BSF project "Community Based Conservation, Utilization and Management of Climate Adapted Sorghum, Pearl-Millet, Cowpea and Bambaranuts in Matebeleland South Province of Zimbabwe"

Food insecurity is sharply increasing in Zimbabwe due to a hazardous reduction in annual rainfall. Temperatures are also rising, leading to high evapotranspiration and hence further water loss. Climatic changes have significantly reduced yields, particularly of cereals such as maize. Traditional ‘small grain’ crops such as sorghum and pearl millet have been abandoned for various reasons in favour of maize. Yet, small grains produce good yields under drought conditions, ensuring food security among smallholder farmers. This Benefit-sharing project is reviving and strengthening on-farm and community level seed conservation and management of sorghum, pearl millet, cowpeas and Bambarra nuts to increase resilience and food security of small farmers in the face of climate change. This Benefit-sharing Fund project is improving the livelihood of farming communities through on-farm conservation and sustainable management of locally adapted crop varieties.