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LETTER TO MY FARMERS
Indigenous Seeds: Achieving Food Sovereignty, Empowering the Local People.
March 17, 2023
283

The World Forum for Food Sovereignty defines food sovereignty as "the right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and agriculture systems." Therefore, it is important to note that achieving food sovereignty is directly linked to seed sovereignty as they are inseparable entities. Interestingly, seeds are one of the most important assets to achieving food security as food cannot be cultivated without it. Everytime, we are reminded that achieving food security hinges on availability and accessibility to quality seeds and increased productivity. Thus, every food consumed has its root from a viable seed planted, and every viable seed has the potential to produce more seeds that reflects the potential of food sovereignty, even in the context of indigenous people. This is the main reason why investment in the seed industry is of utmost importance in any nation, especially the use and promotion of indigenous seeds, as it is the bedrock of food sovereignty and security. All over the World, every community has its own history, culture, food as well as seeds that are sacrosanct. These seeds have evolved over the years and have become part of their culture, which are symbolic in many cases. For instance, there are specific foods (from indigenous seeds) that are prepared for specific occasions such as a naming ceremony (for twins), wedding ceremony, coronation, house warming, traditional rites amongst others. Definitely, it is justified when people become more emotionally attached to these foods as well as their seeds since they are indigenous to them and also to perceive it as their heritage anyday and anytime.

Asides the cultural symbol they represent, these foods contain several nutrition values and taste that are unique in which they pride in. Numerous indigenous foods have posed to be the bedrock for food sovereignty and security as they are easily accessed and available in the right quantities. Therefore, we need to ensure that indigenous seeds are preserved by establishing seed banks and promoting more local consumption. Also, we need more research activities to enhance the productivity of these indigenous seeds. In conclusion, we cannot lose our identity as our history lies with it. Every life lives in the seed, and every seed represents its people. Thus, the sovereignty of our food needs to be protected at all cost.

Yours-in-Service