In the heart of Zambia’s agricultural landscape, Kenji Mpande stands as a dedicated advocate for sustainable farming practices and the preservation of local seed varieties. Working tirelessly under the banner of the Community Technology Development Trust in Chikankata, Kenji’s efforts are centred on conserving plant genetic resources and promoting agro-biodiversity to bolster the agricultural sector.
We spoke to the Farmers’ Rights Champion about Zambia’s seed law landscape and what we can do to maintain our local seed sovereignty.
How do you believe the proposed changes to the Zambian seed laws will impact farmers, especially those in remote or marginalised areas?
As someone deeply entrenched in Zambia’s farming communities, I foresee profound implications from the proposed changes to our seed laws, particularly for those in remote or marginalised areas. Recognising and supporting farmer-managed seeds is paramount for preserving our agricultural diversity, especially in regions heavily reliant on locally adapted varieties. By embracing these seeds, we offer affordable alternatives to farmers, reducing their dependency on costly commercial options. Moreover, empowering small-scale farmers through recognition of their traditional knowledge fosters autonomy and resilience, vital components for marginalised communities to thrive agriculturally.
What are the key challenges that Zambian farmers currently face regarding access to seeds, and do you think the proposed changes address these challenges?
Access to quality seeds remains a significant hurdle for Zambian farmers, particularly those in remote areas. Limited availability and high costs hinder their ability to secure seeds for their crops, exacerbating their dependence on external sources and restricting their choices. The dominance of a few commercial varieties further restricts diversity, leaving our crops vulnerable to various threats. While the proposed changes aim to address these challenges, comprehensive measures are needed to ensure that farmers have access to a diverse range of high-quality seeds, empowering them to thrive sustainably.
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 are the custodians of invaluable traditional knowledge that informs sustainable farming practices. Their voices are integral in shaping agricultural policies, especially concerning seed laws. Through participatory decision-making processes, capacity-building initiatives, and grassroots advocacy efforts, these communities can influence policy formulation to align with their needs and priorities. By empowering farmers to engage in policy discussions and advocate for their interests, we foster a culture of inclusivity and collaboration in agricultural policymaking.
Can you share a specific experience that highlights the importance of preserving traditional seed varieties in Zambia?
In Zambia, traditional seed varieties are more than just crops; they are a vital part of our cultural heritage and agricultural resilience. For instance, the decline in cultivation of traditional maize varieties due to the influx of commercial seeds poses a threat to our food security and genetic diversity. Preserving these varieties is crucial for ensuring resilience to changing environmental conditions and safeguarding our agricultural heritage for future generations.
What strategies could be effective in ensuring that the proposed changes lead to positive outcomes for both farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole?
To ensure positive outcomes from the proposed changes, we must prioritize farmer participation in policymaking processes and promote farmer-managed seed systems. By facilitating access to quality seeds, investing in agricultural research and development, and promoting sustainable farming practices, we can create a conducive environment for agricultural prosperity. Moreover, policy coherence and collaboration between stakeholders are essential to address the multifaceted challenges facing our agricultural sector effectively.
What specific concerns or considerations related to environmental sustainability should be taken into account in the context of the proposed seed law changes?
In the context of proposed seed law changes, environmental sustainability is paramount. We must safeguard agricultural biodiversity, promote sustainable farming practices, and prevent genetic contamination to ensure the health and resilience of our ecosystems. By incorporating these considerations into our policymaking processes, we can create a more sustainable and resilient agricultural landscape for future generations.
How can NGOs and the private sector collaborate to ensure that these changes promote inclusivity and benefit all stakeholders in the agricultural value chain?
Collaboration between NGOs, the private sector, and government entities is essential to promote inclusivity and benefit all stakeholders in the agricultural value chain. Through joint efforts in policy development and implementation, capacity-building initiatives, research and development, market access, and monitoring and evaluation, we can create a more inclusive and equitable agricultural sector. By working together, we can harness the collective expertise and resources needed to address the complex challenges facing our agricultural landscape effectively.
Please share one of your success stories with us.
One success story that resonates deeply with me is that of Mr. Nixson Maulu, whose journey embodies the transformative potential of sustainable agricultural practices. By empowering farmers like Mr. Maulu and promoting community-led demonstrations of successful agricultural practices, we can pave the way towards a brighter and more resilient future for Zambia’s agricultural sector. Through investments in capacity-building initiatives and community-led demonstrations, we can replicate Mr. Maulu’s success and foster a culture of innovation and self-sufficiency in our agricultural landscape.