Ethiopia has made a significant contribution to global food security by depositing 1,750 seed samples into the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a crucial facility for preserving genetic diversity in crops. This deposit includes 447 species and subspecies, many of which had not been previously stored in the Seed Vault, highlighting Ethiopia’s commitment to safeguarding its agricultural heritage.
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located in Norway, recently received over 30,000 new seed samples from 23 depositors across 21 countries, marking one of the largest deposit events in its history. This initiative underscores the urgent need to conserve crop diversity in the face of escalating climate change and other global crises.
Stefan Schmitz, executive director of the Crop Trust, emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “Climate change and conflict threaten infrastructure and impact food security for over 700 million people in more than 75 countries worldwide.” The recent deposits from Ethiopia and other countries are part of a broader strategy to back up seed collections and ensure that vital genetic resources are available for future generations.
Ethiopia’s contribution is particularly significant given that women perform 75% of farm labor in the country and play a crucial role in producing high-value crops. The seeds deposited include varieties that are essential for developing resilient agricultural practices amid changing climatic conditions.
Nicholas Obare, country program lead of AGRA (Sustainable Growing Africa’s Food Systems), noted that the VALUE4HER initiative aims to empower women farmers by providing them with access to resources and training. This initiative complements Ethiopia’s efforts to enhance food security through sustainable agricultural practices.
As the world faces unprecedented challenges related to food production and climate resilience, Ethiopia’s proactive approach in contributing to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault reflects its commitment to preserving agricultural biodiversity. This effort not only supports local farmers but also contributes to global initiatives aimed at ensuring food security for all.
With ongoing support from international organizations and a focus on empowering women in agriculture, Ethiopia is poised to play a vital role in shaping resilient food systems both locally and globally.
