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Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI)

SKI works with smallholder farmers to become more seed, food and nutritionally secure through farmer-led seed systems, improved crop diversity, agroecology (AE) and the revival of local knowledge systems. The overall SKI Phase 2 impact/development goal is Improved food security for participating farmer communities through more resilient farmer-led seed systems and agroecology

 

To contribute to this goal CTDT addresses the following:

 

  • Strengthen the conservation of genetic diversity of local crops

  • Improve household food and nutrition security using local crop diversity

  • Improve the capacity of local communities to adapt to climate change using local resources, biodiversity and agroecology practices

  • Advocate for changes to policies on seed and to push for the realization of Farmers’ Rights

  • Increase the participation of women and youth in all community programmes and in decision making processes as well as programme management and implementation

 

This initiative aims to restore the narrowing diversity observed which presents a danger due to acute effects of climate change in the targeted areas of Rufunsa, Chikankata, Shibuyunji and Chirundu districts. It also aims at promoting agroecological practices as a means to ensure food and nutrition security. Activities under the SKI project include;

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  • Raising awareness on AE for all stakeholders (especially among young people).

  • Supporting seed custodians/producers/ promotors to improve and deepen their knowledge and practice on seed production, policy issues and seed diversity.

  • Establishment and strengthening of learning sites, backup systems, exchange platforms of seed and knowledge, and other innovations relating to farmer saved seed.

  • Sustain and strengthen the relationships with other SKI partners and/or amongst farmers groups, engage/develop relationships with other stakeholders and build networks at local and national levels.

  • Facilitate advocacy learning processes (writing workshops, media engagement) to strengthen advocacy capacity.

  • SKI partners host/catalyse multi-actor dialogue, popular events and other activities on key issues around AE and farmers' rights that engage a wide range of stakeholders (e.g. policy makers, academics, farmers, activists, consumers, general public)

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