In a significant stride towards biodiversity preservation and ensuring food security, a pioneering initiative has been undertaken with the launch of a Community Seed Bank in Mangoase, located in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The innovative Seed Bank, the first of its kind, aims to safeguard orphan crop species and rare plant varieties, fostering diversity in food sources and providing local farmers access to seeds for commercial planting.
The pilot project, orchestrated by NUS Network in collaboration with Alliance Biodiversity International-CIAT and sponsored by the represents a crucial step in the conservation of indigenous plant species in Ghana.
The Mangoase Community Seed Bank is designed to play a pivotal role in preserving native crop species, protecting them from extinction caused by factors such as climate change and habitat loss. Dr. Seth Tawiah Agbesi, the Headmaster of Mangoase Senior High School, highlighted the importance of conserving local biodiversity for the benefit of future generations.
By ensuring the availability of these seeds, the project aims to maintain an abundance of biodiversity, fostering sustainability and resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Agricultural Biodiversity and Food Security
Dr. Daniel Nyadanu, the Project Coordinator and a Senior Research Scientist at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, emphasized the role of agricultural biodiversity in providing diverse options for cultivating and processing food products. He noted that many orphan crops, rich in nutrients and health-promoting compounds adaptable to local conditions, have been neglected.
The NUS Network is committed to the sustainable conservation of these local crop seeds, including root and tuber crops like plantains, to enhance food and nutrition security.
The launch event saw the participation of Madam Tenniglo Inge, Agricultural Consular of the Netherland Embassy, who commended the project for enabling farmers to grow and sustain neglected and under-utilized seeds.
She highlighted the global commitment to international treaties aimed at conserving and sustainably using plant resources for food and agriculture. With less than half of the approximately 400,000 food crop species being consumed, the project in Mangoase aligns with Ghana’s dedication to these international goals.
Madam Pearl Adu-Addy, the Akuapem North Municipal Director of Agriculture, emphasized how the Mangoase Community Seed Bank aligns with the government’s flagship programme, Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) Phase 2. This initiative focuses on improving food security and resilience by enhancing the availability of agricultural inputs, including genetically improved seeds.
As the Mangoase Community Seed Bank sets its roots in the Eastern Region, it symbolizes not only a commitment to biodiversity but also a community-driven effort towards sustainable agriculture. The success of the project relies on active participation from the Mangoase community and stakeholders, as emphasized by Dr. Daniel Nyadanu.
Through collaborative efforts and training initiatives, the project aims to empower individuals who will act as focal persons, ensuring the long-term success of the seed bank. The collective responsibility shared by the community, educational institutions, and governmental bodies reflects a holistic approach to safeguarding the rich agricultural heritage of the region, setting a positive precedent for future conservation and sustainability efforts.
The Community Seed Bank thus presents a unique opportunity for local farmers to diversify crop production and access seeds with properties crucial for withstanding the impacts of climate change.
The establishment of the Mangoase Community Seed Bank signifies a collaborative effort to address the challenges posed by climate change and habitat loss while promoting agricultural biodiversity. With a commitment to preserving neglected plant species and ensuring food security, this initiative serves as a model for sustainable development and responsible environmental stewardship in the region.
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