# Protect indigenous seeds, farmers’ rights

> HOMEF urges federal government to safeguard local seeds and farmers’ rights for food security.
- Title: Protect indigenous seeds, farmers’ rights | Shortify
- Summary: HOMEF urges federal government to safeguard local seeds and farmers’ rights for food security. HOMEF calls for federal protection of indigenous seeds and…
- Keywords: homef, indigenous seeds, farmers’ rights, food sovereignty, agroecology, nigeria, world food day, plant variety protection act, monoculture, biodiversity, news, politics
- Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/regional/south-south-regional/918135-protect-indigenous-seeds-farmers-rights-homef-tells-fg-on-world-food-day.html
- Author: Ekemini Simon
- Published: 2026-10-18T20:03:15+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: homef, indigenous seeds, farmers’ rights, food sovereignty, agroecology, nigeria, world food day, plant variety protection act, monoculture, biodiversity, news, politics
## 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.
## Key takeaway

HOMEF calls for federal protection of indigenous seeds and farmers’ rights to ensure food sovereignty and biodiversity.