Namibia recently inaugurated its inaugural Community Seed Bank in Kavango West, a pivotal step in preserving local seed varieties to bolster biodiversity and ensure food security, according to the Environment Investment Fund (EIF) of Namibia.
Lot Ndamanomhata, the spokesperson for the EIF, articulated the seed bank’s core objective: safeguarding natural resources by preventing the overexploitation of diverse seed varieties. “This proactive intervention not only curtails resource depletion but also secures seeds for the benefit of future generations,” Ndamanomhata remarked in a statement. He stressed the critical role of community seed banks in gathering, storing, and protecting indigenous seeds, functioning as a vital emergency seed supply during crop damage or destruction, and facilitating farmers’ access to seeds for the subsequent planting season.
Beyond its focus on preserving seeds, the initiative underscores a broader mission of safeguarding natural resources, promoting environmental sustainability, and ensuring access to diverse and robust agricultural resources for Namibia’s forthcoming generations.
Ndamanomhata emphasized that this endeavour transcends mere financial backing, symbolizing a collective dedication to environmental sustainability and the conservation of the nation’s natural legacy.
Established in 2012, the EIF operates with current funding derived from government allocations, tapping into local conservation fees and environmental levies. These resources are channelled toward safeguarding the environment, preserving biological diversity, maintaining ecological life-support functions, and fostering sustainable natural resource utilization to support green and environmental enterprises for economic development.
Namibia plans to extend similar infrastructure initiatives to other regions within the next five years, following the launch of its inaugural community seed bank in 2023. While Namibia has taken this significant step, neighbouring countries like Zambia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe have embraced this practice extensively, with Zimbabwe leading the way with 26 community seed banks already established.
