DAR ES SALAAM: AS part of Green Action Week 2024, a non-governmental organisation ENVIROCARE, conducted training sessions for local farmers and community members in Italagwe Village, Morogoro District, Morogoro Region, on sustainable farming techniques and seed-saving practices.
The training sessions held recently aimed to empower communities with essential skills to enhance food security, promote environmental conservation and support community resilience through locally managed seed systems.
The training workshops led by ENVIROCARE Project Officer Euphrasia Shayo, were designed to build farmers’ knowledge and practices on sustainable farming and seed conservation.
Through hands-on sessions, farmers gained insights into sustainable farming processes and shared personal experiences on the benefits of local seed-saving.
These techniques not only allow farmers to produce sufficient and nutritious food, but also reduce reliance on commercial seeds, helping them preserve their cultural heritage and adapt to local environmental conditions.
The workshops emphasised the importance of farmer-managed seed systems, which strengthen smallholder farmers’ access to locally adapted seed varieties.
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“The recognition of traditional and locally adapted seed varieties is essential not only for achieving SDG 2 but also for fostering a sustainable future for the planet,” Shayo emphasised.
She highlighted that the training programme seeks not only to change individual behaviour but also to inspire systemic change by encouraging community-wide engagement and resilience. In addition to training, the project included community seed fairs, educational materials, participatory workshops and media engagements.
Euphrasia explained that the events enabled farmers to showcase their local seed varieties and educate others on the benefits of locally managed seed systems.
Moreover, the training sessions allowed community members to document their vision of a sustainable future, inspiring the creation of artworks that reflect their commitment to environmentally conscious food systems.
The Local Seed Preservation programme, managed by ENVIROCARE with strong support from the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC), also emphasises gender inclusion.
Recognising that both men and women are essential to sustainable development, the project ensures equal participation in activities and decision-making processes. This commitment to gender equality is a cornerstone of SSNC’s approach, as sustainable policies and practices that include all genders contribute significantly to eradicating poverty and promoting resilience.
By supporting local farmers in managing their seed resources and promoting gender equality in agriculture, the ENVIROCARE programme strives to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development agenda and foster a future where communities thrive in harmony with their environment.
