Chipo Chiluma’s agricultural education began not in a classroom, but in the fertile fields of her grandparents’ farm in Mumbwa. Raised in a rural town where farming was the lifeblood, Chipo saw firsthand the dedication and hard labour required to produce the land. Her early years were spent with her parents and grandparents, practicing traditional traditions that assured a plentiful crop.
Chipo’s family farm was thriving, producing a variety of crops including maize, groundnuts, sorghum, and beans. Sweet potatoes thrived alongside the crops, and livestock and fowl contributed valuable manure, completing the cycle of sustainable agriculture. Their practices were unique in that they relied significantly on indigenous seeds, demonstrating the value of knowledge passed down through generations.
Chipo’s affinity for the field grew in this fertile agricultural area. Witnessing the confluence of tradition and production fueled a desire to learn more and contribute to a future in which these practices can thrive. Chipo’s story is a compelling reminder that passion may sprout in the most unexpected places, and that a strong connection to the land can define a lifelong commitment.
How do you believe the proposed changes in the Zambian seed laws will impact farmers, especially those in marginalised areas?
The proposed changes in the Zambian seed laws hold promise for farmers, particularly those in marginalised areas. Recognising indigenous seeds as registered seeds will significantly reduce production costs for small-scale farmers, contrasting with the expensive hybrid seeds supplied by multinational corporations. However, it’s crucial to ensure that both multinational suppliers and the farming community have a voice in controlling these laws to promote inclusivity and fairness.
What are the key challenges Zambian farmers currently face regarding access to seeds, and do you think the proposed changes address these challenges?
Zambian small-scale farmers have a hard time getting seeds for a number of reasons. There are many problems, such as high prices, not being able to get seeds in remote places, and not being able to plant hybrid seeds again. The problem is made even worse by the fact that there are people selling fake seeds, which leads to low returns. The suggested changes give people hope because they aim to solve these problems and make seeds more cheap and easy for farmers all over the country to get.
How do you envision the role of local communities and small-scale farmers in shaping agricultural policies, particularly those related to seed laws?
Farmers have a big say in how agricultural laws are made. Their knowledge and experience from working on farms are very helpful in making policies that are useful, effective, and meet the needs of farming communities. By including small-scale farmers and people from the community in the process of making policies, we can make sure that agricultural laws are based on fact and help improve food security at both the local and national levels.
Can you share an example highlighting the importance of preserving traditional seed varieties in Zambia?
Zambia needs to protect its food security and long-term viability by keeping its traditional seed types alive. Farmers who use indigenous seeds can plant foods that are in season and easy to get, unlike farmers who depend on outside seed sources like the fertiliser support programme. Farmers, especially women and widows, can save money and keep seed stocks for future seasons by using traditional seeds.
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?
Collaboration and group effort are necessary to make sure good things happen. Farmers and other interested parties who want to improve agriculture should get together to come up with ideas and plans that will work. We can deal with problems and make good changes in the agricultural sector by putting together a system of think tanks and sharing resources.
Are there any specific concerns related to environmental sustainability that you believe should be taken into account in the context of the proposed seed law changes?
When seed laws are changed, environmental survival should be the main thing that is thought about. Agroecological farming methods, which focus on using natural materials, improving soil fertility, and protecting human health, are key to making sure that agriculture is environmentally sustainable in the long run.
How can collaboration between the government, NGOs, and the private sector ensure inclusivity and benefit all stakeholders in the agricultural value chain?
All parties must be actively involved in order for the agricultural value chain to be inclusive and work well. Everybody in the agriculture industry has a job to do, from people who sell seeds and goods to researchers and farm extension services. We can create an agricultural ecosystem that works for everyone by encouraging government agencies, NGOs, and the business sector to work together and share their resources.