Global Seed Vault Receives New African Deposits

Recent reports highlight the urgent need for food security in Africa due to climate change and conflict. Several African nations are taking proactive steps to safeguard their agricultural heritage. This week, countries like Sudan, Chad, and Tanzania are depositing diverse seed varieties into the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Known as the “Doomsday Vault,” this facility is crucial for preserving the genetic diversity of the world’s food supply.

Significance of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault provides a secure location for the preservation of seeds. It protects against loss due to war, climate change, and natural disasters. The vault is designed to ensure that future generations have access to diverse crop varieties. This is essential for food security and agricultural resilience.

Recent Contributions from African Countries

Despite ongoing conflicts, Sudan has managed to assemble and ship seeds of pearl millet and sorghum. This effort puts stress on the importance of maintaining crop diversity. Chad is contributing 1,145 samples of sesame, rice, maize, and sorghum. These crops are vital as they are adapted to Chad’s challenging climate. The World Vegetable Center in Tanzania is also depositing over 100 accessions of various vegetables, filling a critical gap in global vegetable diversity.

Role of the Crop Trust

The Crop Trust plays a very important role in supporting countries in seed conservation. It provides financial and technical assistance to enhance food and nutrition security. Funded by Norway through the BOLD project, the Crop Trust collaborates with national genebanks and international partners. This initiative aims to strengthen the conservation and use of crop diversity.

Impact of Climate Change and Conflict

Climate change and conflict are threats to food security. Over 700 million people in more than 75 countries are affected. Genebanks are increasingly focused on safeguarding seed collections. The recent deposit of over 30,000 seed samples from 23 depositors marks the urgency of these efforts.

Opportunity Crops for Future Resilience

The seeds being deposited include “opportunity crops.” These crops can thrive under challenging conditions and have potential for improving food security. Varieties like okra, millets, and pigeon pea are often overlooked but are crucial for resilience against climate change. Their inclusion in diets can enhance nutrition and support sustainable agriculture.

Importance of Genetic Diversity

Genetic diversity in crops is essential for adapting to changing environmental conditions. Many staple crops in sub-Saharan Africa yield less than half the global average. By conserving a wide range of crops, countries can better prepare for future agricultural challenges. This diversity is key to developing crops that can withstand increasing temperatures and erratic rainfall.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the role of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in global food security.
2. What are ‘opportunity crops’? Estimate their potential impact on food security in Africa.
3. Point out the contributions of the Crop Trust to seed conservation efforts globally.
4. Underline the effects of climate change on agricultural practices in sub-Saharan Africa.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the role of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in global food security.

1. Acts as a secure backup for seed varieties, protecting against loss from conflict, climate change, and disasters.
2. Preserves genetic diversity essential for future food supply and agricultural resilience.
3. Ensures that future generations have access to a wide range of crops for adaptation to changing conditions.
4. Facilitates international cooperation in seed conservation by providing a centralized location for global contributions.
5. Supports research and development of new crop varieties, enhancing food security strategies worldwide.

2. What are ‘opportunity crops’? Estimate their potential impact on food security in Africa.

1. Opportunity crops are resilient varieties that can thrive in challenging environmental conditions.
2. Examples include millets, okra, and pigeon pea, which are often overlooked in mainstream agriculture.
3. They have the potential to improve food security by providing alternative sources of nutrition and income.
4. These crops can enhance agricultural diversity, making farming systems more resilient to climate shocks.
5. Incorporating opportunity crops into diets can also support local economies and sustainable practices.

3. Point out the contributions of the Crop Trust to seed conservation efforts globally.

1. Provides financial and technical support to countries for seed conservation initiatives.
2. Facilitates partnerships between national genebanks and international organizations to enhance crop diversity.
3. Funds projects like BOLD to strengthen food and nutrition security through biodiversity conservation.
4. Helps in the collection and preservation of diverse seed varieties crucial for future food systems.
5. Promotes awareness and education about the importance of genetic resources in agriculture.

4. Underline the effects of climate change on agricultural practices in sub-Saharan Africa.

1. Climate change leads to increased temperatures and erratic rainfall, affecting crop yields.
2. Many staple crops in the region yield less than half the global average, threatening food security.
3. Farmers face challenges in adapting traditional practices to changing climatic conditions.
4. Increased frequency of extreme weather events disrupts agricultural productivity and infrastructure.
5. There is a pressing need for resilient crop varieties and sustainable farming practices to cope with these changes.