Bio-diversity

The aim of this project is to promote and implement the conservation of neglected, old and rare local food crops by engaging Farmers of the Val D Andor Community to cultivate these crops for propagation so as to reduce the threat of their extinction. This is in line with the government plan to enhance it national effort in the conservation of Agro-biodiversity. Under the Agricultural Development Strategy, provision is made in article 4.5.10, Conservation of agricultural biodiversity, for the conservation and utilisation of threatened and neglected Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) along with farm-saved seeds. An over reliance on a few hybridised food crop have left us with an ever-dwindling list of crop thus a reduction in the genetic diversity of the country PGRFA. This effort by the Val D Andor Farmers Association goes hands and hands with the ITPGRFA (International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture) a Treaty which Seychelles are party of is in the process of domestication. Activities to be undertaken to implement the project are establishing an inventory list of the old and rare food crops, train members of the Val D Andor Community how to research on these crops, build a nursery and engage farmers in planting and breeding seeds for propagation.. The lack of awareness of these old food crops by consumers creates poor demand on the market. The project will also support various initiatives in creating awareness for conservation and interests in using/consuming these crops. Due to the remoteness of the Val D Andor community the project will assist in facilitating access for purchase of these plants and seeds, by participating in national sales bazaar, setting up mobile sales stall in hot spots. The project will also offer support at community level on how to grow these crops in their home gardens.

Seychelles