NARO-Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MUZARDI), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), under a FAO project titled;
Integrating Climate Resilience into Agricultural and Pastoral Production in Uganda, through a Farmers/Agro-pastoralists Field Schools Approach
organized a series of diversity seed fairs across Uganda to promote the importance of local crop diversity for food security. Held in Nakasongola, Nakaseke, Kayunga, and Luwero districts, the fairs celebrated indigenous seed varieties under the theme “Celebrating Diversity: Preserving Our Agricultural Heritage through Local Seeds.”
The events brought together over 600 participants, including farmers, extension services, community leaders, youth and women groups, researchers, seed companies, and media representatives. They provided a platform for exchanging seeds, showcasing locally adapted crops, and educating attendees on the value of locally adapted diversity. Competitions were held where farmers displayed their best seeds and agricultural practices, with outstanding exhibitors receiving rewards.
Ms. Sarah Nakamya, District Production and Marketing Officer, Nakasongola, “emphasized the importance of conserving indigenous knowledge and recognized partners like Holland Greentech for their contributions to the cause.”
Dr. Barbara M. Zawedde, Director of Research MUZARDI, called for collaborative efforts among the different players in order to sustainably conservation of local seeds and promote biodiversity among farmers.
Judging committee in Nakasongola. Giving tokens to the best exhibiting group in Kayunga
Ms. Brenda Piloya, FAO coordinator, ‘highlighted the role of seed fairs in enhancing food nutrition and supporting livelihoods. While addressing the gathering, she noted the challenges related to seed quality and affordability. FAO pledged commitment to continue promoting local seed diversity as a critical aspect of enhancing food security and supporting sustainable agricultural practices among farmer communities.
Ms. Rose Byabashaija, RDC Nakaseke, praised NARO and FAO for the support given to farmers and thanked district agricultural officers for promoting government programs. She emphasized the importance of indigenous seeds in drought resilience and called for the maintenance of crop diversity. Ms. Byabashaija also suggested holding seed fairs in other sub-counties to promote uniform development and highlighted ongoing government efforts to improve roads and infrastructure in the district. She expressed gratitude for the active participation of the electorate.
The fairs also strengthened connections among stakeholders, promoted local seed exchange, and reinforced the need for greater participation in future events. The NARO Plant Genetic Resources Center (PGRC) was also involved in the initiative. Community Seed banks play critical roles in conserving genetic diversity, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering knowledge sharing among farmers. They also provide a platform for farmers to store, exchange and reproduce seed, ensuring continuous availability and access to quality diverse and locally adaptive varieties. A total of 30 members from Kabunyata Dembelyo Development, Twezimbe women’s group and Kyosimba Onanya farmers’ group located in Kamira sub county, Luwero district were trained and facilitated with inputs to establish a community seed bank.
A participatory approach was used to help group members do a situation analysis, to collect seed of farmers’ preferred crop, trees and pastures species, to select a cost effective infrastructure for the seed bank, to establish mother gardens for vegetative propagated species, and establish a management system for the seed back.
After the training, members of Twezimbe FFS started to collect and conserve seed seed of their interest such as beans, soybean, millet, sorghum among others. further, one the farmers donated ¼ acre of land for the community seed bank that will be used for seed multiplication.
Over 10 members of the groups visited Butuntumula sub-county and the lessons learnt encouraged members to start a facility in their locality. With the support from FAO for the community seed bank members pledged to host a mother garden for mango and avocado of 2.5 acres. The group was supported with funds for land preparation, ploughing, pitting, planting and planting materials for improved mango and avocado varieties. Members were grateful to FAO and MUZARDI for the support and pledged to operationalise another community seed bank in Luwero district named as “Kamira Community Seed Bank”