From Premium Times Nigeria · Ekemini Simon · · 1m 50s
Protect indigenous seeds, farmers’ rights
HOMEF urges federal government to safeguard local seeds and farmers’ rights for food security.
In brief
HOMEF urges federal government to safeguard local seeds and farmers’ rights for food security. HOMEF calls for federal protection of indigenous seeds and farmers’ rights to ensure food sovereignty and biodiversity. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
HOMEF calls for federal action
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) urges the federal government to protect indigenous seeds and farmers’ rights on World Food Day.
World Food Day context
World Food Day is observed annually on 16 October, with hunger persisting in resource-rich countries due to political and economic choices.
Food sovereignty requires local seeds
HOMEF states food security depends on protecting local seed varieties, promoting ecological farming, and giving farming communities control over production.
Nnimmo Bassey’s warning
Nnimmo Bassey, HOMEF’s executive director, warns Nigeria’s food system is overly dependent on monoculture, weakening supply chains and soil health.
Climate change threat
Indigenous seeds are critical for climate resilience, preserving genetic diversity for drought resistance and pest management.
Seed laws and farmers’ rights
HOMEF highlights concerns about Nigeria’s Plant Variety Protection Act, 2021, restricting farmers’ seed-saving and reuse rights.
Joyce Brown’s stance
Joyce Brown, HOMEF’s Director of Programmes, calls for food as a human right, not a commodity, and urges policy reviews for smallholder farmers.
Industrial agriculture critique
Mariann Bassey-Olsson rejects industrial agriculture as the only solution, emphasizing smallholder farmers’ knowledge and adaptation to local conditions.
Agroecology focus
HOMEF advocates for agroecology, which applies ecological principles to farming, improving soil health and biodiversity.
Food security and climate
HOMEF warns climate change and economic instability threaten food production, urging resilient local food systems.
World Food Day significance
World Food Day is an annual observance raising awareness of hunger and promoting access to safe, nutritious food.
What it means
HOMEF calls for federal protection of indigenous seeds and farmers’ rights to ensure food sovereignty and biodiversity.
