Community Seed Banking And Biodiversity Conservation Training Course

Introduction

This comprehensive training course on Community Seed Banking and Biodiversity Conservation provides participants with the knowledge and skills to preserve and promote the use of local seed varieties for enhanced food security and biodiversity. As the world faces increasing threats to agricultural biodiversity, the need for resilient and community-led seed systems has never been more critical. This training course will delve into the core principles of seed banking, exploring how to establish and manage community seed banks, conserve valuable genetic resources, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

This training course offers a thorough understanding of the methods used in seed conservation, the importance of local seed varieties, and the strategies for enhancing food security through biodiversity. Participants will learn how to collect, process, store, and distribute seeds, as well as how to integrate seed banking into broader community development initiatives. By the end of this training course, attendees will be equipped to design, implement, and manage community seed banks that strengthen local food systems, preserve biodiversity, and empower communities.

Target Audience

• Farmers
• Agricultural extension workers
• Conservationists
• Community development practitioners
• Researchers
• Seed producers
• Policymakers

Course Objectives

• Understand the principles of community seed banking.
• Learn techniques for seed collection and preservation.
• Explore methods for seed processing and storage.
• Design strategies for seed distribution and exchange.
• Promote the use of local seed varieties.
• Integrate seed banking into food security programs.
• Evaluate the role of seed banking in biodiversity conservation.
• Develop community-led seed initiatives.

DURATION

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Principles of Community Seed Banking

• Defining community seed banking and its core principles
• Importance of local seed varieties and agrobiodiversity
• Role of seed banks in food security and climate change adaptation
• Ethical considerations in seed banking
• Legal frameworks and policies related to seed conservation

Module 2: Seed Collection and Preservation

• Techniques for collecting seeds from various crops
• Methods for preserving seed viability
• Documentation and characterization of collected seeds
• Field surveys and participatory plant breeding
• Best practices for on-farm seed conservation

Module 3: Seed Processing and Storage

• Methods for seed cleaning and drying
• Techniques for seed packaging and labeling
• Designing appropriate seed storage facilities
• Managing seed health and quality
• Preventing seed deterioration and loss

Module 4: Seed Distribution and Exchange

• Strategies for seed distribution within communities
• Establishing seed exchange networks
• Developing seed catalogs and databases
• Organizing seed fairs and festivals
• Promoting equitable access to seeds

Module 5: Promoting Local Seed Varieties

• Understanding the characteristics and benefits of local varieties
• Strategies for promoting the use of local seeds in farming
• Developing marketing and value-addition for local seed products
• Connecting farmers to markets for local crops
• Celebrating cultural heritage associated with local seeds

Module 6: Integrating Seed Banking into Food Security Programs

• Linking seed banking to food assistance and development projects
• Using seed banks to support crop diversification
• Enhancing resilience of farming systems through seed diversity
• Developing seed-based interventions for emergencies
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of seed banking on food security

Module 7: Seed Banking and Biodiversity Conservation

• Understanding the role of seed banking in conserving plant genetic resources
• Assessing the contribution of seed banks to biodiversity conservation
• Developing strategies for in situ and ex situ conservation
• Managing seed banks as part of a national conservation strategy
• Addressing the challenges of genetic erosion

Module 8: Developing Community-Led Seed Initiatives

• Establishing and managing community seed banks
• Building community capacity for seed production and management
• Developing governance structures for seed banks
• Ensuring sustainability of community seed initiatives
• Networking and collaboration among community seed banks

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.