Strengthening Farmer-Managed

Strengthening Farmer-Managed Seed Systems and Bioinputs for Agroecological Transition in Tanzania

PROJECT TYPE: ONGOING

Project Duration: 2026–2027

Funding Partner: Agroecology Fund

Geographical Coverage: Tanzania

Background

Seed systems are at the heart of food sovereignty, agricultural biodiversity, and resilient farming systems. In Tanzania, as in many parts of Africa, formal seed systems dominate policy and market structures, often limiting farmers’ rights to save, exchange, and improve their own seeds. This has contributed to the erosion of traditional seed diversity, increased dependence on commercial seed systems, and reduced resilience to climate change and environmental shocks.

At the same time, farmers across the country continue to maintain rich knowledge systems and diverse seed varieties that are well adapted to local conditions. These farmer-managed seed systems (FMSS) play a critical role in ensuring seed availability, preserving biodiversity, and supporting agroecological farming practices.

In parallel, the increasing cost and environmental impacts of synthetic inputs have highlighted the need for sustainable alternatives such as bioinputs. These locally produced biological inputs offer an opportunity to improve soil health, reduce chemical dependency, and support ecological balance in farming systems.

The Strengthening Farmer-Managed Seed Systems and Bioinputs for Agroecological Transition in Tanzania project responds to these challenges by promoting seed sovereignty, strengthening local seed systems, and advancing agroecological solutions led by farmers.

Project Overview

Supported by the Agroecology Fund, this two-year initiative aims to strengthen farmer-managed seed systems and promote the production and use of bioinputs as key drivers of agroecological transformation in Tanzania. The project is implemented through a subgranting model that empowers grassroots organizations to lead locally driven interventions tailored to their ecological and social contexts.

The initiative recognizes that farmers are not only producers but also innovators, custodians of biodiversity, and key actors in shaping sustainable food systems. By strengthening their capacity to manage seeds, develop bioinputs, and share knowledge, the project contributes to resilient and self-reliant agricultural systems.

The project works through a network of strategic local partners who implement activities at community level while contributing to national learning, advocacy, and policy engagement on seed sovereignty and agroecology.

Goal

To strengthen farmer-managed seed systems and promote bioinputs as key pathways for agroecological transition, seed sovereignty, and resilient food systems in Tanzania.

Specific Objectives

Strengthen farmer-managed seed systems and community seed networks.
Promote seed sovereignty and farmers’ rights to save, use, exchange, and improve seeds.
Support the development and use of locally produced bioinputs for sustainable agriculture.
Enhance agroecological practices that improve soil health and biodiversity.
Build capacity of grassroots organizations and farming communities.
Strengthen knowledge exchange and learning among farmers and practitioners.
Promote policy dialogue on seed systems and agroecological transitions.
Enhance resilience of farming systems to climate change and external shocks.

Key Focus Areas

The project focuses on:

Farmer-managed seed systems (FMSS).
Seed sovereignty and farmers’ rights.
Agroecological transition.
Bioinputs and ecological soil management.
Agricultural biodiversity conservation.
Community seed banks and seed networks.
Grassroots capacity strengthening.
Policy advocacy and enabling environments.

Implementing Partners (Subgranting Model)

The project is implemented through a subgranting approach involving the following partners:

Partner Organization	Role in the Project
Kilimanjaro Permaculture Community (KPC)	Promotion of agroecology, seed diversity, and community seed systems
Bridge Community Tanzania	Community engagement, youth participation, and agroecology awareness
Agri Youth Forum	Youth-led innovation, advocacy, and agroecological practices
BUFADESO	Strengthening local seed systems and development of bioinputs

Key Activities

Major interventions include:

Establishment and strengthening of community seed banks.
Farmer training on seed selection, saving, and multiplication.
Promotion and scaling of bioinput production and use.
Documentation of indigenous seed varieties and traditional knowledge.
Farmer-to-farmer learning and exchange visits.
Youth engagement in agroecology and seed system innovation.
Community awareness campaigns on seed sovereignty.
Policy dialogues on seed laws and agroecological transitions.
Development of learning materials and technical guides.
Strengthening networks of farmer organizations and grassroots actors.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the project, it is expected that:

Farmer-managed seed systems will be strengthened and widely practiced.
Communities will have improved access to diverse, locally adapted seed varieties.
Use of chemical inputs will be reduced through adoption of bioinputs.
Agroecological practices will be more widely adopted among farming communities.
Farmers’ rights and seed sovereignty will be better recognized and protected.
Youth and community organizations will play a stronger role in seed system governance.
Knowledge and innovation around seeds and bioinputs will be enhanced.
Policy discussions will increasingly recognize the importance of FMSS and agroecology.

Long-Term Impact

The project envisions a future where farmers retain full control over their seeds, knowledge systems are preserved, and agriculture is rooted in ecological principles that sustain both people and the planet. By strengthening farmer-managed seed systems and promoting bioinputs, the initiative contributes to a resilient, biodiverse, and self-reliant agricultural future in Tanzania.

Ultimately, the project demonstrates that seed sovereignty and agroecology are foundational pillars for transforming food systems and ensuring long-term sustainability, equity, and climate resilience.