Every harvest starts with a seed, but how often do we pause to consider its meaning? Behind that small seed is a fundamental story about survival, tradition, and opportunity. On International Seed Day, observed worldwide on April 26, 2025, we are reminded that the smallest things in agriculture can carry the most weight.
This year’s theme, “Empowering Farmers, Protecting Biodiversity,” encourages us to recognise seeds as more than just a planting material, but as the cornerstone of food security, rural livelihoods, and climate resilience, particularly in Nigeria and Africa.
A single seed makes every plate of jollof rice, every bowl of soup, and every market stall overflowing with fresh produce possible. However, these little seeds are frequently disregarded in debates about sustainable agriculture.
Seeds form the first link in the food chain. They determine crop yield, nutritional value, and durability. For smallholder farmers, who generate more than 70% of Nigeria’s food, access to diversified, high-quality seeds can make the difference between a successful crop and an empty storeroom.
Beyond production, seeds are the guardians of biodiversity. Over time, each traditional maize, millet, yam, and pepper variety has evolved to suit local conditions. These indigenous seeds are more than just cultural heritage; they are valuable resources in the fight against pests, illnesses, and changing climatic patterns.
Farmers in Nigeria frequently use saved seeds or purchase them from informal markets, which can be of varying quality. Certified seed systems exist, but awareness and access are limited, particularly in rural areas. There’s also a growing concern over the dominance of hybrid and genetically engineered seeds, which may enhance short-term production but potentially degrade biodiversity if not balanced by preservation measures.
Meanwhile, climate change is already affecting Nigeria’s agricultural calendar. Farmers’ planting schedules and practices are influenced by fluctuating rainfall, extended dry spells, and rising temperatures, making the need for climate-smart seed variants even more critical.
Farmers’ cooperatives, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), researchers, and government agencies invest heavily in seed-related programs. Here are some outstanding efforts:
To fully empower farmers, we must defend their right to decide what and how they cultivate it. This includes supporting policies encouraging seed diversity, market transparency, and public investment in seed extension services.
It also entails listening to the farmers themselves. After all, they are the ones who know which corn survives the drought, which yam stores well in the barn, and which okra is pest-resistant. Keeping this knowledge is just as important as keeping the seeds.
On this International Seed Day, it is important to emphasise that agriculture starts with the seed, not the soil. By focusing on seed conservation, we actively protect our agricultural future and ensure food security for future generations.
You can contribute to the answer as a farmer, policymaker, student, or consumer. Support local seed efforts. Ask about the origins of your food. Share tales about seeds that matter in your community. The sustainability and advancement of Nigerian agriculture depend not only on large-scale technologies or regulations but also on the tiny yet powerful act of preserving our seeds and the information surrounding them.
