Introduction

Women are the backbone of agriculture and seed management, particularly in rural communities where traditional seeds are essential for food security and biodiversity preservation. This reflection examines the role of Congolese women in conserving local seed varieties, highlighting women’s initiatives to collect, preserve, and share these traditional seeds, as well as their impact on the resilience of local agricultural systems.

Traditional Roles of Women in Agribusiness

In many societies, women are responsible for subsistence agriculture and seed management. They are responsible for growing and harvesting food crops, but also impact the conservation of traditional seeds. Their expertise in seed selection and storage has been passed down from generation to generation, contributing to the preservation of the genetic diversity of local crops.

Impact of Traditional Seeds on Biodiversity

Traditional seeds are adapted to local conditions and have a natural resistance to diseases and climatic variations. These qualities are necessary for the sustainability of local agricultural systems, particularly in regions where resources are scarce. Traditional seeds are associated with sustainable agricultural practices, such as agroforestry and organic farming.

Cases of Women Engaged in Seed Conservation

Several groups of Congolese women have engaged in the conservation of traditional seeds. These groups, such as the Association of Women for the Conservation of Traditional Seeds (AFCT), have set up seed collection, preservation, and distribution programs. The impact of these Congolese women’s initiatives in the conservation of traditional seeds is significant on several aspects of agricultural biodiversity and the sustainability of local food systems. These initiatives contribute to the preservation of agricultural biodiversity by conserving local varieties adapted to specific environmental conditions. Traditional seeds are better adapted to climatic variations than modern varieties, making them more resilient and better adapted to climate change. By conserving these seeds, these women farmers also participate in the preservation of traditional knowledge associated with these varieties. They continue to pass on knowledge on the cultivation of these seeds, as well as on traditional practices, from generation to generation.

Conclusion

The socio-economic impact of these initiatives is significant. By becoming the guardians of agricultural biodiversity, women strengthen their role within their community and their economic empowerment. They have more control over agricultural resources, which reduces gender inequalities and improves the living conditions of vulnerable women and their families. These initiatives promote community development by strengthening the food sovereignty of local communities. By preserving local varieties of seeds, women maintain crop diversity and prevent dependence on modern varieties and chemical inputs.