Community seed multiplication of farmer varieties in Zambia

Community Technology Development Trust (CTDT) is a private NGO registered in Zimbabwe, formed in 1993, in response to the livelihoods challenges facing the poor rural communities and households in Zimbabwe and regionally. It has expanded its office in Zambia, implementing projects on farmer-managed seed system since 2011 in partnership with Zambia Agriculture Research Institute, and the farming communities of Chikankata, Rufunsa and Shibuyunji. The farmer-managed seed system project was focused on: (1) strengthening the conservation of local crop genetic diversity; (2) improving household food and nutrition security using local crop diversity; (3) improving the capacity of local communities to adapt to climate change using local biodiversity resources; and (4) advocating for amending seed policies to promote the realization of Farmers’ Rights. The project have targeted about 8,000 farmers in rural communities in the three districts, of which about 60% are women. Through this project, the availability of local seed crops in the target areas where seed of sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet and cowpea are being multiplied by the community and distributed through the established community seed banks. Capacity development of farmers to better adapt to climate change and enhance their resiliency were carried out, thereby promoting enhance awareness on the importance of local crops and traditional knowledge.