Namfumu Conservation Trust co-founder Musonda Kapena is passionate about indigenous knowledge systems and sustainable agricultural practices. With extensive experience spanning two decades, both locally and internationally, Musonda has been instrumental in championing the stewardship of indigenous peoples in environmental sustainability efforts, not only in Zambia but also globally.
Musonda’s passion for indigenous knowledge systems in forest conservation and natural resource management is evident, particularly in her emphasis on the role of women as custodians and stewards of indigenous knowledge. Her work extends to green enterprise development of non-timber forest products, sustainable forest management, and the promotion of global nature-based solutions, all aimed at fostering environmental sustainability in Zambia.
We spoke to the Farmers’ Rights Champion about the current state of seed laws in Zambia and how we can achieve local seed self-sufficiency.
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 could exacerbate existing challenges, particularly for remote or marginalised farmers. Limited access to quality seeds, a lack of formal seed systems, seed affordability, weak distribution networks, and knowledge gaps are key concerns. To address these, we need strategies that prioritise inclusivity and sustainability.
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?
Access to quality seeds remains a significant hurdle, compounded by the absence of formal seed systems and high seed costs. The proposed changes must prioritise promoting seed diversification, supporting seed system development, subsidising seed costs, improving extension services, and facilitating seed distribution.
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 pivotal in policy development, promoting traditional knowledge, advocating for farmer-centred policies, building capacity, fostering partnerships, and monitoring policy implementation. Their active involvement ensures policies reflect local needs and realities.
Can you share a specific experience or example that highlights the importance of preserving traditional seed varieties in Zambia?
During the current 2023-2024 drought, traditional seeds have showcased resilience, outperforming modern hybrids. These seeds, rich in genetic diversity and adapted to local conditions, serve as a vital resource, ensuring food security and livelihoods even in challenging climates.
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?
Strategies include promoting seed diversification, supporting seed system development, subsidising seed costs, improving extension services, and facilitating seed distribution. By addressing these challenges, Zambia can enhance agricultural productivity and resilience.
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?
Preserving biodiversity, protecting ecosystems, reducing chemical inputs, adapting to climate change, sustainable water management, and regulating GMOs are critical considerations. Policies should prioritise environmental sustainability to safeguard natural resources and promote resilient agriculture.
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?
Collaboration is key to promoting inclusivity. By engaging in policy development, capacity building, market access, technology adoption, financial support, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement, these entities can collectively advance inclusive and sustainable agriculture.
Are there any success stories or best practices from other regions that you think Zambia can learn from in implementing seed law reforms?
Several regions worldwide offer valuable lessons for Zambia as it contemplates reforms to its seed laws. In Kenya, the Seed and Plant Varieties Act serves as a model, governing seed production, marketing, and distribution while ensuring quality control and certification. Similarly, Brazil’s Seed Law stands out for promoting quality seed development and distribution while safeguarding farmers’ rights. With provisions allowing farmers to save, exchange, and sell seeds, Brazil’s approach strikes a balance between industry interests and the needs of smallholder farmers, offering Zambia insights into fostering equitable seed practices.
India’s diverse seed industry, encompassing both private and public sector entities, presents another compelling example. Through policies aimed at facilitating smallholder farmers’ access to quality seeds and fostering innovation, India has cultivated a competitive and inclusive seed sector. Zambia could adopt similar strategies to bolster its seed industry’s resilience and diversity. South Africa’s Plant Improvement Act offers yet another blueprint for Zambia, regulating the certification and marketing of plant varieties, including seeds. With mechanisms ensuring quality control, variety testing, and registration, South Africa prioritises seed quality and diversity, lessons that Zambia could integrate into its own regulatory framework. Finally, the European Union’s comprehensive seed regulations set high standards for quality, traceability, and consumer protection. Covering labelling, testing, and certification, these regulations offer a stringent yet effective approach to seed regulation. Zambia can draw from the EU’s practices to strengthen its seed quality assurance mechanisms and enhance consumer confidence.
By examining these success stories and best practices, Zambia can glean valuable insights into effective seed law reforms. Armed with this knowledge, the country can tailor its strategies to foster a thriving and inclusive seed sector, benefiting all stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.