Indigenous food sovereignty is the act of going back to our roots as Indigenous peoples and using the knowledge and wisdom of our people that they used when they were in charge of their own survival. Food sovereignty highlights our innate ability to be in charge of our food system. This includes the ability to define one’s own food sources and processes, such as the decision to hunt, trap, fish, gather, harvest, grow and eat based on Indigenous culture and ways of life. Mary Sakala, the Chairperson of the Rural Women’s Assembly, along with Precious Shonga, the Assembly’s Treasurer, recently visited Chimalilo Village in the Lumezi District to connect with local residents impacted by recent floods and other climate-related issues.

During their visit, several urgent challenges faced by the community were brought to light, particularly the loss of livelihoods due to the destruction of homes and agricultural land caused by the floods.

Community members shared that the disaster has severely impacted food security and household income, especially for families that rely on farming for their sustenance.

Additionally, residents voiced concerns about the rising incidents of human-wildlife conflict, as the village is situated within a Game Management Area (GMA).

They pointed out the lack of protective barriers, such as wire fencing, to keep wildlife away from their homes and fields, which leaves families at risk of attacks and crop damage, especially from elephants.

Moreover, the community highlighted the issue of inadequate access to clean and safe drinking water, noting that both people and animals use the same water sources, which poses significant health and sanitation threats.

RWA Chairperson Mary Sakala advised the people about the importance of eating well. She said for children to grow healthy, they must be fed a balanced diet.

Mrs. Sakala mentioned that as RWA they plant, grow and use indigenous seed for purpose such as food and medicine.

RWA-MARY SAKALA

“As Rural Women’s Assembly we do practice using traditional seed for food, medicine and seed multiplication. Traditional seeds help in times of drought and can be preserved for a long time. When planting the seeds always ensure that they are good seeds and learn to multiply the seeds, create seed banks that will help you share or exchange with others,” Mary said.

In Shibuyunji district, Annie Mutale Katongo shared how her day begins from the time she wakes up to evening.

She explained some of the challenges that RWA has faced in terms of not being included in the discussions on seed variability.

“My name is Annie Mutale Katongo. When I wake up in the morning, I go to the fields to work, not just to plant seeds but to ensure that I bring food on the table for my family. In the past, we told that only hybrid seed must be planted and if not we will live in poverty,” she said.

Sister Annie mentioned that in Shibuyunji they have engaged themselves in Agroecology farming.

“Here in Shibuyunji district we have engaged ourselves in Agroecology farming, which is good because the seeds we plant grow well, including our livestock. We have found out that some laws being made do not include our voices meaning that they are null and void. Our voices need to be heard and truth be told it’s us the farmers that feed the country,” Annie lamented.

She further emphasized the importance of the seeds.

“Talking about seed, our seed is our food. I have the right to eat what I want without getting permission from anyone. Our seed is our strength, our life and everything in me is about is all about seed,” she added.

RWA SHIBUYUNJI – ANNIE KATONGO

Practicing Indigenous food sovereignty and being sovereign from colonial influences is a form of resistance. 

Using our traditional foods and food systems brings us a step closer to maintaining the balance between us as Indigenous peoples and the natural world that surrounds us. 

Foods will always thrive and be the most sustainable in the place where it is originally from; the same goes for people. Eating place-based foods as Indigenous people who are also Indigenous to this place will result in people thriving biologically, and will reduce the impacts of nutritional colonization and its effects, such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as many other nutrition-related illnesses