Who Can Share Seeds? The Growing Concerns for Kenyan Farmers Amid Climate Change

KIKUYU, Kenya — Nestled in the vibrant landscape of central Kenya’s Kikuyu town, the National Seed Bank plays a vital role in protecting the future of agriculture in the country. This facility houses over 50,000 varieties of seeds in a carefully maintained environment aimed at ensuring their longevity. Established in 1988, the bank was created in response to the alarming trend of losing traditional seed varieties, a problem that continues to escalate due to climate change.

The purpose of the National Seed Bank extends beyond mere storage. It aims to protect these seeds for research purposes and to facilitate their reintroduction into farming practices. Desterio Nyamongo, the director of the Genetic Resources Research Institute, emphasizes the importance of traditional seed varieties. He notes that many of these indigenous seeds show greater resilience to changing climatic conditions than the hybrid seeds commonly used today.

Climate Change and Food Security

Kenya faces significant challenges regarding food security, which is exacerbated by climate issues. A large portion of the country’s agriculture relies on rain-fed systems, making it particularly vulnerable to drought and other climatic shocks. Agriculture contributes to about one third of Kenya’s GDP, highlighting its importance to the national economy.

In a troubling development, Kenyan farmers have reported significant losses after purchasing counterfeit seeds from private vendors. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of current seed regulations and the quality of seeds available in the market. Officials acknowledge the critical nature of the seed sector, with the agriculture ministry recently hosting an international seed quality conference to address these concerns.

The Struggle for Seed Sharing

A key issue hampering improvements in Kenya's seed system is a law enacted in 2012 that prohibits farmers from sharing seeds. Historically, this practice allowed farmers to save costs during planting seasons by exchanging seeds. The government argues that this law is necessary to prevent the spread of uncertified seeds, but it is facing legal challenges from farmers who find it economically burdensome to purchase new seeds each season.

One of the farmers involved in the court case, Francis Ngiri, manages an indigenous seed bank on his small farm in the Gilgil area. He believes strongly in the benefits of traditional seeds, noting their resilience even in times of reduced rainfall. Ngiri teaches local farmers methods to conserve seeds naturally, such as using wood ash to deter pests.

Shifting Perspectives on Indigenous Seeds

While some farmers like Ngiri advocate for the use of indigenous crops as a solution to food security, the government's response has been to enforce stricter regulations against seed sharing. Violating this law can result in hefty fines or imprisonment; however, no farmer has yet faced such penalties.

The National Seed Bank sometimes distributes seeds to farmers free of charge, aiming to encourage the use of traditional varieties that have adapted to local climates over time. Nyamongo stresses that farmers in marginal areas would benefit more from using indigenous seeds than relying solely on expensive hybrid seeds, which often require additional chemical inputs that are financially out of reach for many.

Future Directions for Kenya’s Agriculture

Experts suggest that to improve resilience in agriculture, governments should invest in community seed programs to preserve a diverse range of indigenous varieties. Patrick V. Verkooijen, the president of a climate change adaptation nonprofit, highlights the advantages of such crops, particularly their genetic diversity, which can aid in adapting to climate change and managing pests.

Advocates for indigenous seeds argue that lower yields and vulnerability to pests are not inherent flaws but rather challenges that arise when these seeds are removed from their native environments. Ngiri points out that indigenous crops typically adapt very well to their original conditions, making them more resilient.

seeds, agriculture, climate