Preserving the Past, Planting the Future: Women in Kenya Revive Traditional Maize Seeds

In the town of Marigat, western Kenya, a group of women is leading a little revolution in eco-friendly agriculture. Using wood ash to protect maize seeds from pests and mold, they are reviving traditional farming methods that had nearly vanished. The smallholder farmers are not only preserving rare maize varieties such as yellow and red corn, but also building a community around seed sovereignty. Their initiative includes a self-built seedbank that stores seeds from more than 20 resilient plant varieties adapted to the region's arid climate.

Seed Sovereignty vs. Hybrid Dominance

The seedbank operates on a simple but powerful principle: Farmers borrow seeds and return double the amount after harvest. Though technically illegal under Kenya’s Seeds and Plant Varieties Act, this grassroots system is tolerated and growing. Daniel Wanjama, co-founder of the Seed Savers Network, supports these efforts, promoting indigenous crops that require fewer agrochemicals and are better suited to local conditions. Unlike commercial hybrid seeds, which demand fertilizers and pesticides, traditional varieties are more resilient to climate shocks and offer a sustainable alternative for small-scale farmers.

A Legal Battle for Agricultural Independence

Despite government efforts to boost hybrid maize production to meet national food demands, climate change is exposing the vulnerabilities of these commercial crops. Farmers like Salina Chespat have seen firsthand how landrace seeds outperform hybrids during droughts and pest infestations. Now, the women of Marigat, backed by the Seed Savers Network, are challenging the law in Kenya’s highest court. Their goal: to legally recognize community seedbanks and protect their right to cultivate crops that honor tradition, empower women, and safeguard the environment.