Importance of Seed Saving for Climate Resilience

In the face of growing climate challenges, seed saving is proving to be a powerful tool for resilience and food security among small-scale farmers. For Macron Mwiitwa, a CTDT partner farmer from Chilindi area in Chirundu, seed saving is not just a farming practice, it's a way of life.

"Seed saving is very important to us as farmers. With the changing climate, we can no longer depend solely on external seed sources. We need to keep our own seeds, seeds that we understand and that have already adapted to our local environment," Macron shares.

Macron Mwiitwa inspecting his fields in Chirundu

The 2023/2024 farming season brought hardships to many communities in Chirundu due to poor rainfall. Macron recalls how almost every household experienced reduced yields. He emphasized that having locally saved seeds guarantees resilience during such hard times. “When we have our own seeds at hand, we are better prepared, even when the rains are not enough,” he explains. “Unlike external seed varieties, our own seeds have known traits and maturity periods, and that makes them more reliable in uncertain conditions.”

Macron also stresses the importance of involving youth in seed saving. “If only elderly people participate in seed saving, we are creating a problem for the future. The youth are the next generation of farmers and leaders. They must be part of this knowledge system now.”

As climate change continues to impact food systems, Macron is calling on fellow farmers to embrace seed saving practices. “Let us save seed we know and trust. This will help us overcome seed challenges and protect our households from hunger,” he urges.

He adds, “Climate change is here to stay.  As farmers, we must be willing to learn and not just learn but use the knowledge to build stronger, more food-secure communities.”