June 12-13, 2025
In a collaborative effort to promote inclusive and innovative seed systems in Zambia, the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR), in partnership with CUTS International Lusaka, Hivos, and Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre, host a two-day National Dialogue on Seed Biodiversity, Food Security, and the Plant Breeders’ Rights Bill under the theme “Towards an Inclusive and Innovative Seed System for Zambia.”
Officiating at the meeting on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Nathan Phiri reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting innovation while safeguarding farmers’ rights. He explained that the Plant Breeders’ Rights Bill aims to:
Protect farmers’ rights to save, use, exchange, and sell seed, Ensure fair benefit-sharing when indigenous varieties are utilized by breeders, Promote biodiversity, and Support informal seed systems, which remain the backbone of Zambia’s agricultural sector.
Dr. Phiri noted that the Bill is currently at the early consultation stage and assured stakeholders that a national consultation roadmap will soon be shared.
In her welcoming remarks, CSPR Executive Director Ms. Isabel Mukelabai stressed the importance of building consensus and deepening understanding to create a seed system that is responsive to the needs of all Zambians—from researchers in laboratories to farmers planting maize or millet in the face of a changing climate.
The dialogue brought together Members of Parliament, civil society organizations, farmers’ groups, development partners, media representatives, Urban Futures Chongwe youths and other key stakeholders, all united in their goal of shaping a resilient, equitable, and sustainable seed system for Zambia.