Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
VILLAGERS in Chimanimani have created a seed bank for traditional grains to promote seed sovereignty ahead of the 2024-2025 summer cropping season.
Communal farmers in the Nemakonde landscape, Chimanimani have begun preparations for the 2024-2025 summer cropping season, and the seed and food fair organised by a local development partner comes at a time farmers are geared up to ensure seed sovereignty through creation of a local seed bank.
“We are now able to share our knowledge and seeds with other communities. Traditional grains seed bank is a starter pack for farmers. It has helped to improve our yields, the seed fair is a game changer as it facilitated the exchange of seed with other farmers. This is a positive step towards improving food security,” said a farmer who spoke to this news crew.
Government and a local development partner who organised the food and seed fair believe a seed bank for traditional grains will help to promote food security.
“The seed and food fair is a giant step towards realisation of local seed banks and subsequent contribution to the national seed bank. We are thriving to achieve zero hunger by promoting increased agricultural productivity,” said Agritex Extension Supervisor, Mr Stephen Mutungwe.
“As an organization, we are promoting nature positive food systems in view of climate change to create resilient food systems and seed sovereignty among the communal farmers,” Mrs Roseline Mukonoweshuro the Project ManagerTsuro Trust, Nature Plus said.
The three year project which is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through the Canadian Food Grains Bank (CFGB) is one of the initiatives to enhance climate change adaptation.
