Indigenous seed Bank

Establish a community-managed seed bank safeguarding the precious heritage of Indigenous plant varieties, empowering food sovereignty, and fostering resilient ecosystems.

The erosion of Indigenous seed diversity poses a critical threat to cultural identity, food security, and environmental health. This project addresses this challenge by establishing a community-owned seed bank, preserving ancestral knowledge, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Key Activities:

• Community Engagement: Collaboratively identify priority seed varieties through workshops, knowledge exchange sessions, and traditional ceremonies.
• Seed Collection and Processing: Indigenous elders and farmers guide seed collection, ensuring proper selection, drying, and storage techniques.
• Documentation and Knowledge Sharing: Create a comprehensive seed catalog capturing cultural significance,traditional uses, and agronomic characteristics.
• Capacity Building: Train community members in seed production, processing, and storage methods, fostering self-reliance and knowledge transmission.
• Infrastructure Development: Establish a secure and culturally appropriate seed storage facility using locally available materials and sustainable practices.
• Partnership Building: Collaborate with Indigenous organizations, research institutions, and agricultural extension services for knowledge exchange, resource mobilization, and policy advocacy.

Expected Outcomes:

• Preservation of Indigenous seed diversity: Secure long-term viability of culturally significant and climate-resilient plant varieties.
• Food sovereignty and nutrition security: Increase access to diverse, nutrient-rich food sources, building community resilience to food system disruptions.
• Empowerment and cultural revitalization: Strengthen Indigenous food systems, revive traditional knowledge,and celebrate cultural heritage.
• Sustainable agriculture: Promote ecological practices, enhance soil health, and contribute to biodiversity conservation.
• Knowledge dissemination: Share best practices and lessons learned with other communities, inspiring a broader movement for seed sovereignty.