By Herbert Musoke
Food sovereignty can only be achieved when the whole production value chain mechanism is controlled by the community.
With seed being the foundation of food production, it is, therefore, crucial that its availability and quality are managed by the farmers. It is against this background that experts have called on farmers to preserve and also continue planting indigenous varieties.
Dr Barbra Zzawedde, the director of research at Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MUZARD), says that despite the climate changes and the disrupted food ways strangely impacting indigenous seeds, efforts should be made to preserve and protect local varieties from extinction.
“We (NARO-MUZARDI) organise annual indigenous seed fairs under the FAO project. This year’s fair was in Nakasongola at the district grounds and Nakaseke at Kikwata P/S under the theme; ‘Celebrating diversity; preserving our agricultural heritage through local seed’ with support from Food and Agriculture Organization,” explains Dr Zzawedde.
The seed fair involved farmers showcasing locally adapted seed, seed practices and exchange of knowledge on different crops/technologies with fellow farmers giving other stakeholders access to quality seeds and inputs along the value chain.
Additionally, Damalie Magala, a senior research officer and the program leader of technology promotion and outreach at MUZARD explains that these fairs are organized to provide farmers and other sector players with information to enable them to make the right choices with a variety selection.
“Although the country is aiming at the commercialisation of agriculture, we should not ignore our local indigenous varieties as they have special traits like aroma, taste and nutrition,” she says.
Traditional foods contribute to the well-being of its consumers, improve the income of households and combat nutritional hunger caused by micronutrient deficiencies (vitamins and minerals).
Magala says that because a proper seed system is key in restoring indigenous food varieties, the government through NARO-MUZARD is encouraging farmers to grow more indigenous crops and varieties.
She adds there’s a need to form community seed banks as a way of conserving the seeds.
