HOMEF Advocates for Indigenous Seeds and Farmers' Rights

On World Food Day 2026, the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) urged governments to protect indigenous seeds, strengthen farmers' rights, and promote agroecology to combat hunger, malnutrition, and climate change. Kome Odhomor, HOMEF’s Media/Communications Manager, highlighted that millions in Africa suffer from hunger despite the continent's resources.

The organization attributed the food crisis to climate change, economic instability, conflicts, and agricultural systems prioritizing commercial interests over biodiversity. Dr Nnimmo Bassey, HOMEF's Executive Director, described World Food Day as a chance to tackle structural challenges affecting food security and farmers' independence.

He criticized monoculture and cash-crop production for harming soil health and agricultural diversity. Bassey advocated for agroecology and the protection of indigenous seeds, essential for resilience and nutrition.

Joyce Brown, HOMEF’s Director of Programmes, noted that persistent hunger in resource-rich Africa reflects failures in political and economic policies, urging reforms favoring small-scale farmers. She warned that the Nigerian Plant Variety Protection Law, 2021, could undermine farmers' rights regarding indigenous seeds.