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African farmers are pushing back against laws that regulate seeds. Here’s why it matters.

Crackdown on seed sharing

In my home country of Kenya, agriculture is the cornerstone of the economy. Agriculture makes up 33% of Kenya’s GDP and employs 40% of its labour force.

Growing food requires proper planning, from sourcing seeds and inputs, to crop monitoring and ensuring proper post-harvest management to prevent food spoilage. In Kenya, like in many parts of Africa, smallholder farmers lean on community knowledge and practices to do this work.

For generations, Kenyan families like mine have shared seeds with our neighbours as an informal method of ensuring the continuity of indigenous seeds, providing people with healthy food options at a fair price.

But recent laws in Kenya and other African countries – often promoted by external actors – have restricted farmers from trading these seeds. As Africa faces increasing climate stresses and rising crop costs, these laws risk destroying a long-standing agricultural system that hundreds of millions of people rely on.

– Dadson Kinyua, Contributor

3 things to know

1. African farmers depend on informal seed markets. Informal seed systems are a key feature of Africa’s food system. Over 90% of seeds in Africa are accessed via informal systems. Despite this, the Kenyan government – and many other African governments – has banned the informal trade of indigenous seeds. In Kenya, violators can receive a two-year prison sentence and a fine of Ksh 1 million (US$7,750).

Why it matters: Informal seed systems allow for a rich diversity of seeds, including varieties well-suited for local growing conditions. Regulated seed systems safeguard against low-quality seed and can boost production. Yet they can also result in less-adapted varieties and decreased diversity, which can pose long-term risks to food security.

2. Indigenous seeds save farmers money and benefit public health. Regulated seeds are up to 50% more costly than seeds obtained through informal means.

Why it matters: Smallholder farmers make up 70% of Africa’s population. Most cannot afford expensive seed and the costly inputs they often require without going into debt. That includes fertilisers and pesticides, which can pose health and environmental risks. 163 million Africans, including 13.6 million Kenyans, are facing acute food insecurity. Restrictions on informal seed exchange could increase that number if smallholder farmers cannot afford to use regulated seed.

3. African farmers are fighting back against regulated seed laws. The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa, billed as “the biggest civil society movement in Africa,” is pushing back against seeds laws across Africa. 15 Kenyan farmers backed by Greenpeace Africa and Seed Savers Network have challenged the Seed and Plant Varieties Act in court, arguing it violates their constitutional right to use indigenous seeds.

Why it matters: Seed-sharing bans threaten traditional farming practices, knowledge sharing, and ecological resilience. And they increase costs for farmers and citizens facing food insecurity. That’s why African farmers and organisations are advocating for the right to sell, exchange, and share indigenous seeds and integrate farmer seed management systems into legal frameworks.

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The ONE Campaign’s data.one.org provides cutting edge data and analysis on the economic, political, and social changes impacting Africa. Check it out HERE.

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