A growing movement to promote indigenous seeds is gaining momentum across Tanzania, with farmers, researchers and agricultural advocates calling for stronger protection and wider adoption of traditional seed varieties to support food security, biodiversity and climate resilience.

Supporters argue that indigenous seeds, often referred to as farmers’ seeds or traditional seeds, provide an important alternative to dependence on commercial agricultural inputs while preserving valuable genetic resources developed over generations.

The renewed focus on traditional seed systems comes amid increasing concerns over climate change, rising production costs and the long-term sustainability of modern farming practices.

Indigenous Seeds Emerge as Key Tool for Climate Resilience

Agricultural advocates say indigenous seeds are naturally adapted to local environmental conditions and often perform well under changing climate conditions, including droughts, floods and pest pressures.

The movement is being championed by the Tanzania Biodiversity Conservation Network (TABIO), which has spent more than four years promoting the conservation, recognition and use of traditional seed varieties.

TABIO works alongside a coalition of agricultural and environmental organisations under the Seed Task Force, including Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT), Tanzania Organic Agriculture Movement (TOAM), the Federation of Small-Scale Farmers Associations Tanzania (SHIWAKUTA) and several other stakeholders.

According to TABIO Coordinator Abdallah Mkindi, sustained advocacy efforts have helped raise awareness among policymakers and government institutions about the importance of indigenous seeds.

He said engagement with Parliament, the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders has helped demonstrate the environmental, economic and nutritional benefits associated with traditional seed systems.

Tanzania Recognises Indigenous Seed Varieties

One of the most significant achievements for seed advocates has been the official recognition of 13 indigenous seed varieties and their inclusion in Tanzania’s National Variety Register.

Among the recognised varieties are four traditional maize types coordinated by TABIO — Mehe, Erkutoo, Boo and Njano — which are primarily cultivated in Karatu District and other parts of Arusha Region.

Agricultural experts describe the recognition as a major milestone in preserving local genetic resources and safeguarding seed varieties that have been passed down through generations of farming communities.

Supporters believe the move could encourage greater conservation efforts while creating opportunities for wider distribution and adoption of indigenous crops.

Traditional Seeds Face Growing Threats

Despite recent progress, advocates warn that many indigenous seed varieties remain under threat from climate-related challenges, changing consumer preferences and the increasing dominance of commercial agricultural systems.

Prolonged droughts, floods, emerging pests and crop diseases continue to place pressure on traditional farming systems, while the shift toward modern food consumption patterns has reduced demand for several indigenous crops.

Agricultural stakeholders fear that without stronger legal protections and institutional support, some traditional seed varieties could disappear permanently.

Experts also warn that the loss of indigenous crops could negatively impact nutrition and food diversity, particularly in rural communities where many traditional crops remain important sources of essential nutrients.

Community Seed Banks Help Preserve Agricultural Biodiversity

To address these concerns, the Seed Task Force has expanded efforts to conserve indigenous seed varieties through the establishment of community seed banks across the country.

More than 120 seed banks have already been established in regions including Mtwara, Dodoma, Arusha and Mara, creating local repositories where farmers can preserve and access traditional seed varieties.

These community-managed facilities are helping to protect agricultural biodiversity while ensuring farmers retain access to seeds adapted to local growing conditions.

Advocates hope the initiative will encourage greater production of indigenous seeds and improve their availability throughout Tanzania.

Farmers Turn to Indigenous Seeds to Reduce Production Costs

For many smallholder farmers, the appeal of indigenous seeds extends beyond environmental concerns.

Farmers say traditional seed systems reduce dependence on expensive commercial seeds, synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, helping lower production costs and improve profitability.

Karatu-based farmer Magreth Basso said she turned to indigenous seeds after becoming frustrated by the recurring costs associated with commercial farming inputs.

According to her, traditional seeds have provided a more sustainable and affordable approach to farming while allowing greater control over future planting seasons.

Agricultural organisations argue that similar experiences are becoming increasingly common as farmers seek practical ways to cope with rising input costs.

Tanzania Strengthens Global Role in Seed Conservation

Tanzania’s indigenous seed movement is also gaining international attention through participation in global discussions on biodiversity conservation and plant genetic resources.

Stakeholders from the Seed Task Force have taken part in international forums focused on farmers’ rights, seed systems and sustainable agriculture, including discussions under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

Agricultural experts believe these engagements are helping elevate Tanzania’s voice in global efforts to protect indigenous seeds and strengthen food system resilience.

Calls Grow for Stronger Legal Protection

Supporters are now urging the government to develop a comprehensive legal framework that formally recognises and protects indigenous seed systems.

Advocates point to examples from countries such as Ethiopia, where traditional seed systems receive legal backing and institutional support.

They argue that stronger regulations could encourage conservation efforts, promote wider adoption of indigenous seeds and potentially unlock incentives such as subsidies and tax support for farmers.

As climate challenges intensify and interest in sustainable agriculture continues to grow, many experts believe indigenous seeds could play a vital role in shaping Tanzania’s agricultural future.

For supporters, preserving traditional seed varieties is not simply about protecting the past—it is about securing a resilient, productive and sustainable food system for future generations.