JCAM 2023 11 Annual Review The seed fair held in Benin, attracted participants from over 20 countries in Africa and Europe. One of the most striking aspects of the Seed Fair was the incredible During one of the workshop gatherings at the seed fair, Seed sovereignty, the right of farmers to save, exchange, diversity of seeds on display. Farmers in West Africa and beyond JENA presented a paper on ‘The Landscape of Agroecology and use their seeds, was a central theme of the event. The showcased their local and traditional seed varieties, each with Policies Towards Transforming Food Systems in Seed Fair emphasised the importance of protecting this unique qualities and adapted to specific ecological conditions. This Sub-Saharan Africa’, drawing lessons from other countries right against the encroachment of commercial seed diversity is essential for maintaining resilient and sustainable including Cuba, France, and Senegal which have made the companies. Farmers must have control over their seeds to agricultural systems, especially in the face of climate change. The transition from an industrial system of agriculture into maintain their agricultural heritage and ensure their Seed Fair was a testament to the rich cultural heritage of farming agroecological integration by relying on a social process communities' food security. Comité Ouest Africain de communities in West Africa. Participants had the opportunity to see that has encouraged adoption.Semences Paysannes (COASP) and other organisations and learn about a wide range of crops, from staple grains like millet including JENA at the Seed Fair advocated for policies that and sorghum to lesser-known but equally valuable species such as With climate change posing new challenges to farmers, the protect seed sovereignty and promote farmers' rights. They Fonio and Bambara groundnut. The preservation and exchange of need for resilient crop varieties is more significant than also emphasised the need for fair and equitable seed these seeds play a vital role in food security and ever. Many of the seeds showcased at the fair systems that benefit small-scale farmers rather than biodiversity conservation.demonstrated remarkable adaptability to varying multinational corporations. environmental conditions. Participants were inspired by At the heart of the Seed Fair was the spirit of collaboration and the success stories of farmers who had adopted The event served as a reminder of the invaluable knowledge sharing. This exchange not only helps in diversifying the climate-smart farming practices and integrated contributions of small-scale farmers to global food security genetic pool of crops but also promotes sustainable agricultural drought-tolerant and heat-resistant crop varieties into and the preservation of agricultural biodiversity. As the practices. Workshops and seminars were organised throughout the their fields. These practices not only contribute to world faces increasing challenges from climate change and event to facilitate discussions on topics such as organic farming, improved food security but also help mitigate the impacts diminishing resources, events like this Seed Fair play a seed-saving techniques, and the importance of indigenous of climate change. crucial role in fostering resilient and sustainable knowledge in agriculture. Participants gained insights into agricultural practices. innovative approaches to farming that prioritise both productivity and environmental sustainability.
Jesuits Africa - Annual Review 2023 Page 12 Page 14