The recently held National Seed Fair in Harare, hosted by Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) on September 18, 2026, has been commended by the Zimbabwean government for its alignment with the country's National Development Strategy Two (NDS2). Medlinah Magwenzi, Chief Director of Agricultural Development and Advisory Services, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, emphasized the importance of the fair.
The National Development Strategy Two places agriculture, food and nutrition security, sustainable natural resources management, and climate resilience at the center of Zimbabwe's national development agenda. Magwenzi noted that the national seed fair aligns with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan for 2026 to 2035, specifically Strategic Objective 3, which focuses on ensuring food and nutrition security.
The CAADP strategy calls for the diversification of agricultural production, including increased production and consumption of nutritious traditional and indigenous African crops. It also recognizes the importance of traditional foods and cultural cuisines and strengthening locally sourced food systems. Magwenzi observed that the seed fair showcases farmers strengthening locally sourced food systems and promoting the diversity of indigenous seeds, foods, and knowledge.
A representative of the Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI), an organization advancing agroecology and farmer-led seed systems in Southern Africa, expressed support for the fair. The representative stated that it is a testament to the growing global demand for healthy traditional food and diverse seed and climate-resilient agroecology systems. SKI emphasized that agroecology works and that the climate crisis is real.
The SKI representative urged policymakers to fund agroecology and support diverse seed systems, rather than destroying them. The representative stressed that seed diversity is a crucial asset against climate disasters and that immediate action is necessary. The organization's comments reflect the concerns and priorities of farmers and agroecology advocates in Southern Africa.
The National Seed Fair provided a platform for farmers to showcase their products and knowledge, promoting sustainable agriculture and food systems in Zimbabwe. The event highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous seeds and traditional farming practices, which are critical to the country's food security and climate resilience.
The Zimbabwean government's recognition of the National Seed Fair's alignment with its development strategy underscores the significance of collaborative efforts between government, farmers, and organizations in promoting sustainable agriculture and food systems. The fair demonstrated the potential for synergy between stakeholders in achieving national development goals and addressing climate change challenges.
Key points
- The National Seed Fair aligns with Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy Two and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan.
- The fair promotes the diversification of agricultural production, including increased production and consumption of nutritious traditional and indigenous African crops.
- The Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI) urges policymakers to fund agroecology and support diverse seed systems to address climate change and ensure food security.
