Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Direction du Développement de la Coopération (Suisse)

Titre : Strengthening Agro-biodiversity in Southern Africa (SASA)

Pays/Région  : Communauté de développement d’Afrique australe (SADC)

Durée : 01.09.2019 - 31.08.2023

Résumé
While governments have regional and national seed policies favourable to commercial certified seed production, these are restrictive on farmers’ seed systems that are diverse and resilient. The project capitalises on Swiss regional experiences on supporting seed systems in Southern Africa. This will include the empowerment of civil society, farmers’ organisations and governments in developing inclusive agricultural policies that ultimately contribute to sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity and improved well-being of smallholder farming communities.

Projet en bref
* Contexte : Agricultural biodiversity is diminishing at an unprecedented rate, putting the future of food, livelihoods, health and environment at great risk. Regional and national legal and policy frameworks and processes on seed have been developed in the region to be favourable to commercial seed production. Their framing however restrict farmers’ rights to freely use their diverse and adapted seed varieties and impacts directly on women who rely on own seed sources for diversified food and nutrition. Given the effects of climate change, depleted soils and recurrent food insecurity, the need for ensuring agricultural biodiversity and farmers’ access to diversified quality seed from formal and informal sources becomes more urgent.
* Objectifs  : Established agricultural policies in Southern Africa that meet farmers’ rights, diversifies farmers’ seed systems and contribute to sustainable maintenance and use of agricultural biodiversity.
* Groupes cibles  : Target groups are smallholder farmers, including women and youth, and CSOs including farmer associations in Southern Africa. 75+ CSOs are targeted to be involved directly in planned activities ; with national nodal points in active networks in 8+ countries in Southern Africa. This work will focus on SADC Secretariat at regional level and in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Mozambique, eSwatini, Lesotho and South Africa at a country level.

Budget de la Suisse : CHF 1’550’000

Présentation : Coopération Suisse