Tree · Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI)
Farmer-led seed systems across southern Africa · seed, knowledge and food sovereignty
Since 2013Works internationally
- seed saving
- farmer-managed seed systems
- seed fairs
- agroecology
- food sovereignty
SKI is a partnership of about 15 organisations in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi that strengthens community seed systems run by smallholder farmers, along with local knowledge and agroecology. It began in 2013 with Biowatch South Africa, the EarthLore Foundation and a University of Cape Town research chair. In 2026 it registered as a non-profit company and adopted its first independent strategy for 2026 to 2030.
Partners include ZIMSOFF, TSURO, CTDT Zambia, SFHC and SCOPE Malawi. In October 2026 SKI and farmer representatives from the four countries issued statements at the Harare Good Seed and Food Festival, and SKI spoke at PELUM's National Seed Fair in Harare in September 2026.
What they need
Can you help? We'll take it to them.
- Funding for agroecology and diverse seed systems.
What they offer
Ask us to connect you.
- Support for community seed banks, seed fairs and farmer-led seed systems, plus case studies and youth agroecology leadership.