Ghana’s seed sovereignty: How RAINS empowers communities through indigenous knowledge
Indigenous seed systems and traditional agricultural knowledge have sustained communities for generations. They have been providing food security, contribute to preserving cultural and ecological heritage, maintaining biodiversity, and fostering resilience against climate change. However, modern agriculture and commercial seed practices threaten these systems. Reviving and utilising indigenous seeds and local agricultural knowledge can address modern agricultural challenges and cultural erosion. This article explores how RAINS empowers communities in Ghana through indigenous knowledge. Alhassan Abdul Razak, Field Officer, RAINS narrates the story.
Regional Advisory and Information and Network Systems (RAINS), an implementing partner of ABN in Ghana, empowers communities and farmers in Northern region of the country to achieve seed sovereignty. Through capacity-building approaches to help farmers regain control over their farming. This contributes to fulfilling RAINS’ and ABN’s mission to improve the quality of life for vulnerable groups. For example, children, women, girls, and people with disabilities, by strengthening local structures to promote fairness for all.
Ghana’s agriculture sector significantly contributes to employment, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and food security. The sector benefits from fertile land and indigenous seed heritage, managed over generations through local knowledge. However, modern agriculture prioritises yield over resilience, and traditional knowledge risks extinction as younger generations favour modern practices. The higher germination rates of commercial seeds and the climate unsuitability of local seeds increase the demand for scientific knowledge and hybrid seeds, which can only be used for one season. This shift has increased production costs and led to a loss of local knowledge and biodiversity.
RAINS empowering communities through indigenous knowledge
RAINS conducts capacity-building activities to revive traditional seed knowledge, preserve indigenous seeds, and promote sustainable agriculture practices like organic and ecological farming. These activities leverage the centuries-old knowledge of community elders and farmers. Seed selection training helps farmers identify varieties suited to specific climates, improving seed quality over time.
Through collaborations with the communities, RAINS supports communities to construct seed banks to preserve and manage indigenous seeds. These seed banks serve as reference hubs for local varieties and facilitating knowledge exchange. Farmers also build traditional seed preservation silos, known locally as Bundili and Kunchi. They use methods like hanging seeds in ventilated areas or storing them in enclosed containers for use in subsequent seasons.
RAINS also organises seed fairs, farmers’ day celebrations, and indigenous seed festivals to promote indigenous seeds and facilitate farmer networking. These events have led to the rediscovery of nearly extinct local seed varieties such as Bambara beans, red millet, and Abayin (a type of groundnut). Participatory learning sessions and farmer-led experiments help communities develop locally appropriate solutions that enhance productivity while preserving natural resources. Besides, RAINS engages in policy advocacy through stakeholder meetings, workshops, and media campaigns to promote programmes and regulations that protect biodiversity. “We have compiled a catalogue of indigenous seed varieties and documented the rich oral knowledge of community elders for future generations.” Tijani Hardi, ED of RAINS explains.
The impact of RAINS’ intervention to revitalise indigenous seed systems
RAINS’ interventions have transformed local farmers and communities in Northern Ghana. Revitalising indigenous seed knowledge has promoted sustainable practices like organic farming, crop rotation, and water conservation. This improves soil health and reduce production costs by eliminating chemical inputs. “Farmers report increased access to diverse seed varieties, improved crop yields, and enhanced resilience to climate change and pest outbreaks. This revitalisation has renewed hope for farmers and strengthened agricultural sustainability.” Tijani observes. Traditional seeds are embedded in local cultures and traditions, defining community identities, diets, and connections with ancestors. For example, millet is used in libations and yam in festivals.
RAINS empowers women farmers through training, resources, advocacy, and documentation of sustainable practices. “Northern Ghanaian women excel in local seed preparation, selection, preservation, and planting, significantly contributing to food security and sovereignty. Women’s reliance on local seeds often yields better harvests from small farms, encouraging men to learn from them and adopt similar practices.” Tijani reveals. Women also support farm work by cooking, fetching water, and assisting in planting, harvesting, and selecting quality seeds based on characteristics like size, maturity, and resilience.
Women share knowledge and innovations in seed preservation at Village Saving and Loan Association-VSLA/susu meetings, maintaining local knowledge for generations. Seed selection, storage, and planting practices are passed down from grandmothers to granddaughters and mothers to daughters, preserving cultural heritage and agricultural traditions. However, women’s limited access to land ownership, secure tenure, credit, and financial services restricts their contributions to agricultural sustainability. Gender roles also hinder their access to extension services. Men and women share responsibilities in seed management. Women are known for seed preparation, selection, and preservation, while men handle land preparation, heavy labour, and market negotiations. This promotes cohesion and specialisation. However, gender stereotypes and biases can impede men’s participation in traditionally female-dominated areas of seed management and vice versa.
By empowering communities to reclaim control over their seed systems and revitalise indigenous knowledge, RAINS is safeguarding Ghana’s agricultural heritage and strengthening resilience for sustainable agriculture.
