In late October, a new batch of 30,000 seeds, including those from Africa, was added to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, highlighting the urgent global effort to preserve crop diversity amidst climate change, conflict, and other challenges. Among these seeds are contributions from Chad and Nigeria, part of a broader initiative to secure Africa’s agricultural heritage and fight food insecurity, according to the Crop Trust, an international non-profit dedicated to supporting farmers worldwide.
Over the last century, more than 75% of crop diversity has been lost, and a third of what remains could disappear by 2050, when the global population is expected to approach 10 billion. Africa is already feeling the strain of climate change, with five of the 30 deadliest weather events ever recorded occurring between 2022 and 2023. These developments underscore the critical need for seed conservation in gene banks, which act as lifelines for future food security.
“Climate change and conflict threaten infrastructure and jeopardize food security for over 700 million people across more than 75 countries,” says Stefan Schmitz, executive director of the Crop Trust.
As population growth continues, there’s mounting pressure on natural resources, creating a familiar conflict between the need for firewood and the preservation of the environment. Alice Muchugi, team leader at the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry in Kenya, highlights the vulnerability of fruit trees. While researching Obakakokeana trees in Zimbabwe—a prized fruit species once funded for research—she found that the trees had been chopped down for firewood due to the growing town and escalating demand.
Cold Storage for the Future
Preserving species during difficult times can be challenging, making seed banks and cold-storage units essential. In Kenya, scientists at the KALRO seed cold-storage facility, located 28 km from Nairobi in Kiambu County, follow strict international guidelines to ensure seeds are properly stored. With seeds from 2,000 plant species currently stored, the facility has only covered a third of Kenya’s plant diversity. Smallholder farmers contribute seeds to the facility, where they are cataloged, tested, and stored for future use.
“Farmers send in their seeds for storage and exchange,” says Peter Mbogo, who leads conservation and seed technology at KALRO. “Most of the samples are stored in cold storage until needed, helping to ensure we preserve these vital crops.”
The Crop Trust is supporting these efforts with financial and technical aid, including backing from Norway’s BOLD project to ensure long-term preservation.
Kenya’s Climate Challenge
Kenya is particularly in need of urgent action. The country has faced a series of severe droughts and floods, which have caused the loss of both life and crops. While national conservation efforts are critical for long-term sustainability, immediate responses to farmers’ needs are also essential. Desterio Nyalongo, director of the Genetic Resources Research Institute (GeRRI) in Kenya, emphasizes the importance of agricultural diversity to build resilience against climate shocks.
Farmers are being encouraged to diversify beyond staple crops like maize and potatoes and grow drought-resistant crops such as sorghum, pigeon peas, and finger millet, which are high in nutrients. Through direct interactions with farmers, GeRRI is working to identify the best seeds to suit local needs.
In Gilgil, 120 km north of Nairobi, the Seed Savers Network connects crop scientists with farmers. The group not only advocates for smallholder farmers’ rights but also provides training in farming practices and seed storage. However, challenges remain, such as the gap between consumer preferences and available crop varieties. For example, consumers in Kenya often seek millet of specific colors, a demand that complicates efforts to improve crop diversity.
Despite these hurdles, Seed Savers is helping 86,000 farmers across Kenya, benefiting over 400,000 individuals by improving their farming techniques and empowering them to protect and exchange seeds.
