Nigeria's Food Security Rests on Protecting Local Seeds, Group Tells Government

A Nigerian environmental group has called on the federal government to protect indigenous seed varieties and the rights of smallholder farmers, warning that the country's food security depends on it. The group, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), made the call on World Food Day. It said Nigeria must support smallholder farmers and promote agroecology — a method of farming that works with nature rather than against it. HOMEF argues that local seeds are vital to food production and that farmers must be free to save, share and exchange them. The group also said protecting farmers' rights is central to building a stable food system. The appeal places indigenous seeds and farmers' rights at the center of Nigeria's efforts to feed its growing population.