Abrewankor: The farming community of Abrewankor in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region has inaugurated a Community Seed Bank, marking a milestone in Ghana's efforts to conserve indigenous crop varieties and promote sustainable agriculture.
According to Ghana Web, this facility is the second of its kind in Ghana, following the first at Mangoase, also in the Eastern Region.
The initiative, spearheaded by NUS Network-Ghana in collaboration with Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT under the CGIAR framework, is funded by the Anton Jurgens Fonds through the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with the Ghana Food Movement as a key partner. The seed bank aims to preserve indigenous seeds, strengthen climate resilience, and empower smallholder farmers through sustainable seed banking.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Daniel Nyadanu, Coordinator of NUS Network-Ghana, explained that community seed banking is a strategic approach to conserving the genetic resources of local crops. He noted that traditional seed conservation methods are no longer sustainable, and community seed banks offer a long-term solution for safeguarding indigenous crop varieties.
The Abrewankor Community Seed Bank currently holds 58 documented seed accessions, including maize, cowpea, groundnut, millet, and several neglected and underutilised species. These seeds will be available to smallholder farmers, ensuring sustainability and genetic viability through a regeneration system.
The seed bank is also envisioned as a centre for farmer training and innovation. Plans are underway to establish a processing and resource centre for seed drying, crop processing, and value addition, enhancing farmers' incomes and livelihoods.
Francis Addo Akumatey, Municipal Chief Executive for Yilo Krobo, described the seed bank as a strategic investment in Ghana's agricultural heritage and climate resilience. He stressed that indigenous seeds are valued for their resilience and adaptability and warned against the threats posed by imported hybrid seeds and climate variability.
The initiative complements the government's Feed Ghana Programme by boosting local production and modernising agriculture. Akumatey highlighted the cost-effectiveness of indigenous seeds, which can be replanted over multiple seasons, reducing farming costs.
Representatives from the Netherlands Embassy and other partners emphasised the importance of youth involvement in the seed bank's sustainability. Madam Tenniglo Inge from the Netherlands Embassy praised the community-driven nature of the project and noted its global relevance in restoring neglected crops.
The inauguration ceremony featured cultural performances and exhibitions, reflecting the project's cultural and educational dimensions. The Chief of Abrewankor, Nene Tetteh Addey I, expressed gratitude to the donors and partners, assuring the community's commitment to protecting and sustaining the facility.
The Abrewankor Community Seed Bank stands as a model for community-driven agricultural resilience and sustainable development, offering a blueprint for scaling community seed banking across Ghana.