By Winnie Mkuziwaduka
In Lilongwe, Malawi, the Rural Women’s Assembly (RWA) hosted a seed exhibition to celebrate and promote the use of indigenous seeds. The event brought together farmers, researchers, businesspeople, and international guests to showcase the value of local seeds. Seed exhibition took place in Lilongwe district at a Game complex strategically located for the number of visitors it receives. The purpose of the seed exhibition is to motivate people to adopt the use and conservation of indigenous seeds. The seed exhibition aimed to clarify the importance of indigenous seeds, how resistant they are from pests and diseases and also their production without chemical fertilisers.
Over 50 seed savers from Lilongwe and Phalombe districts displayed a variety of seeds, including maize, beans, groundnuts, and sunflowers, along with natural herbs like Moringa and Gondolosi known for their medicinal benefits. Nearly 1,500 people attended, including visitors from India, Ethiopia, and South Africa. The event highlighted the role of indigenous seeds in agriculture with emphasis on the importance and promotion of agroecology, especially as farmers face challenges like erratic weather and rising costs. Alice Kachere, RWA Malawi’s coordinator, explained the benefits of these seeds, saying, “These seeds are not just a solution to hunger; they are a solution to the climate crisis. They are resistant to pests, grow well with manure, and are full of nutrients.”
Miss Emily Mphanzi, the RWA Malawi chairperson, addressed concerns about local seeds maturing late. “I grow local maize every year and always harvest early without problems. These seeds are a gift to us, especially as we adapt to the changing climate,” she said.
The guest of honor, Dr. Laurent Pungulani, praised the efforts of RWA women. He explained how indigenous seeds contribute to biodiversity and food security and are essential for developing hybrid seeds. He also promised to help find markets for local seeds and provide training to women farmers at research stations.
The event was not just educational but also a marketplace. Over 5,000 kilograms of seeds were sold, with buyers from both Malawi and abroad. Women seed savers returned home with empty sacks, encouraged by the success of their work. Journalists from various media outlets covered the event, ensuring that the message of seed conservation reached a wide audience. The event helped raise awareness about the importance of indigenous seeds and their role in addressing food security and climate challenges. Alice Kachere summed up the significance of the event, saying, “Our seeds are life, and women are the ones preserving that life. These seeds are the key to a sustainable future for our families and communities.”
