Africa: Punitive Seed Law - An Obstacle to Food and Seed Sovereignty

Growing up in the rural village of Kibandahasara, I often saw members of our community growing different varieties of indigenous foods that were used to nourish their families. From rice with a very good aroma to different kinds of traditional vegetables, the farm was a beauty to behold especially during the school holiday season when I would get a chance to participate in this fulfilling work of producing our own food.

I was taken back last year when I learnt that there is a seed law in Kenya that bars farmers from selling, exchanging or sharing seeds that are not registered. When I came across this seed law, the first thing that crossed my mind was my community back in the village. The seeds they use are indigenous, most of which are community owned. The idea of registering community seeds is unheard of.

What's in a seed, you may ask? Seed is the fundamental input that cannot be missed in food production or in a farmers store. Seed is the source of life. It is critical in food production, nutrition, agricultural development and securing livelihoods. Without seeds farmers are not able to produce any food.

However, this practice is now under threat from policies and laws that seek to control the seed sector across the world such as the Seed and Plant Varieties Act. The 2012 punitive seed law criminalise farmers for selling, sharing and exchanging seeds that are unregistered and uncertified. This legislation, punishes offenders with a prison sentence of up to a maximum of 2 years or a fine of up to KES 1,000,000.

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