Seed Bank

As part of our comprehensive Food Security Program, which empowers farmers through the permaculture design model, we have established two seed banks in Chikwangula and Mzira Villages. These facilities are central to our efforts to enhance agricultural resilience and promote sustainable practices among farmers. By integrating seed banks into our program, we are helping farmers secure their livelihoods while conserving the rich biodiversity of our catchment area.

Seed banks serve as repositories for seeds collected from local farms, gardens, and ecosystems. Stored under controlled conditions, these seeds maintain their viability and genetic integrity, ensuring that rare, endangered, or agriculturally significant varieties are preserved for future use. Each seed is meticulously cataloged in our database, capturing essential details about its characteristics, uses, and potential applications.

Farmers practicing permaculture design are among the primary beneficiaries of these seed banks. Through this model, they not only produce surplus harvests but also contribute to the diversity of seeds stored. The seed banks provide a reliable storage solution for their produce, enabling farmers to collectively pool and sell their harvests when market conditions are most favorable. This approach maximizes their financial returns while promoting collaboration and community empowerment.

An innovative feature of our seed banks is the multiplayer system. Farmers can borrow seeds from the bank with the commitment to return them with “interest.” For instance, borrowing 2 kilograms of bean seeds entails returning 3 kilograms after harvest. This system not only ensures a steady increase in seed supplies but also strengthens the spirit of shared responsibility among farmers.

Seed banks are crucial in advancing food security, preserving genetic diversity, and fostering ecosystem resilience. By supporting the development of improved crop varieties, safeguarding the genetic heritage of plants, and enabling farmers to adapt to changing environmental conditions, seed banks are a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture.

Our seed banks currently house a diverse array of seeds, including beans, maize, soya beans, millet, rice, watermelon, and pumpkins. These seeds symbolize the legacy of biodiversity and the promise of a prosperous agricultural future. Through this initiative, we are not only protecting today’s crops but also planting the seeds of hope and resilience for generations to come