Connecting seeds, culture and nature to strengthen agroecological practices and food sovereignty in Africa

Connecting Seeds, Culture and Nature, to Strengthen Agroecological Practices and Food Sovereignty in Africa

This was an 8 months project with support from African Biodiversity Network (ABN) based in Thika Kenya. ABN was a sub grantee after receiving support from the Agroecology Funds. This project started in December 2019 and ended in July 2020 with a total budget of 22,000,000TZS. This project was implemented in Ileje district and Unguja in Zanzibar. It meant to contribute to the mission of ABN which were:

• To achieve food sovereignty of the communities who appreciate local production and consumption of quality foods free from chemical contamination and produced with limited impact on the environment.
• To strengthen the practices of agroecology and farmer-led seed and knowledge systems, so that they are spread and deepened in participating farming communities in Africa.
• To develop and strengthen the movement on agroecology and farmers’ rights in Africa.
• For decision-makers to increasingly support policy agenda / initiatives for farmer-led seed systems, localised nutritious food systems and agroecology.
• To encourage youth to become agroecological practitioners and realise its potential as a livelihood option, thus contributing to the reduction of poverty levels

The following activities were implemented

Strategy 1: Advocate for recognition of farmer managed seed systems and related knowledge in the Agriculture Sector Development Program of Tanzania

1.1: Carryout a study on indigenous seeds and related knowledge and traditional practices in Ileje district.

1.2: Use findings of the study to produce policy brief.

1.3: Organized workshop with policy makers to share the findings and policy brief in Ileje

Strategy 2: Documentation and multiplication and storage of local seeds

2.1: Training farmers group members of Amkeni and Sogea groups on selection, multiplication, storage of seed and members of farmer groups in Unguja on biofertilizer making