Seed Sovereignty
Help Us Empower Indigenous Farmers in Idjwi!
Our mission is to support the local community on Idjwi through a sustainable Seed Sovereignty Initiative. We raise funds so that local farmers can purchase heirloom seeds. Your generosity directly impacts lives and strengthens food security within the community.
What is Seed Sovereignty?
Seed sovereignty refers to the right of local farmers and communities to save, use, exchange, and breed their own seeds.
This initiative emphasizes the importance of local control over seeds, especially heirloom seeds, as a means of maintaining agricultural diversity and resilience, particularly among indigenous populations. It is a vital aspect of environmental stewardship and social justice, allowing communities to safeguard their traditional agricultural practices while enhancing their autonomy.
Why is Seed Sovereignty Important?
Food Security: Access to quality seeds is critical for growing nutritious food. By providing heirloom seeds that are well-adapted to local conditions, we enhance the ability of indigenous farmers to cultivate crops that can sustain their families and communities.
Household Income: Growing native crops such as soya, corn, beans, and peanuts not only strengthens food security but also creates opportunities for income generation. These crops can be sold at local markets, contributing to the economic empowerment of families.
Biodiversity Conservation: Utilizing heirloom seeds promotes agricultural biodiversity, which is essential for adapting to changing climate conditions and preserving indigenous knowledge and practices.
The Impact of Your Contribution
For just $2, we can purchase 1 kilogram of each type of seed: soya, corn, beans, and peanuts.
Our goal is to raise enough funds to support the dietary needs of 1,000 people. To achieve this, we aim to collect $9100, ensuring that we provide sufficient quantities of seeds to enhance food security in the region.
The Numbers
Item | Unit Cost | Units | Cost |
Soya | $2 | 1000 | $2000 |
Peanuts | $2 | 1000 | $2000 |
Beans | $2 | 1000 | $2000 |
Corn | $2 | 1000 | $2000 |
Transportation** | $214 | 5 | $1070 |
TOTAL | $9070 | ||
** Transportation includes 2 round trip tickets to the mainland, petrol for transportation, fees
Seeds: $2 per kilogram x 4,000 kg needed = $8,000
Travel and Dissemination of Seeds: $214 per trip; estimated 5 trips = $1,070
Total Fundraising Goal: $9,070
Crop Selection
We have chosen to focus on crops that produce seeds in the region and are more challenging to obtain, thus ensuring a sustainable food source for the community:
Soya: A highly nutritious legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility.
Corn: A staple food that is versatile and can be used in various traditional dishes.
Beans: Excellent sources of protein that enrich the soil, promoting crop rotation.
Peanuts: High in protein and healthy fats, they contribute to a balanced diet.
While crops like squash, sweet potatoes, and cassava are important, they are also widely available.
Seed Recovery and Storage
After the harvest, farmers will be trained on best practices for seed recovery and storage. This includes:
– Proper drying techniques to prevent mold and degradation.
– Utilizing local pottery for seed preservation.
– Community workshops on seed saving methods, thereby ensuring that seeds can be reused in subsequent planting seasons.
Join Us in Making a Difference!
Together, we can support the community of Idjwi’s right to seed sovereignty. Your support will help us purchase heirloom seeds and facilitate their distribution. Access to seeds transforms lives and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
Donate Now to help us reach our fundraising target and support food security for thousands of people in Idjwi. Every contribution counts!
Thank you for your support!
Photo Disclosure: Some photos are of adjacent communities and are not of the households Tupende currently serves. We will update photos as they become available. Thank you for understanding.
