Farmers in Nakuru County are turning to indigenous seed preservation as a sustainable solution to food security challenges. Eden Indigenous Seed Farms, a community-based organization, is spearheading efforts to conserve traditional seeds while promoting organic farming and kitchen gardening. This initiative not only ensures food security but also enhances the consumption of healthy, nutritious foods.
At the core of the organization’s work is the preservation of indigenous seeds through model fossil analysis, a method used to identify and rescue crop species at risk of extinction. The seeds are then cultivated using organic farming techniques, which help maintain their genetic integrity and longevity.
Based in Elementaita Ward, Eden Indigenous Seed Farms collaborates with over 800 farmers, with 124 designated as seed ambassadors responsible for collecting and preserving indigenous and other valuable seeds. These efforts were highlighted during a recent Seed Fair at Kiptangwani, where farmers displayed their preserved seeds and prepared traditional meals to showcase the diversity of indigenous foods.
Speaking at the event, the organization’s founder, Francis Ngiri, emphasized the importance of supporting smallholder farmers, who often struggle with challenges related to crop production and economic sustainability. Through its Trainer-to-Trainer model, Eden Indigenous Seed Farms ensures that trained farmers pass on their knowledge to their neighbors, expanding the reach of sustainable agricultural practices.
Ngiri strongly advocates for agro-ecological farming among small-scale farmers and pastoral communities. He stressed that seed banks offer a crucial lifeline in preserving endangered food species and reviving neglected, high-value crops such as millet and sorghum. He also expressed concern over Kenya’s persistent food security issues, despite significant investments in agricultural development.
Lucia Wambui, a small-scale farmer from Makongo, shared her success story of growing Nyakairu, an indigenous bean variety, alongside other crops. Through organic farming, she has been able to sustain her family’s needs for over five years.
Agricultural officer Rachael Njenga praised these initiatives, stating that organic farming enables smallholder farmers to maximize their farm productivity while reducing poverty and improving food security. She highlighted that organic farming is environmentally sustainable, as it minimizes the use of harmful pesticides and synthetic inputs, contributing to climate change mitigation.
Through initiatives like Eden Indigenous Seed Farms, Nakuru farmers are not only securing their food supply but also playing a vital role in preserving Kenya’s rich agricultural heritage.
