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| Ex situ conservation |
In Lesotho individual farmers had limited varieties of specific crops and were thus more vulnerable to crop failure. Some farmers were using less nutritious varieties exacerbating existing malnutrition problems.
Katleho ‘Moho Association (KMA) together with farmers organised a series of seed fairs in three selected districts in Lesotho. Smallholder farmers displayed and traded a wide range of cereal, legume and vegetable seeds. People from government departments, local councils, non-government organisations, traders and media also participated.
Follow-up surveys were used to assess increases in income and crop diversity in smallholder farms.Individual farmers found from the seed fairs that there was a greater variety of seed available than previously known, and that some varieties they thought were extinct, were still in fact available. In addition, farmers were able to share experience of farming techniques and identified wider market opportunities.
Theme linkages
Climate change adaptation
Increased genetic diversity reducing risk of crop failure under increased environmental stress.
Improved health and wellbeing
Greater food security, increased productivity and improved nutrition reduce cases of malnutrition, hunger and mortality rates, particularly child mortality.
Good governance
Promoted cooperation and integrated farmers experience into government research and policy development.
Contribution to Millenium Development Goals (MDGs)
Target 1.C: Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people who suffer from hunger
Target 7.A: Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programmes and reverse the loss of environmental resources
Target 4.A: Reduce by two thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five mortality rate
