By Witness Radio team.
Tomorrow, September 11, 2025, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and smallholder farmers from within and outside the East African (EA) region will meet to critically review, discuss, and provide recommendations on the draft East African Community Seed and Plant Varieties Bill, 2025.
Gazetted in February by the East African Community Gazette, the Bill’s objective is to provide for the coordination of evaluation, release, and registration of plant varieties among Partner States; to provide for standard processes for seed certification and the protection of plant varieties within the Community; and to provide for related matters.
The preliminary findings from farmers and CSOs on the Bill reveal that if passed in the current form, it poses a significant risk to farmers’ rights, seed sovereignty, and the rich agro-biodiversity of the region. This biodiversity, comprising a diverse array of crops and plant species, forms the foundation of food security and climate resilience in the area. The Bill could potentially lead to a loss of these diverse plant varieties, threatening the region’s food security and agricultural sustainability.
They further state that the Bill, in its current form, blatantly violates Article 6(d) of the EAC Treaty, which promotes the principles of social justice, equal opportunities, and the promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights. This violation demands immediate Action, highlighting the injustice at hand.
In the webinar slated for tomorrow, the theme ‘What’s at Stake for Smallholder Farmers?’ It will be of utmost importance, emphasizing the significance of your participation. The participants will further discuss the more profound implications of the Bill and point out alternative routes for broader engagement on the Bill, suggesting safeguards for smallholder farmers and fortifying resilient food systems.
The webinar will be broadcast live on Witness Radio from 3 to 5 p.m. EAT. For more information on how to follow the discussion, visit our website at www.witnessradio.org and press the ‘Listen Live’ button on the right-hand side of the website, or go to your Play Store and download the Witness Radio app.
