Community seed banks in Zimbabwe are proving essential for local farmers facing severe drought and climate change impacts. Initiatives like the Chimukoko seed bank enable farmers to access drought-tolerant varieties, promoting agricultural diversity and resilience. Despite initial resistance and legal challenges, support for these grassroots solutions is increasing, highlighting their importance in securing food resources for affected communities.
In Zimbabwe, community seed banks are gaining traction as tools for promoting climate resilience among local farmers. Particularly in districts like Mudzi, which grapples with erratic rainfall and has been severely affected by the recent drought, the establishment of these seed banks has become paramount. Farmers can access drought-resistant seed varieties, helping them mitigate the harsh impacts of climate change, as traditional crops like corn have struggled to yield due to increasingly tough conditions.
The intense drought last August, described as “the worst in living memory,” struck Zimbabwe, leaving millions dependent on food aid, including a staggering half of the nation’s population. In the face of these challenges, the village of Chimukoko offers a ray of hope. Here, farmers can freely collect seeds of local varieties such as sorghum and peanuts from their community seed bank—bhengi re mbeu—part of a broader international initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience through innovative approaches.
Established in 2017, the Chimukoko seed bank joins a growing movement that counters reliance on commercial seed sources, which often offer less resilience against climate-related adversities. The United Nations has raised concerns that, due to global warming, crop yields in southern Africa could drop by as much as 60% in the coming years, making these local initiatives even more vital. By promoting the stewardship of indigenous seed varieties, farmers in communities like Mudzi are beginning to reconnect with agricultural biodiversity that had been overshadowed by industrial farming methods.
“We see community seed banks as centers of agricultural biodiversity,” remarked Andrew Mushita, an agronomist and director at the Community Technology Development Trust, a Zimbabwean nonprofit devoted to food security. These banks empower locals to produce varieties better suited to their environmental conditions, thus reinforcing community resilience against climate change.
Additionally, these community initiatives encourage diversifying crops rather than relying on a single staple like corn, which has historically been cultivated intensively due to government policies from colonial times. Issues like rising temperatures and erratic rainfall are making this reliance precarious. Expert Ronnie Vernooy noted that the early resistance community seed banks faced has diminished as their benefits have become more recognized globally.
The concept of community seed banking is not new; it has roots tracing back to traditional practices of seed sharing. The modern adaptation, however, gained momentum after the devastating famine in Ethiopia in the 1980s. Since then, community seed banks have flourished across several countries, including Nepal and Uganda. In Zimbabwe, while initially, the model faced skepticism, demand for indigenous seeds surged, indicating a shift in perception about the utility of these resources.
Mushita has observed a growing enthusiasm for community seed banks. By 2022, the CTDT had established more than 26 community seed banks in Zimbabwe, with plans for four more soon to commence. The process is collaborative, allowing community members to guide decisions on seed bank establishment based on local needs and potentials. Financial aspects are also carefully managed, with each bank costing roughly $30,000 to set up, and local farmers assume responsibility for operations.
While the Zimbabwean government exhibits increasing support for these initiatives, legal hurdles remain. New seed banks have yet to find a formal registration pathway, complicating their operations. CTDT is actively working on establishing a national policy to bolster support for these banks nationwide. The aim is to integrate farmer-led initiatives into broader agricultural policies, recognizing their fundamental role in maintaining plant genetic resources.
The promising outcome of these community seed banks is emerging through anecdotal observations, albeit empirical data is still sparse. Yet, experiences from similar international projects suggest strong correlations between local seed initiatives and heightened food security. In fact, a study has shown that such models can effectively bolster food security in neighboring nations.
Overall, community seed banks like the one in Mudzi not only contribute to preserving genetic diversity but also empower farmers to innovate. This participatory approach encourages local farmers to engage in processes like plant breeding, developing more climate-resilient varieties. The hope is that these grassroots initiatives will ultimately shift the agricultural landscape in Zimbabwe, securing livelihoods amid growing climate challenges.
Community seed banks are emerging as essential tools in Zimbabwe for enhancing agricultural resilience against climate change. By providing access to indigenous and drought-tolerant seeds, these initiatives empower local farmers and promote agricultural biodiversity. Despite earlier skepticism and ongoing legal hurdles, there is growing support for community-led efforts, indicating a shift toward recognizing the crucial role of local farmers in food security and crop management. As these banks continue to grow, they hold potential not just for Zimbabwe, but as part of a global movement to address agricultural challenges amid climate change.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
