Report: Africa losing plant genetic diversity at pace that threatens food security, nutrition and resilience of agrifood systems
Despite the risks, the Third Report also identifies opportunities. Fourteen African countries report that 44 per cent of their seed collections have been studied and described, exceeding the global average, while 21 countries are actively breeding improved varieties of 81 crop species, including underutilised crops such as African eggplant, amaranth, moringa and indigenous vegetables.
Going cultural: How indigenous seeds crusader in Kenya’s semi-arid Machakos is paving way for sustainable agriculture
Interviewed, Mutava shared how indigenous seeds are integral to her farming success. Her story begins in 2021 when Mwang’a Farmers Group partnered with Grow Biointensive Agriculture Centre of Kenya (G-BiACK), an organisation that champions agroecology and the use of indigenous seeds in crop farming.
Exhibitors at indigenous seeds fair in Nanyuki question Kenya’s discriminatory seeds law
The case was filed in 2022 by 15 small-scale farmers who argue that the Seed and Plant Variety Act of 2012 and the Seed Regulations of 2016 were undermining local farmers on indigenous seeds and cultural practices matters.
Kenya holds Indigenous Seed Fair 2025 in Laikipia to celebrate seeds, food and culture, place premium on local foods
ISFAA Coordinator Martin Oulu says indigenous seeds, handed down through generations, are specifically suited to thrive in local environments. Compared to commercial seeds, indigenous are more resistant to harsh weather, pests and diseases, making them especially valuable in the face of climate change and growing uncertainty in agriculture.
