The sixth edition of the Central African Farmers’ Seed Fair (FOSPAC 6) brought together various stakeholders in the seed sector. It took place in Esse from February 27 to March 1, 2026.
The town of Esse buzzed with activity for three days. This town in the Mefou and Afamba department showcased its traditional expertise in the preservation and production of farmer-saved seeds to the world. Under the theme: “Community farmer-saved seed banks: a crucible for safeguarding local genetic heritage: What role do municipalities play?”, FOSPAC is an initiative of the Network of Sustainable Development Actors (RADD). It is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in partnership with the municipality of Esse. “The event serves as a platform for meeting and sharing among organizations and development actors in Central African regions to highlight their initiatives and innovations that contribute to seed and food sovereignty,” said Créscence Ngobo, promoter of FOSPAC.
A true celebration of rural life, FOSPAC promotes local, climate-resilient seeds to ensure farmers’ self-sufficiency. The event saw strong participation from farmers, researchers, and civil society organizations. It also drew exhibitors and visitors from Cameroon’s ten regions and countries in Central and West Africa (Gabon, Chad, Congo, CAR, Senegal, and Burkina Faso).
SAILD is here
In addition to showcasing local seeds, FOSPAC served as a forum for exchanging knowledge and sharing experiences in the fields of agroecology, seed promotion, and, above all, seed preservation and conservation. To this end, the Support Service for Local Development Initiatives (SAILD), through the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Central Africa (PCAC), had the opportunity to share its experience in promoting and advancing agroecology and organic agriculture. Four agroecological producers supported by SAILD also took part in this annual event. Coming from the East and Far North regions of Cameroon, they were very pleased to have seized this opportunity to promote the farmer-saved seeds from their agroecological crops. These included seeds for beans, peanuts, moringa, cowpeas, red millet, yara cassava, and more.
Promoting seed plots
To ensure the long-term survival of smallholder seed systems, RADD has established a dozen community seed banks to store and propagate local varieties at risk of extinction within the communities. Seeds from these storage units were displayed by members of each community to highlight the seed biodiversity of the specific locality from which each member originates. “It is essential to maintain a register in which seed deposits and withdrawals are recorded, including the farmer’s name, the locality where the seed was harvested, and the name of the crop and variety. When seed quantities are weighed and recorded, this makes it possible to determine the number of seeds processed by the community seed bank during the season or year,” explained Ms. AKONO, head of the seed banks at RADD. Plans have been made for the 7th edition, which will also take place in the town of Esse.
- Appolinaire Tétang
