Laikipia: The 4th Indigenous Seed and Food Harvest Fair is set to take place on October 14-15 at the Governor’s Grounds in Laikipia County, focusing on celebrating Kenya’s rich heritage of indigenous seeds, traditional foods, and cultural practices. This event aims to foster collaboration among various stakeholders to enhance the accessibility and utilization of indigenous seeds for a sustainable food future.
According to Kenya News Agency, the fair, organized by the Inter-Sectoral Forum on Agrobiodiversity and Agroecology (ISFAA) in partnership with the Laikipia County government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD), will serve as a dynamic platform to raise public awareness about the importance of conserving indigenous seeds. It will also highlight the challenges facing the sector while showcasing efforts made towards preservation.
The fair will feature exhibitions of indigenous seeds, plants, and livestock, alongside workshops, presentations, keynote addresses, plenary discussions, and an award ceremony. Participants will include farmers and stakeholders from across Kenya’s diverse agroecological zones and beyond. The event aligns with the 2025 World Food Day theme: “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” emphasizing the critical role of seeds in ensuring food security, nutrition, and climate resilience.
In Kenya, Farmer Managed Seed Systems (FMSS) play a crucial role, providing 80-100 percent of seeds for smallholder farmers. These farmers are responsible for about 70 percent of agricultural production and 75 percent of the national food supply. FMSS supports seed saving, sharing, and the exchange of cultural practices deeply rooted in Kenyan communities. These rights are backed by Article 9 of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and Article 11(3)(b) of Kenya’s Constitution.
However, challenges persist, including restrictive legislation like the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act (2012), limited government support, inadequate funding, and low public awareness. Dr. Martin Oulu, ISFAA Coordinator, emphasized the importance of protecting indigenous seeds, which are more resistant to harsh weather, pests, and diseases, making them invaluable in the face of climate change. Oulu highlighted the role of community seed banks in maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food rights.
The annual seed fairs, initiated in 2022, have sparked positive developments, including policy reviews and increased participation of women and youth in seed conservation. This year’s fair marks the beginning of the review of the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act (2012), an effort long advocated by ISFAA and partners. The fair invites participation from youth, farmers, media, policymakers, civil society, and other stakeholders to collectively advocate for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems.
