GENETIC RESOURCES
...more than plants and animal seeds
We work with and encourage communities to conserve genetic resources as the foundation of food sovereignty. Genetic resources are the wealth of the nation of Kenya and are important for our economic growth. We empower communities to engage in public participation processes that lead to sustainable exploitation of these genetic resources for food, nutrition, and agriculture.
We promote Farmers-Managed Seed Systems of our genetic resources, such as indigenous seeds which are essential for food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture. Indigenous seeds provide farmers with varieties that help in adaptation to climate change and other challenges. However, these genetic resources are increasingly under threat from deforestation, development, and the spread of hybrid and genetically modified seeds.
Farmers-Managed Seed Systems help farmers save, select, and exchange seeds among themselves. This allows farmers to maintain control over their seed supply and to ensure that they have access to the seeds they need to grow food for their families and communities.
We also help communities establish seed banks. We train farmers on seed-saving and selection techniques, and develop markets for farmers' seeds. In addition, we support communities in developing and implementing policies that protect their rights to genetic resources and seed systems.
In Machakos, were are working with communities to conserve and promote the use of indigenous sorghum varieties. Sorghum is a staple crop for hundreds of villagers, and indigenous varieties are well-adapted to local conditions and more resistant to drought and pests than hybrid varieties.
In Matungulu, we are helping the communities to establish seed banks and train farmers in seed saving and selection techniques. We are also supporting communities to develop local markets for their leafy vegetable seeds.
In Githunguri, Growth Partners Africa is working with communities to develop and implement a national policy on farmers-managed seed systems. This policy will help to protect farmers' rights to genetic resources and ensure that they have access to their seed Heritage to grow food for their families and communities.
Benefits of conserving genetic resources and promoting farmers-managed seed systems include:
Food Sovereignty: Genetic resources provide farmers with a wide range of options to choose from, which help them adapt to climate change and other challenges. For example, if a drought occurs, farmers can plant drought-resistant varieties.
Sustainable agriculture: Farmers-managed seed systems allow farmers to maintain control over their seed supply and to ensure that they have access to the seeds they need to grow food for their families and communities. This helps to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce reliance on external inputs.
Biodiversity: Genetic resources are essential for biodiversity. By conserving genetic resources, we help to protect the diversity of the natural world.
Farmers' rights: Farmers have the right to save, select, and exchange seeds among themselves. Farmers-managed seed systems help to protect farmers' rights and ensure that they have control over their own seed supply.
Our work is helping communities play an important role in conserving genetic resources and promoting farmers-managed seed systems in Africa. The organization's work is helping to ensure that communities have access to the resources they need to grow food and adapt to climate change.
..."Nurture biodiversity, nourish life."
