Farmers shift to Seed Fairs to share knowledge on seed diversity
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Farmers in Nakuru county are now shifting to Seed Fairs as a platform of sharing knowledge on seed diversity towards food security.They say this will go a long way in addressing challenges of over-relying on one variety of crops.Margaret Wangui is farmer from Mzee Wanyama and also a member of Green Community Group.For her, the seed fairs are key as they give farmers the platform to interact and exchange ideas on other variety of crops.Margaret who used to focus only on growing maize and beans now says through the seed fairs, she has been able to embrace other crops and a variety of vegetables.
She was speaking at Kikopey centre in Gilgil sub county on October 6, 2023 during a seed fair event that brought together farmers from Western, Nyanza and Riftvalley zones courtesy of Gilgil based Seed Savers Network Kenya under lead Umbrela organization PELUM Kenya.”When we interact with other farmers through the seed fairs we get to learn a lot. This is a great milestone towards food security as we can now grow a variety of crops,” she says.According to Margaret, the earth markets have also been of great help to farmers as they serve as readily market for their produce.With the readily available markets, she adds farmers are now motivated to even grow more.”Before we only used to grow crops for our own consumption, but through sensitization, we are now able to double our planting,” she says.On the other hand, John Macharia- a farmer who doubles up as chairman Kikopey Seed Savers Group and coordinates over 100 farmers says sensitization of farmers on importance of seeds through the seed fairs is paramount in production.The seed ambassador admits that through such sensitization, farmers are now having numerous variety which is key to food security.”A farmer without seed is like a soldier without gun and that is why we are saying these seed fairs will go along way in boosting farmers,” he says.Seed fairs and festivals is one of the ways to ensure that farmers have seed access and diversity,It should be noted that through such, farmers are now able to grow even bananas, fruits and variety of vegetables on the same parcel of land.Speaking at the Kikopey Seed Fair, Elphas Masanga from Slow Food Kenya Organization reiterated the need for farmers to embrace Agro-ecology which helps conserve the environment.While noting seeds as key inputs to a farmer, the slow Food champion also calling for a need to safeguard indigenous foods through the safeguard of seeds.He adds that through the same, challenges of climate change can be addressed through production and promotion of indigenous foods.”Seeds are key inputs to a farmer and we need to safeguard them. We need to now focus on organic foods which will also help us remain healthy,” he says.Sentiments that were echoed by Julia Kamau from Seed Savers Network Kenya.She says as an organization, they will continue to partner with like-minded organizations to train farmers who will in turn take charge in matters organic farming as well as conservation.”As farmers prepare for the planting season, we urge them to focus on organic farming and food diversity,” she says.It should be noted that Seeds Savers Network Kenya has already held Media Sensitisation on Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture for Nakuru-based Journalists- a two day workshop that was organized in partnership with the Media Council of Kenya.The workshop held at a time when Seed Savers Network Kenya looks forward to participating in the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in November.This, the organization says will go a long way in building conversations around Farmers’ Rights.
With a knack for captivating storytelling, Amos Lumbasi has a talent for crafting narratives that resonate with readers. He combines meticulous research with a captivating writing style to create articles that are both informative and enjoyable to read.
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