MVIWATA-Arusha and Iles de Paix in Tanzania have adopted Seed Sovereignty as an advocacy and sensitization topic in the frame of the development program implemented together – KILIMO ENDELEVU PROGRAM. To celebrate indigenous crop varieties in Karatu District Council and tackle advocacy and sensitization issues related to the Sovereignty of Seeds in the region MVIWATA-Arusha and Iles de Paix Tanzania took the lead in organizing a 1-day Food and Seed Fair at the Mazingira Bora ground in Karatu town on the 30th of August 2019.
Hundreds of smallholder farmers’ members of MVIWATA and non-members including residents of Karatu Districts and other from Manyara and Kilimanjaro regions attended this remarkable seed and food fair which began by a rally of smallholder farmers holding placards with messages that urges the responsible authorities to protect, preserve and prioritize the use of indigenous seeds.
The objectives were;
- To gather and reach as many farmers as possible in Karatu District to celebrate the value of local varieties and to raise awareness on the threats placed on multiplying local seeds and the implications of these threats.
- To give farmers a venue to voice their opinions and formulate their own policy priorities in the matter.
- To put farmers and stakeholders who chaperone the continued existence of local varieties to Karatu in the spotlight and recognize their role as food sovereignty ambassadors.
Key implemented activities:
- Farmer local seed showcase, exchange and sales
Farmers and stakeholders engaged in preserving varietal biodiversity in an outside of Karatu were invited and participated to showcase, exchange and sell local varieties and their seeds and be encouraged to cook them for a seed competition where the best varieties were awarded a prize.
In addition, a place was given for related stakeholders to exhibit technologies or innovations related to sustainable production and food systems.
Displayed varieties were also shown on the biodiversity wheel providing a type of map indicating where varieties are lost and could be revitalized.
- Luncheon of traditional dishes in Karatu District making use of local varieties
To celebrate the richness in taste of various varieties a luncheon with traditional dishes in Karatu District making use of local crop varieties were cooked for participants to taste and cooking demonstrations raised awareness on how to cook the varieties available.
- Debates on Seed Freedom and the setting of an advocacy agenda by smallholder farmers on the topic.
The documentary Seeds of Freedom was screened to introduce a farmer debate on seed freedom where by smallholder farmers raised several policy issues that are most important to them and their arguments were taken in a position paper which were presented to relevant policy-makers during the event.
In order to keep the momentum of fighting for Seed Sovereignty going, representatives from different stakeholders were recognized and encouraged to continue their role as a chaperon and promoter of seed biodiversity and seed sovereignty.
The Primary targeted audience were Small-holder farmers and Government actors in Karatu District Council and relevant Policy-makers. While Secondary target audience were Food and value chain stakeholders (hotels, restaurants, processors, seed agencies and associations), Students, Representatives of like-minded organizations, Researchers and lastly the General public.
