Kenya has made a significant leap in advancing farmers' rights with the introduction of the Seeds and Plant Varieties (Conservation, Access, and Benefit Sharing of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture) Regulations, 2024. These regulations, which align with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), provide a strong framework for conserving agrobiodiversity and promoting equitable seed access.
The ABS Regulations offer critical provisions that address key challenges faced by farmers. Section 8 explicitly recognizes farmers' rights to save, exchange, and use seeds, reinforcing traditional practices vital for food security and cultural heritage. Section 9 introduces a streamlined process for communities to register ownership of plant genetic resources.
Sections 18 to 20 provide a clear protocol for accessing plant genetic resources, requiring prior informed consent (PIC) and mutually agreed terms (MAT) between communities and users. These measures ensure that benefits from the utilization of genetic resources are equitably shared.
Seed Savers Network collaborated with the government to host a public participation forum in Machakos County. This event served as a platform for farmers, community leaders, and stakeholders to share their perspectives on implementing the regulations. Among the suggestions made were calls to simplify registration processes, enhance government support for community seed banks, and strengthen protections for indigenous knowledge.
As Kenya charts a path toward food sovereignty, the Seeds and Plant Varieties (CABS) Regulations, 2024, represent a pivotal moment in protecting farmers' rights and promoting seed access. Through initiatives like public participation, advocacy, and education, SSN continues to empower farming communities to preserve their seeds, protect their knowledge, and secure their livelihoods.