State institutions and regional bodies in Southern Africa are having to come to terms with intellectual property and trade issues in relation to plant genetic resources for food, and simultaneously with issues having to do with farmers’ rights and biodiversity. National governments and their constituencies often do not master the terms of the debate that many call for around these issues. In the rare event consultative processes are organized, government representatives, small-scale farmer and farmer support organizations are frequently denied a voice. Yet, the impact that pieces of legislation currently on the drafting board are likely to have on small-scale farmers and the economies they support is a matter of concern.

The recognition in regional and national policies, laws, regulations and programs of women and men farmers’ diverse forms of knowledge, their rights to save, use and exchange seed, the importance of maintaining agro-biodiversity for food security, and the role of state institutions in protecting the above.

Principaux résultats antérieurs:  

No previous SDC-supported phases. Main results of ACB’s work during last three years include: creation of open spaces for public consultation with NGOs and farmer groups on key legislation processes in the region; substantive comments and engagement with COMESA on the harmonization of Biosafety laws in Africa; regional workshop with NGOs and farmer groups focusing on SADC/COMESA seed trade laws and policies.

Phase 1 01.07.2013 - 31.08.2016   (Active)