Championing Traditional Seeds Through Cultural Ceremonies

CTDT showcasing at the Ikubi Lya Banamunyati

The month of October was filled with traditional ceremonies, and CTDT used these events as an opportunity to advocate for farmer-led seed systems. The organization participated at the Zambangulwe traditional ceremony of Chief Chipepo in Chirundu District and the Ikubi Lya Banamunyati of Chief Nalubamba at the Mbeza Royal Establishment in Namwala District.

At the Zambangulwe ceremony, Chief Chipepo’s representative, Mr. Dyololo, reflected on the importance of traditional crops, saying, “Our ancestors used to grow these seeds, and today we are seeing sorghum, millet, and fruits like baobab and tamarind. We are happy that companies are now also making drinks from our local fruits like tamarind. These seeds are not only nutritious but can adapt to climate change.”

During the Ikubi Lya Bananyati ceremony, CTDT co-hosted a farmers’ dialogue, sharing information on agroecology and farmer-led seed systems. For many years, traditional seeds in Mbeza Royal Establishment had gradually disappeared from farms and homesteads. Communities had shifted to hybrid varieties, which promised high yields but came with high costs and reliance on chemicals. With unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures affecting harvests, households faced growing food insecurity and the loss of indigenous crops that had long sustained families and culture.

By using these cultural platforms, which naturally gather large numbers of people, CTDT was able to restore pride in traditional agriculture while reviving knowledge that had been fading. Mr. Alick Salim Mwanza of Chief Nalubamba explained that planting of traditional seeds had more than doubled within a short period. Farmers were seeing crops survive late planting and extreme heat that often destroyed hybrid varieties. “The harvests are more reliable, even under unpredictable weather,” he said. “Local seeds can be stored for years without losing quality, giving households a renewed sense of security. These seeds are also healthier because they are free from chemicals and come with medicinal benefits that families had almost forgotten. This change is helping the chiefdom today and will continue to support us in the future. Traditional seeds are able to withstand harsh conditions and are better for our health and environment.”

Mr. Mwanza speaking during the Zambangulwe traditional ceremony

Traditional gatherings proved to be powerful entry points for educating communities about farmer-managed seed systems. People not only rediscovered seeds but also regained confidence in their own cultural knowledge, strengthening their resilience.

Looking forward, communities recognize the need to expand access to more varieties and involve younger generations to ensure this knowledge continues. Chief Nalubamba’s chiefdom plans to encourage every household to plant traditional crops and preserve the skills around saving and exchanging seeds. With continued support from CTDT, the community looks toward a future where resilience is built not

through expensive inputs, but through the wisdom and resources that have sustained them for generations.

As Alick Salim Mwanza expressed, “We thank CTDT for the support and awareness they rendered. For the past 10–15 years, people never planted these seeds, but now planting has doubled. Traditional seeds are resilient, medicinal, and can withstand harsh conditions. We encourage everyone to go for traditional seeds,” he said.