The Guardian: Not Just A Museum
31 October 2024
A recent article by The Guardian underscores the important role of national genebanks in supporting farmers to adapt to climate challenges. Focusing on the Genetic Resources Research Institute (GeRRI) in Kenya, the piece explores how genebanks are far more than just seed stores; they’re living resources essential for resilient agriculture. GeRRI is one of the partners in the Crop Trust Seeds for Resilience Project.
At GeRRI, traditional indigenous seed varieties are conserved to ensure they remain available to future generations. Through collaboration with researchers, the genebank helps farmers get hold of crop varieties tailored to local needs and environmental challenges. For example, smallholder farmers shared how they sourced a particular sorghum variety from GeRRI that proved less vulnerable to bird damage, allowing them to protect their harvests.
Despite their critical role, national genebanks face funding shortages and limited technical capacity. Crop Trust’s Seeds for Resilience works across five African countries to address these gaps by providing resources, training and advice.
As Matthew Heaton, former Seeds for Resilience Project Manager, emphasizes: “Genebanks are not museums, but a resource for the future. By connecting them with farmers, we can rapidly enhance local resilience and food security.”
Categories: For The Press, For Partners, Seeds for Resilience, Climate Change, English