Community-Managed Seed Bank Empowers Smallholder Farmers in Matabeleland South

In Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, a robust seed multiplication program led by the Sisonke Working Together Trust has been empowering smallholder farmers to grow and multiply drought-tolerant small grain varieties. The initiative, which involves collaboration with Agritex and the Matopo Research Institute, has established a dynamic community-managed seed bank that is transforming rural agriculture in the region. This farmer-first approach leverages farmer field schools to instil sustainable agricultural practices, and has led to the distribution of climate-resilient seed varieties to strengthen local seed systems.

Key Takeaways:

• The Sisonke Working Together Trust is leading a seed multiplication program in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, which aims to enhance food security and climate resilience among smallholder farmers.
• The program has established a community-managed seed bank, which is manned by farmers themselves and distributes climate-resilient seed varieties to strengthen local seed systems.
• The seed bank has been successful in conserving genetic diversity, reducing reliance on commercial seed markets, and ensuring timely access to affordable climate-adapted seed.
• The program has reached a milestone with the distribution of seed from the community-managed seed bank, a critical step in building local seed sovereignty and boosting resilience among smallholder farmers.
• Lead farmer Mr. Mfazo Tshuma has played a catalytic role in spreading the uptake of small grains across the district, donating seed to 90 fellow farmers in his ward.
• The initiative has not only helped reduce dependency on commercial seed suppliers but also promoted biodiversity, conserved indigenous varieties, and ensured farmers can grow crops suited to their specific ecological conditions.
• Close collaboration with scientists at Matopo Research Station ensures that the varieties being propagated are well-suited to the region's semi-arid conditions.

Statistics:

• 90 fellow farmers in Mr. Mfazo Tshuma's ward have received donated seed from him, expanding the reach of the program.
• The community-managed seed bank has distributed climate-resilient seed varieties to strengthen local seed systems.
• The program has established a live demonstration of local solutions, supported by sound agronomic advice and appropriate technologies, which has led to transformative change.
• The initiative aims to foster seed sovereignty, ensure food security, and maintain agricultural productivity amid shifting climate realities.
• Matabeleland South districts, including Bulilima, Matobo, Gwanda, and Beitbridge, remain drought-prone, highlighting the need for initiatives like this to equip rural communities to feed themselves conserve natural resources, and preserve indigenous knowledge.

Sources:

• Sisonke Working Together Trust
• Agritex
• Matopo Research Institute
• Ms. Sipho Malebegwa, senior coordinator for Ward 4 in Tokwana and Sisonke Volunteer Coordinator
• Mr. Lenny Tshuma, Agricultural Extension Officer
• Mr. Mfazo Tshuma, lead farmer