May 2026: Across Africa, the struggle for food security is inextricably linked to the fight for seed sovereignty. As indigenous seeds vanish and farmers become increasingly dependent on commercial systems, the mission to reclaim local knowledge and biodiversity has never been more urgent.
To address this, the RWCC project brought five women farmers from Morogoro, Kilimanjaro, and Manyara to the Seed Boot Camp (Cohort 3) held in Nakuru, Kenya from 14 to 24 April 2026.
TGNP administers the Rural Women’s Cultivation of Change (RWCC) Project that is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through Seed Change. RWCC is empowering rural women by enhancing their ability to lead along with technical skills in sustainable farming.
national seed banking guidelines and the role of the government in facilitating the process. Kenya, 2026.
The Seed Boot Camp
The Seed Boot Camp was an intensive, hands-on learning experience designed to deepen participants’ understanding of agroecology and sustainable agriculture. It served as a vital platform for engagement between seed custodians, grassroots movements, and farming communities.
Boot Camp participants learned about the rapid decline and loss of indigenous seed varieties, farmers’ rights and the legalities of seed sovereignty, the effects of climate change on traditional agricultural cycles, and the consequences of over-reliance on expensive, external, commercial seed systems.
“Many farmers in my society have shifted away from indigenous seeds based on misconceptions, despite their resilience. This workshop highlighted that seed security is the foundation of food security. We must innovate through water harvesting and soil adaptation to respond to climate change.” — Sharifa Makamba, RWCC Farmer, Gairo, Tanzania.
“I learned that farming is possible in any environment. I now have a deeper understanding of community seed banks, indigenous pest control, and sustainable livestock practices. This experience has inspired me to strengthen these practices back home.” —Clara Malle, RWCC Farmer, Babati, Tanzania.
“I recommend the establishment of demonstration farms and the integration of agroecology into community-level advocacy spaces. We need practical innovation to thrive.” — Dolis Richard, RWCC Farmer, Morogoro, Tanzania.
As a result of the Boot Camp, the women who participated:
- improved their skills in seed selection, quality testing, storage, and documentation.
- gained a stronger grasp of how to advocate for policies that recognize indigenous seeds.
- learned about farming in challenging landscapes (such as rocky areas) and establishing organic compost systems.
Recommendations
To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, the participants and stakeholders proposed the following roadmap:
- Strengthen seed infrastructure to establish and support community-based seed banks.
- Education and training to promote the use of indigenous seeds by hosting village-level workshops.
- Policy integration and advocating for agroecology to be included in local governance and village development platforms.
- Build agroecology demonstration farms to facilitate practical learning and to serve as centers for excellence and hands-on training.
The RWCC project is sowing the seeds of resilience, independence, and a sustainable future for Africa.
