GFAR, through its work on the recognition and implementation of Farmers’ Rights has reviewed the 2014 Draft Malawi National Seed Policy and Strategies. The draft policy aims to have a vibrant, sustainable and dynamic seed industry and recognizes that the seed industry in Malawi is comprised of the formal and informal seed systems as main sources of seeds to farmers.

 

However, despite the recognition, the draft Policy seems to focus only on the formal seed system and does not recognize the importance of the informal sector or the valuable contribution of smallholder farmers for the conservation and development of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. In order to broaden the impact of the draft Policy, the author of the review – Juanita Chaves Posada – has provided some additional elements and recommendations that will better recognize Farmers’ Rights. Read the paper here.