Mary Sakala is a resilient smallholder farmer from Mumbwa District who is an advocate for farmer rights and indigenous seed preservation in Zambia. As Chairperson of the Rural Women Assembly (RWA), Mary leads a grassroots movement across Southern Africa, uniting small-scale farmers, peasants, and rural workers in the pursuit of food and seed sovereignty. With a fervent dedication to challenging patriarchal structures, the RWA, under Mary’s leadership, actively protests and mobilises against the systemic injustices that impede the welfare of women small-scale farmers.
On her own 20-hectare farm in the Shimbizhi-Mumbwa region, Mary and her family embody the principles they advocate for, utilising indigenous seeds and sustainable farming practices. Mary’s journey began with a profound inspiration from witnessing fellow women farmers asserting their independence through crop production. She adopted natural resource utilisation for soil fertility and food security under the guidance of organisations like the United Church of Zambia, developing into a reputable lead farmer and seed multiplier. Mary’s tireless efforts extend beyond her farm as she continues to empower women and men alike through training in seed preservation and agroecology, embodying a deep love for farming and community engagement.
How do you believe the proposed changes to the Zambian seed laws will impact farmers, especially those in remote or marginalised areas?
The proposed changes to seed laws risk limiting seed varieties and could lead to increased dependency on imported foods like GMOs, particularly affecting farmers in remote or marginalised areas.
In your opinion, what are the key challenges that Zambian farmers currently face regarding access to seeds, and do you think the proposed changes address these challenges?
Farmers struggle with limited seed choices, especially for small-scale farming needs like ibiscus, millets, mponda, and various groundnut and maize varieties. Unfortunately, the proposed changes do not adequately address these challenges.
How do you envision the role of local communities and small-scale farmers in shaping agricultural policies, particularly those related to seed laws?
Local communities and small-scale farmers play a pivotal role in seed multiplication, preservation, and advocacy. Their active participation in policy formulation is essential for creating inclusive and effective agricultural policies.
Can you share a specific experience or example that highlights the importance of preserving traditional seed varieties in Zambia?
Preserving traditional seed varieties not only reduces dependency and production costs but also minimises the use of pesticides and fertilisers. Additionally, it ensures easy access to seeds and promotes environmentally friendly soil fertility practices, ultimately enhancing food and nutrition security.
What strategies do you think could be effective in ensuring that the proposed changes lead to positive outcomes for both farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole?
Legislation promoting the use, saving, and sharing of farmer-saved seeds, coupled with agroecology practices, can foster climate resilience and mitigation while benefiting farmers and the agricultural sector.
Are there any specific concerns or considerations related to environmental sustainability that you believe should be taken into account in the context of the proposed seed law changes?
The use of toxic chemicals not only harms soil organisms but also negatively impacts pests, birds, insects, and other wildlife. Environmental sustainability should be a key consideration in seed law reforms.
How can the government, NGOs, and the private sector collaborate to ensure that these changes promote inclusivity and benefit all stakeholders in the agricultural value chain?
Collaborative efforts among the government, NGOs, and the private sector are vital for ensuring inclusive policymaking processes that benefit all stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
Are there any success stories or best practices from other regions that you think Zambia can learn from in implementing seed law reforms?
India’s legislation promoting millets and Zimbabwe’s laws facilitating seed sharing within communities offer valuable lessons for Zambia in implementing effective seed law reforms.
In advocating for equitable and sustainable agricultural practices, Mary emphasises the importance of preserving traditional seeds and empowering local communities in shaping agricultural policies.