Kenya’s Genetic Resources Research Institute, the national seed bank in Kikuyu, has become an essential resource for smallholder farmers facing climate-induced food insecurity. Established in 1988 to conserve traditional crops, the seed bank now supports farmers through the Seeds for Resilience project, launched in 2019 in partnership with Crop Trust. With around 50,000 crop collections, the institute provides climate-resistant, indigenous varieties, such as Kenya’s red-headed sorghum, which have been rediscovered for their resilience against pests and drought. Farmers in Busia County attest to the bank’s impact, noting improved yields and reduced dependence on fertilizers. The seed bank also collaborates with international and national partners to ensure its resources reach farmers across the country. Director Desterio Nyamongo emphasizes the bank’s role in building resilience and protecting biodiversity, underscoring the need for continued support as the climate crisis escalates.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
