Introduction;
MVIWATA-Arusha and Iles de Paix in Tanzania have adopted Seed Freedom as an advocacy and sensitization topic in the frame of the development program they implement together – KILIMO ENDELEVU PROGRAM. To celebrate indigenous crop varieties in Karatu District Council and tackle advocacy and sensitization issues related to the Freedom of Seeds in the region MVIWATA-Arusha and Iles de Paix Tanzania will take 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.
Objectives:
- 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 ambassadors.
Key planned activities:
- Farmer local seed showcase, exchange and sales
Farmers and stakeholders engaged in preserving varietal biodiversity in an outside of Karatu will be invited to showcase, exchange and sell local varieties and their seeds and be encouraged to cook them for a seed competition where the best varieties will be awarded a prize.
In addition will a place be provided for related stakeholders to exhibit technologies or innovations related to sustainable production and food systems (e.g. Conservation Agriculture tools for planting).
Displayed varieties will also be 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 will be cooked for participants to taste and cooking demonstrations will raise awareness on how to cook the varieties available.
- Debates on Seed Freedom and the setting of an advocacy agenda by farmers on the topic
The documentary Seeds of Freedom will be screened to introduce a farmer debate on seed freedom with the objective to allow farmers to raise the policy issues that are most important to them and to take up their arguments in a position paper which will be presented to relevant policy-makers during the event.
In order to keep the momentum of fighting for Seed Freedom going, ambassadors from different stakeholders will be recognized and encouraged to continue their role as a chaperon and promoter of seed biodiversity and seed freedom.
Target audience:
Primary target audience:
- Small-holder farmers;
- Government actors in Karatu District Council and relevant Policy-makers
Secondary target audience:
- Food and value chain stakeholders (hotels, restaurants, processors, seed agencies and associations);
- Students;
- Representatives of relevant organizations (CSO, MBO, NGO…);
- Researchers;
- General public
