Seeds of Change: Nurturing Kenya’s Future with Indigenous Seeds

A group of youth performing a cultural dance at the seed and food harvest fair at NMK 2023.

Indigenous seed varieties at the NMK exhibition, 2023.

Indigenous seeds at the exhibition area at NMK 2023.

Seeds of Change: Nurturing Kenya’s Future with Indigenous Seeds

At the 2nd Indigenous Seeds and Food Culture Harvest Fair, tradition meets innovation at Nairobi National Museum. ABN Secretariat and Kenyan partners celebrate indigenous food and seeds for sovereignty. Venter Mwongera, Communications and Advocacy Coordinator at ABN captures the essence.

From the ceremonial rendition of the National Anthem to calls for agroecology, the event illuminated Kenya’s trajectory towards reclaiming and safeguarding its indigenous seed, food, and culture legacy. On Wednesday, October 11th, sessions, discussions, and exhibitions commenced at the Nairobi National Museum’s Louis Leakey Auditorium to sensitize the citizenry about the importance of indigenous seeds, food, and culture, advocating for an enabling policy environment for the nation’s health, culture, and sustainable agricultural future.

Guided by Master of Ceremony Esmond Majanga, the seed and food fair harvest began with the resonant notes of Kayamba Roots leading the National Anthem. Dr. Peris Kariuki, a Senior Scientist from the National Museums of Kenya, invoked a prayer, grounding the gathering in reverence while acknowledging the indispensable role of indigenous seeds in fostering a healthy population.

Ms. Anne Maina, National Coordinator of the Biodiversity and Biosafety Association (BIBA), Kenya, and Chair of the Fair, unveiled the event’s objectives. The threefold mission – celebrating Indigenous Seed, Food and Cultural Heritage, promoting Agroecology and Empowerment, and fostering Networking and Stakeholder Engagement – served as the guiding lodestar for the event’s proceedings.

Members of the Planning Committee, including Mr. John Kariuki from Slow Food Kenya (SFK), Dr. Gloria Otieno from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, and Mr. Dominic Kimani from the Seed Savers Network (SSN), shared insights on preserving agricultural diversity, such as seed saving and exchange, cultural practices, agroforestry, traditional crop varieties, crop rotation, livestock integration, community seed banks, local knowledge transfer, rainwater harvesting, community-led conservation initiatives, innovative technologies, and educational programs. “These approaches collectively contribute to maintaining genetic diversity, promoting ecological balance, and ensuring the resilience of farming systems in the face of environmental changes,” reiterated Mr. John Kariuki from Slow Food Kenya.

Celebrating Kenya’s Indigenous Seeds and Cultural Legacy
Amid the exhibition and cooking competition, attended by heads of various agricultural departments, communities, schools, colleges, research institutions, and agribusiness firms, delegates explored a diverse showcase of indigenous seeds and culinary delights. The essence of local representation and the celebration of indigenous seeds, food flavours, and cultural dances reverberated, amplifying the cultural and ecological significance of diverse seeds.

Ms. Rosinah Mbenya, representing Participatory, Ecological Land Use and Management (PELUM) Kenya, also the National Coordinator moderated a session exploring the intersections of Agroecology, Climate Resilience, and Digital Agriculture. Dr. Desterio Nyamongo from Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation-Genetic Resources Research Institute (KALRO-GERRI) delivered a poignant call to safeguard Kenya’s genetic resources against the backdrop of climate change. Dr. Nehemiah Mihindo, representing the Effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Association, advocated for agroecological approaches to address emerging threats to food security. Ms. Alice Kemunto, Executive Director of the Grassroots Association of Kenya, noted, “Embracing African culture, its foods, and traditions demonstrates respect for the people’s heritage, preserving communities’ traditions for future generations to learn from.” The session concluded with a panel discussion featuring grassroots organizations, farmers, and advocates for digitizing agriculture.

As the sun set on the Louis Leakey Auditorium, the echoes of the 2nd Indigenous Seeds and Food Culture Harvest Fair resonated far beyond its walls. The commitment to preserving Kenya’s agricultural diversity, empowering local communities on policies, improving the policy environment, and navigating the challenges of climate change reverberated through the voices of speakers, panellists, and participants.

The call for mainstreaming agroecology, implementing policies that protect farmers, and prioritizing climate financing lingered in the air, signalling a collective resolve to forge a sustainable and resilient future for Kenya’s agriculture. The Fair not only celebrated the seeds of the land but sowed seeds of change in the hearts and minds of those dedicated to nurturing Kenya’s cultural and agricultural legacy. “In every seed showcased during this seed fair and every idea exchanged, the promise of a bountiful and sustainable future took root, marking a pivotal moment in Kenya’s journey towards food sovereignty.” Emphasized Patrick, a staff of Maendeleo Endelevu Programme (MEAP). Stakeholders, farmers, and enthusiasts now eagerly anticipate the 3rd Indigenous Seeds and Culture Harvest Fair in 2024, where the seeds of change will continue to be sown, nurtured, and harvested for the prosperity of Kenya’s agricultural legacy.

BIBA Kenya, PELUM Kenya, Maendeleo Endelevu Programme (MEAP) and Seed Savers Network are partners of ABN.

Links to select news and features covering the event as aired and published by the media:

A group of youth performing a cultural dance at the seed and food harvest fair at NMK 2023.

Indigenous seed varieties at the NMK exhibition, 2023.

Indigenous seeds at the exhibition area at NMK 2023.