Farmers in Southern Africa are rediscovering the importance of crops such as millet, sorghum, peas and groundnut.
These crops have strong potential to thrive in hard conditions, especially in areas prone to drought. Farmers are, once again, turning to them to improve self-sufficiency, diversify their sources of income, and to reap the nutritional benefits.
According to Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) various actors in the region are working together to introduce, test and develop resilient varieties of small grains and other crops.
More than 5 000 plant genetic materials have been evaluated by farmers and scientists to identify the best-performing cultivars for further breeding and improvement.
The projects funded by the Benefit-sharing Fund are not only increasing the availability of diverse quality seeds for these adapted crops but are also promoting sustainable farming practices.
The Benefit-sharing Fund is a funding mechanism of the FAO International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture that supports farmers in developing countries to safeguard and use plant genetic diversity for food security and help communities cope with climate change.
Zimbabwean farmer Analyce Chidembo and her husband experienced the advantages of millet, when maize failed dismally due to poor rains: “We planted our stored pearl millet seeds. Millet matures in about ten to twelve weeks, which is quick. That is a huge advantage I see in small grains. I think more people will turn to these grains to help fight hunger now that the climate changes.”
Chidembo began cultivating millet after participating in a Benefit-sharing Fund project several years ago. In 2024 she will join a second phase of the project as lead farmer, guiding Farmer Field Schools in her area. The implementing partner Community Technology Development Trust works alongside the Government of Zimbabwe, who has adopted the organization’s Farmer Field Schools approach into government extension services.
According to FAO, there are over 350 crops that play a significant role in food and agriculture globally.
That’s in addition to thousands of other crops that play a role in peoples’ food and livelihoods locally.
The greater the diversity of crops and seeds in our global food basket, the stronger our foundation for ensuring food and nutrition security, as well as bolstering resilience against climate change.
Worldwide, farmers are at the forefront of this crucial mission, working hand-in-hand with scientists, genebank staff, breeders, policymakers, food producers and more.
Their collaborative efforts pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
