On September 10, 2024, the Community Technology Development Organization (CTDO), in partnership with NIRAS and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), organized a pivotal national validation workshop at the Mazowe Hotel. The event, part of the Markets and Seeds Access Project´s (MASAP) interventions, was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development (MLAFWRD) and Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST).
Workshop Overview
The workshop aimed to present the findings from a baseline study and policy review conducted by the National Seed Analysis Working Group, which was established under the MASAP initiative. It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including senior government officials, representatives from key departments within MLAFWRD, seed companies, farmers, district authorities, educational institutions, and civil society organizations (CSOs).
Two key reports were central to the discussions:
- Utilization of Farmers’ Varieties in Tsholotsho, Buhera, Mudzi, Hwange, and Zaka.
- Review of National Legislation, Policy Instruments, and Regulations Governing the Seed Industry in Zimbabwe.
Key Findings
The baseline reports revealed significant gaps within the existing seed policies and legislation. Notably, there is a lack of a national seed policy and a legal framework that acknowledges both the informal seed systems. The findings highlighted that many smallholder farmers rely on farm-saved seeds, underscoring the importance of recognizing and supporting Farmer Managed Seed Systems (FMSS). Recommendations from the reports included:
- Establishing an enabling policy framework for the registration of farmer varieties.
- Documenting knowledge associated with farmer-managed seed systems.
- Promoting education and awareness about the value of farmer varieties.
The workshop featured active engagement from stakeholders, who deliberated on the reports and their implications. A consensus emerged on the next step to develop an issues paper to be presented to the government for consideration.
Key Insights on Policy Review
The workshop took a comprehensive overview of the importance of seed legislation, emphasizing that robust laws create an environment conducive to the growth of the seed sector. Key points from his presentation included:
- Seed legislation ensures adherence to quality standards, protecting farmers from low-quality seeds.
- Laws safeguard ownership of farmer varieties, intellectual property rights for plant breeders and promote fair competition in the seed industry.
The review identified significant challenges, particularly the absence of a national seed policy that recognizes both formal and informal systems. The need for a legal framework that acknowledges and regulates farmer varieties was emphasized as crucial for enhancing agricultural diversity and sustainability.
Baseline Survey Findings
The survey focused on the status of local seed systems and the utilization of farmer varieties (FVs). The baseline survey highlighted:
- The critical role of FMSS in sustainable agriculture, especially in the face of climate change.
- Key constraints faced by farmers, including poor agronomic practices, drought, and lack of inputs.
- Strategies employed by farmers to conserve germplasm, as well as the challenges in accessing quality FVs.
- The study concluded with recommendations for commercializing traditional varieties, creating enabling policy frameworks, and promoting awareness of the importance of FVs.
Collaborative Efforts and Next Steps
Participants of the workshop unanimously adopted the reports and outlined several next steps:
- Production of a Workshop Report: A detailed report summarizing discussions and findings will be circulated to all participants.
- Incorporation of Feedback: Researchers will integrate participant comments into the final report.
- Formation of a Small Committee: A group will be established to develop the issues paper for government presentation and approval.
- Government Presentation: The issues paper will be formally presented to the government, advocating for policy reforms that recognize the vital role of farmer varieties in Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape.
Conclusion
The national validation workshop served as a critical platform for stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities within Zimbabwe’s seed policy landscape. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse participants, the event not only validated important research findings but also set the stage for meaningful policy advancements that recognize and support the resilience and contributions of smallholder farmers through their indigenous varieties. As Zimbabwe moves forward, the commitment to enhancing local seed systems will be essential for ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change and other pressing challenges.