Biowatch
Located in South Africa - Founded in 1997 - IDEX partner since 2010
Photo: Melanie Foreman
Member of KwaHhohho Community Garden
For more than 10 years Biowatch has encouraged local food sovereignty in rural South Africa via community training programs that encourage sustainable, organic food production methods.
Throughout South Africa, farmers have been persuaded to adopt industrial farming methods, including the use of genetically modified (GM) seeds. In addition to negative environmental and health consequences, GM seeds and industrial farming threaten indigenous seed varieties, ultimately diminishing food security and local food sovereignty.
Seed banks allow small farmers to preserve indigenous seed varieties and gain access to a variety of foods in order to improve livelihoods.
To counter rural South Africa's ongoing food crisis, Biowatch offers education and training programs for rural farmers. Creating seed banks further improve livelihoods by enabling small farmers to preserve indigenous seeds and gain access to a variety of foods. Biowatch's programs also provide schools, households and communities with alternative approaches to food production.
Such advocacy campaigns work toward social justice for poor, rural communities and encourage the protection of natural resources.
Earlier this year Biowatch enjoyed a victory against the South African government and Monsanto. Learn more by watching their video below and reading our IDEX blog!
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