PELUM, OXFAM Hold Farmer Managed Seed Systems’ Caravan

PELUM Uganda in collaboration with OXFAM Uganda, ESAFF Uganda and partners (CEFORD, CIDI and IIRR) organised the Farmer Managed Seed Systems (FMSS) Caravan and Policy Discourse among the farmer field schools in Nebbi, Adjumani, Apac, Omoro and Soroti from September 25-29, 2023. 

The major objective of the caravan was to facilitate cross-learning, experiential sharing, showcasing, and dialogue on best practices to strengthen farmer managed seed systems for improved household nutrition, food security and income.

The Farmer Managed Seed Systems Caravan brought together a diverse group of participants, including Farmer Field School Members and facilitators, Farmer Field School representatives, community seed banks, Research institutions, MAAIF, district Local Government Officials (production departments, Extension workers), plant breeders, media and other key actors in the seed sector

The caravan also involved youth and women within the SD=HS project.

The caravan further employed a mix of interactive sessions, including; field visits to successful farmer-managed seed enterprises, Youth boot camps, mentoring sessions and Policy dialogue to discuss and generate policy recommendations for strengthening farmer-managed seed systems, including farmer variety registration for improved agricultural biodiversity, resilience and productivity leading to better nutrition and income for smallholder farming households.

The FMSS Caravan provided space for experiential learning, dialogue, and policy integration, thereby strengthening FMSS for enhanced household nutrition and food security and generate policy discussions and debates, particularly regarding farmer variety registration and management of seed systems. 

The caravan fostered partnerships and linkages among key stakeholders, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Seed Diversity for Household Nutrition and Food Security (SD-HS) project.

“It is important to note that Uganda’s seed policy (2018) recognizes both the formal and informal seed systems, including the introduction of a new seed class, Quality Declared Seed (QDS). The policy provides for registered farmers to engage in seed production and marketing of Quality Declared seeds within their localities under the supervision of the District Agricultural Officers. The seed caravan is therefore a strategic contribution towards National Seed policy implementation,” said Josephine Akia, Country Cordinator PELUM.

Akia noted that to further consolidate the farmer-managed seed systems discourse, they  have embarked on a complementary seed policy initiative aimed at supporting farmer variety selection.

She said that this is intended to provide platforms that facilitate meaningful cross-learning and knowledge-sharing among project beneficiaries, including Farmer Field Schools and other stakeholders while integrating lessons and best practices into policy frameworks, which will strengthen farmer-managed seed systems for improved household nutrition and food security.