Community Seed Banks play an important social, environmental and economical role in rural Niger.
Category Archives: General
Suruchi Barik: A Guardian of Seed Culture and Ecology
Discover the life of Suruchi Barik, a guardian of seed culture and agroecological practices, prominent figure in Padampur and reknown for her leading role in agroecological farming.
Testimonials: agroecological innovations in India
The following testimonials highlight how farmers from the CROPS4HD project have rediscovered the value of locally available materials. The results are visible in healthier crops, improved resilience to weather fluctuations, and noticeable gains in productivity. Together, these stories reflect a broader movement toward sustainable agriculture that is rooted in experimentation, traditional practices and self-sufficiency.
Webinar: Defending farmers’ rights to seeds – the role of judicial action in Africa
In a landmark ruling, the High Court of Kenya has judged Kenya’s Seeds and Plant Varieties Act to be unconstitutional. To learn more about how Kenya’s civil society achieved this victory and on the significance of the ruling for other countries in Africa and beyond, join the webinar on the 15th of January 2026.
Inspiring Women Farmers in the Marketplace: Innovation in Red Gram Processing
In a village in Karnataka’s Dharwad District, India, a group of landless women has redefined rural entrepreneurship by transforming traditional food processing into a viable and sustainable business. The Shri Vinayaka Self-Help Group (SHG) began their journey with limited resources but a shared determination to improve their livelihoods.
East African Community (EAC): civil society criticizes 2025 Seed and Plant Varieties Bill
In June 2025, a new EAC Seed and Plant Varieties Bill has been tabled in East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). An earlier draft Bill from 2018 had stalled after facing heavy opposition from civil society.
Workshop: Creating Space for Farmers’ Seeds in Seed Regulations
SWISSAID and its partner TABIO organized a workshop in Dar es Salaam from 28–30 July to explore ways to create space for farmers’ seeds within Tanzania’s seed regulations.
Testimonial: The role of women in promoting agroecology and food security
The CROPS4HD project puts a strong focus on integrating the gender dimension into all its activities. In a testimonial collected in Chad’s Mayo-Kebbi Ouest Province, one farmer shares her perspectives on women’s essential role in promoting food security.
Success story: Poultry production of the Shangushangu Group (Tanzania)
Read about the Shangushangu Group and their success in poultry production, including success in terms of management, income generation and mindset transformation of fellow villagers on agroecological production approaches.
Floodings in Chad: major challenges for the CROPS4HD project
Is Chad suffering the irreversible effects of climate change? For more than three successive years, floodings have been a recurring phenomenon in the country. 2024 holds the record. Read more about the challenges faced and how CROPS4HD can support farmers to cope.