Seed fairs are enabling smallholder farmers in Chimanimani district in Manicaland province to learn, access and share diverse farm saved seeds. This is increasing farmers’ resilience to the adverse effects of climate change.
The Zimbabwe Seed Sovereignty Programme (ZSSP) partner, Towards Sustainable Use of Resources Organisation (TSURO) Trust is working with smallholder farmers in Chimanimani and strengthening their capacity to self-organise and hold seed fairs where diverse and climate appropriate seed is exchanged and sold among farmers.
The seeds exchanged and sold during seed fairs are indigenous seeds that include open pollinated maize varieties like madzande, chimirimiri, and mutsvuura gudo, sorghum varieties like tsveta, chidhoriyana, and mukadzi usayende and finger millet varieties like muchena and mutangetsapi. Farmers also exchange and trade cowpeas, beans, groundnuts and pumpkin seeds.
Maria Manyange (55) is a seed custodian from Ward 17 in Chimanimani district. She has eight children and relies on agricultural activities to support her family. Maria farms on half a hectare plot where she grows sugar beans, runner cow peas, bambara nuts, and groundnuts. She is also a member of a seed study group that works closely with TSURO Trust. Maria says the seed study group helps her to acquire knowledge and skills in seed growing using agricultural practices that are ecologically sound, economically viable and socially appropriate.
“I have used farm saved seeds long enough to testify to their ability to invigorate themselves even after a long dry spell attack. They are readily available and accessible compared to hybrid seeds,” says Maria.
Maria’s involvement is seed fairs and seed study groups has strengthened her position as a seed custodian, woman and farmer in her community. She has reclaimed her power and is in a better position to provide basic needs for her family.