Seed and Knowledge Initiative - SKI

24/06/2026

Agroecology experts and conservation practitioners from across Central, Eastern and Southern Africa have converged in Bomet, Kenya, for a regional exchange meeting aimed at advancing sustainable a…

09/06/2026

On 8th June 2026, the Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI) represented by Karen Nekesa joined the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) at a press conference and side event during SB64 in Bonn, Germany. It highlighted the critical role of agroecology and food sovereignty in addressing the climate crisis and transforming food systems while providing a platform to share key climate policy demands. AFSA recognized the efforts of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) Chair in advancing youth engagement within climate negotiations. Opening the discussion, Millionbelay Ali introduced AFSA’s climate agenda, emphasizing agroecology and food sovereignty as people-centred solutions that strengthen community resilience, support locally driven food systems, and address the structural injustices that underpin climate vulnerability and food system inequities. Participation in climate decision-making processes and called for greater recognition of young people as key actors in shaping sustainable and resilient food systems.

The press conference concluded with a presentation of key demands, reinforcing calls for climate policies that prioritize agroecology, food sovereignty, inclusive participation, and direct support for communities at the forefront of climate action.



The Seed and Knowledge Initiative Brot für die Welt McKnight Foundation Agroecology Fund Grassroots International Biovision Foundation fans

𝐀𝐅𝐒𝐀 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐁𝟔𝟒: 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲, 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

AFSA convened a side event during SB64 to highlight the critical role of agroecology and food sovereignty in addressing the climate crisis and transforming food systems. The session provided an opportunity to share AFSA’s key climate policy demands and engage participants in discussions on inclusive and equitable approaches to climate action. The event was moderated by Bridget Mugambe, who also acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) Chair for increasingly recognizing the importance of youth engagement within climate processes and negotiations.

Opening the session, Dr. Million Belay introduced AFSA and outlined the alliance’s broader climate agenda, which focuses on advancing agroecology and food sovereignty as effective, people-centred solutions to climate change. He emphasized the need for climate policies and investments that support locally driven food systems, strengthen community resilience, and protect the rights and livelihoods of food producers. He also reflected on the historical and structural injustices that continue to shape climate vulnerabilities and food system inequities.

Simon Peter Bukenya highlighted the vital role of young people in driving climate action and transforming food systems. He stressed the importance of ensuring meaningful youth participation in climate decision-making processes, including ongoing and upcoming workshops and dialogues under the UNFCCC process. He called for greater recognition of youth as key actors in shaping sustainable and resilient futures.

Representing the farmers’ constituency, Musa Usman underscored the need for grant-based climate finance mechanisms that directly support small-scale food producers and agroecological transitions. He emphasized that accessible and equitable financing is essential for enabling communities to implement locally adapted solutions that strengthen resilience while contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation goals.

The session concluded with a presentation of AFSA’s key demands, reinforcing the call for climate policies that prioritize agroecology, food sovereignty, inclusive participation, and direct support to communities at the forefront of climate action.

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08/06/2026

Climate doesn't change chemistry. A poison is a poison, whether sprayed in Africa or Europe!

Climate doesn't change chemistry. A poison is a poison, whether sprayed in France or Chongwe.


Community Technology Development Trust-zambia. Mizu Eco-Care AFSA Loctaguna Organics Green Fox Organics Natures Organic Foods Care For Nature Zambia Khumbilo agroecology media services SCOPE Zambia a member of Rescope Programme NET Regional Schools and Colleges Permaculture Programme Namfumu Conservation Trust Caritas Zambia Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre Zambia Rural Women's Assembly FIAN International Zambia Zambia Climate Change Network Pelum Zambia Agroecology Fund Oxfam Novib Zambia Environmental Management Agency Ministry of Green Economy and Environment - Zambia Phoenix FM Zambia Global Network for the Right to Food and Nutrition Alliance for Nutrition and Reconstruction - ANR Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

28/05/2026

Biowatch SA a SKI Partner is hosting a Webinar: Examining opportunities for agroecology in the South African school nutrition programme
Thursday 11 June 11:00-12:30

Please Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/uuFZfAAwT8OPk7zFEBMAFQ

You can download the Biowatch Research Paper here:
https://biowatch.org.za/download/national-school-nutrition-programme/

fans

WEBINAR: Examining opportunities for agroecology in the South African school nutrition programme
Thursday 11 June 11:00-12:30
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/uuFZfAAwT8OPk7zFEBMAFQ
You can download the Biowatch Research Paper here:
https://biowatch.org.za/download/national-school-nutrition-programme/

28/05/2026

New Podcast Series: Agroecology and Biodiversity
Supported by the Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI) and developed by the DSTI NRF Bio-economy Chair at the University of Cape Town (UCT), this podcast mini-series delves into the intricate links between agroecology and biodiversity. Host Zayaan Khan interviews an eclectic range of speakers from the southern African region, probing their deep knowledge of biodiversity. Set against the backdrop of accelerating biodiversity loss, the series unpacks the multiple threats facing biodiversity and discusses ways of overcoming these through the adoption of approaches grounded in agroecology.
Please follow the link below to listen to our first episode on Agroecology and Insects. Also available on Pocket Casts, Castbox and Podcast Addict. Soon to be released on Apple Podcasts.
(Three more episodes to follow - they will be released every fortnight)
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033eRWE0eKk0XpxFCybqUM?si=Qp2VoyF_Q9yOigoUqmeNDg&nd=1&dlsi=5f3752ead7e04a34


Brot für die Welt SwedBio Agroecology Fund Biowatch SA AFSA PELUM Kenya Association Biovision Foundation Grassroots International Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture in Southern Africa La Via Campesina Southern and Eastern Africa The Gaia Foundation McKnight Foundation

Podcast · The Seed and Knowledge Initiative · Supported by the Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI) and developed by the DSTI NRF Bio-economy Chair at the University of Cape Town (UCT), this podcast mini-series delves into the intricate links between agroecology and biodiversity. Host Zayaan Khan i...

28/05/2026

Thanks to our partner in Zambia Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre for sharing this.

At the Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI), we believe that seed sovereignty is the foundation of food sovereignty. Indigenous seeds are more than just grains, they carry the knowledge, heritage, and resilience of farming communities passed down through generations. By preserving and planting diverse local seed varieties, farmers strengthen biodiversity, protect cultural identity, and build climate-resilient food systems for the future.

Across Southern Africa, SKI works with smallholder farmers to strengthen farmer-led seed systems, revive indigenous knowledge, and promote agroecology as a pathway to healthy communities and resilient ecosystems. Every seed tells a story of survival, hope, and the power of communities to shape their own food systems.

Let us celebrate and protect the beauty, diversity, and wisdom held in our seeds

Beauty in One Basket!

Different colours, different varieties, one shared purpose: nourishment, resilience, and heritage. Indigenous seeds are more than just crops; they are a symbol of biodiversity, farmers’ knowledge, and climate resilience passed down through generations.

By preserving and planting indigenous seed varieties, farmers protect their right to seed sovereignty, strengthen food security, and build systems that can withstand changing climates. Every seed tells a story of culture, survival, and hope for future generations.

Photo: Seed and Knowledge Initiative - SKI



- SKI Zambia Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity