The Strengthening Farmer-Managed Seed System (FMSS) project

The Strengthening Farmer-Managed Seed System (FMSS) project

PROJECT TYPE: ONGOING

led by Tanzania Alliance for Biodiversity (TABIO) and Envirocare, is a comprehensive initiative aimed at bolstering food sovereignty in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. Supported by Bread for the World and facilitated by the African Biodiversity Network (ABN), the project integrates various activities and policy interventions to empower smallholder farmers and enhance the recognition and support for FMSS.

At its core, the project emphasizes capacity building, engaging stakeholders in workshops, and media training sessions to raise awareness about FMSS’s critical role in preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable agriculture. These sessions involve diverse stakeholders, including farmers, youth, women, media representatives, civil society organizations, and government officials, fostering collaboration and advocacy for supportive policy frameworks across the region.

In addition to workshops and media engagements, the project implements policy interventions such as engaging parliamentary committees to advocate for FMSS-supportive legislation and participating in seed fairs to showcase the importance of farmer-managed seed systems. Capacity building initiatives target seed working group members, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage seed systems and advocate for FMSS at various levels.

Despite challenges such as limited government recognition and funding constraints, the project remains committed to its objectives. By integrating policy interventions, media training, capacity building activities, seed fairs, and engagement with parliamentary committees, the Strengthening Farmer-Managed Seed System project seeks to empower smallholder farmers, promote sustainable agriculture, preserve biodiversity, and advance food sovereignty across the region.