AGRICULTURE stakeholders have emphasized the need for Tanzania to embrace and promote indigenous seeds as a pathway to sustainable development.

The call to action came during Green Action Week 2024 held at Italagwe Village in Morogoro Region recently where ENVIROCARE hosted Indigenous Local Seed Exhibition.

The event highlighted the essential role of diverse seed varieties, especially indigenous seeds in enhancing food security, improving nutrition and fostering resilience to climate change.

The exhibition served as a platform to showcase benefits of farmer-managed seed systems, which promote biodiversity and develop sustainable, community-driven solutions for agricultural ecosystems. Attendees included local farmers, community leaders, environmental advocates and representatives of various agricultural organizations, all eager to learn about the importance of preserving indigenous seeds.

Euphrasia Shayo, ENVIROCARE Project Officer, pointed out that promoting farmer-managed seed systems enables smallholder farmers to access a variety of seeds, particularly in regions with limited access to formal seed systems.

“The farmer-led systems empower communities, allowing them to meet their food and income needs while preserving our rich agricultural heritage and enhancing sustainability,” Shayo said.

She further highlighted the importance of traditional knowledge in supporting agro-biodiversity, explaining that farmer-managed seed systems facilitate exchange of diverse crops, enriching agricultural biodiversity and contributing to vital ecosystem services.

She urged local communities and stakeholders to protect and elevate the value of indigenous seeds which are crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2—ending hunger and achieving food security by 2030.

Yusuph Ndama, facilitator and agriculture stakeholder, emphasized the potential for expanding such initiatives to engage more farmers and stakeholders nationwide in preservation of indigenous seeds.

“The exhibition has opened new avenues for farmers and those in the food industry to appreciate and protect these invaluable seeds which are essential for ensuring a secure and sustainable food system,” he said.