Located in the Kikuyu highlands of Kenya is the Genetic Resources Research Institute, a national gene bank established in 1988 to hold and conserve seeds from traditional crops. With about 50,000 seed and crop collections, the institute is now playing a critical role in helping farmers combat food insecurity exacerbated by climate change.
In collaboration with the Crop Trust organization, the gene bank is reviving indigenous crops that are resistant to drought and pests. Through the Seeds for Resilience project, national gene banks in several African countries are being supported to increase their collections of nutritious and resilient crop varieties.
Farmers in areas like rural Busia county have been able to improve their yields and combat challenges like bird attacks on sorghum crops by sourcing older varieties from the gene bank. These crops require less fertilization and are more resilient than newer hybrid varieties.
The national gene bank is working to raise awareness among farmers about the importance of utilizing its resources and is seeking additional funding to expand its support for local resilience and food security. By connecting farmers with these gene banks, experts believe that communities can build resilience and ensure food security for the future.
As the Seeds of Resilience program comes to an end, the Crop Trust will continue to support seed banks across Africa to ensure that these invaluable resources are utilized and remain a critical asset for farmers facing the challenges of a changing climate and increasing food insecurity.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com