Following the recent Cop27 climate conference, we’re joined in this edition by Michael Keller, secretary general of the International Seed Federation, to discuss the necessity of creating and deploying the current generation of seeds for combatting climate change and famine.
Technology and innovation, as well as genome editing, can be used to generate adequate food.
“We cannot solve the 21st-centuryst century problems with the 22nd-centurynd century solution. And, our goal as breeders, is to work constantly in an evolving environment to adapt and even mitigate climate change,” he says.
Strategies to address Africa’s climate crisis
Farmers, according to Keller, are particularly conscious of the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity, as evidence suggests. However, the difficulty of obtaining better seeds varies depending on the context.
“Today we need an inclusive approach where the different layers of seeds supply are working sustainably, inclusively, and in an integrated manner to empower farmers through secure seeds supply and seed choice.”
When it comes to empowering farmers, he says, it’s important to recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on the availability of suitable seeds in the area, farmers will have to make choices about the scale and profitability of their operations in a variety of cover-specific regions and sub-regions.
“Functioning seeds systems are key to enabling seeds thrive for farmers, which will help in increasing the ability to tackle climate change.”
Throughout the session Keller discusses:
- Why seed selection is essential in agriculture;
- Why it is vital for farmers to be aware of climate change news; and
- The value and application of biotechnology in agriculture.
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.
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Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.
ALSO READ: Cop27: Women voices finally taken seriously
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