Reviving Resilience: Zimbabwe’s Community Seed Banks Combat Climate Change BODY: Mutare, Zimbabwe – Amidst the intensifying effects of climate change, Zimbabwean farmers in Chipinge are turning to their roots for a sustainable solution: community seed banks. This initiative, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is breathing new life into drought-resistant traditional crops, offering a safety net against future climate shocks. Angeline Garwe, a 49-year-old farmer from Kubatana Village, is one of nearly 1,000 farmers who have established the Dumisai community seed bank.
Here, they preserve seeds of traditional crop varieties like sorghum, millet, and cowpeas, which are on the brink of extinction as hybrid crops dominate. Garwe has witnessed the devastating impact of climate change firsthand. “I remember we used to plant in late October.
But now, late rains force us to plant in late November and December, “she told RFI. “It was devastating to see plants wilting because of drought. “.
The FAO and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded the setup of the community seed bank in 2024 to promote drought-resistant crops and conserve locally adapted seeds. Patrice Talla, FAO subregional coordinator for southern Africa, emphasizes the importance of indigenous knowledge systems in the seed bank’s success. “Farmers contribute traditional varieties that are often better adapted to local climates and soils, “he.
The Dumisai community seed bank is not just about preserving seeds; it’s about ensuring food sovereignty. “This year the rains were erratic, but I harvested enough to feed my family and sell the excess to other villagers, “Garwe noted.
The Chipinge district’s community seed bank is strengthening both food security and climate resilience by improving farmers’access to diverse, locally adapted seed varieties. This initiative is also promoting crop diversification, which enhances dietary diversity and reduces the risk of total crop failure.
As climate change continues to pose a significant threat to food security, community seed banks like Dumisai offer a glimmer of hope for sustainable farming practices and resilient communities across Zimbabwe and beyond.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: rfi
Source: Farai Shawn Matiashe
