Descripción
Who controls our seeds? Strengthening farmer-managed seed systems for food sovereignty in Africa
Across Africa, millions of smallholder farmers continue to rely on farmer-managed seed systems (FMSS) for their livelihoods, agrobiodiversity and resilience. Yet these systems are increasingly under pressure from the expansion of industrial seed systems, changing seeds markets and evolving regulatory frameworks. At the same time, many farmers and civil society organizations alike struggle to distinguish between different types of seed systems and technologies, making informed choices more difficult. This interactive panel aims to bring together relevant stakeholders to explore how FMSS can be strengthened and safeguarded as a cornerstone of agroecology and food sovereignty. The session will highlight the implications of GMOs and hybrid seeds on agroecology and food sovereignty in Africa. Drawing on recent experiences from across the continent, the discussion will address seed quality, seed sovereignty, community seed systems, and the role of public policy in ensuring that farmers have genuine choices over the seeds they use. The session invites an open dialogue on how to build and protect seed systems that are transparent, resilient, and accountable to farmers. Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, discuss practical challenges and join collective action to strengthen FMSS across Africa.