Staff Writer
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has conserved approximately 82 000 plant genetic resource accessions as part of regional efforts to strengthen food security, preserve agricultural biodiversity and improve resilience to climate change.
The progress was reported at a meeting of the SADC Subcommittee on Plant Genetic Resources Conservation held on 2 November 2026, where member states reviewed regional initiatives to conserve and sustainably utilise plant genetic resources.
The meeting, chaired by South Africa’s Dr Noluthando Netnou-Nkoana, noted progress in collecting, conserving and safeguarding plant genetic resources through national genebanks and long-term storage at the SADC Plant Genetic Resources Centre (SPGRC).
The conserved resources are important for developing improved crop varieties, supporting sustainable agricultural production and strengthening the region’s ability to respond to climate-related challenges.
Netnou-Nkoana highlighted the role of plant genetic resources in developing improved crop varieties and strengthening agricultural resilience, urging member states to continue prioritising conservation initiatives.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by SPGRC head Dr Justify Gotami Shava, SADC director of food, agriculture and natural resources Fahari Marwa said plant genetic resources form the foundation of resilient seed systems and sustainable agrifood systems.
He called for innovative policies, stronger partnerships and increased investment to support conservation, capacity-building and the sustainable utilisation of plant genetic resources across the region.
The meeting also noted an increase in community-based conservation initiatives, with the number of community genebanks rising from 58 in 2025 to 67 in 2026.
The growth reflects increased participation by local communities in safeguarding agricultural biodiversity.
Participants commended the SADC Secretariat and its partners for advancing regional conservation efforts, which they said continue to position the bloc among Africa’s leading regional organisations in plant genetic resources conservation.
The subcommittee also received an update on the inaugural Africa Seed Summit held in Eswatini. At the summit, African agriculture ministers adopted the Ezulwini Declaration on Resilient and Sustainable Seed Systems for a Food-Secure Africa and endorsed the Farmer-Managed Seed Systems Policy for Africa.
The subcommittee welcomed the declaration and policy endorsement as important steps towards strengthening sustainable and resilient agrifood systems across the continent.
