed knowledge for centuries are not consulted. Yet, the enforcement of these laws impacts farmers directly. Therefore, there is a need for more consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including farmers, on seed laws and legislation,” he said.

The push by BIBA Kenya and its partners for a review of the Seed and Plant Variety Act aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for farmers. By incorporating cultural systems of conserving seeds into law, the initiative seeks to recognize and protect the invaluable knowledge and practices of Kenyan farmers. This, in turn, will enhance biodiversity conservation and ensure the sustainability of traditional seed systems.

As the review process of the Act continues, it is crucial for policymakers to engage with farmers and other stakeholders to create laws that reflect the realities and needs of those directly impacted. The efforts of BIBA Kenya and its partners represent a significant step towards achieving this goal, promoting a more inclusive and sustainable approach to seed conservation in Kenya.