Plant Genetic Resources Anchor Agricultural Development in Southern Africa
The Southern African Development Community (SADC), through its Plant Genetic Resources Centre (SPGRC), has reaffirmed the critical role of plant genetic resources (PGR) in building agricultural resilience across the region.
This came during the annual PGR Technical Review and Planning Meeting, held in Johannesburg from 15 to 16 September 2025 and co-hosted with the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA).
The gathering brought together Heads of National Genebanks from 14 SADC Member States, along with regional and international partners, to review progress on the 2024/25 PGR conservation and utilisation plans and to set strategic priorities for 2025/26.
Opening the meeting, Dr Justify Gotami Shava, Head of SPGRC, stressed that agricultural innovation depends heavily on the conservation of plant genetic resources. “New variety development depends on the availability of variation, and this variation is found in genebanks,” he said.
He further highlighted that combating climate change requires the active involvement of PGR managers, alongside strengthened partnerships with organisations such as FAO, CCARDESA, universities, and research networks.
Several key institutions participated, including the FAO Subregional Office for Southern Africa, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), the African Seed Access Index (TASAI), Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST), and AfricaRice.
FAO’s Dr Kudzai Kusena called for innovative collaborations and closer cooperation between environmental and agricultural stakeholders, while CCARDESA’s Dr Barthlomew Chataika reaffirmed their commitment to joint research programmes on PGR conservation.
Progress for 2024/25 was notable. Accessions at SPGRC grew by 13 per cent, bringing the total to 22,853, while safety duplicates stored at the Svalbard Global Seed Vault increased by 17 per cent to 16,175. In addition, 4,164 germplasm accessions were distributed to Member States, marking a 23 per cent cumulative rise over six years. Capacity-building initiatives with partners such as the Crop Trust and CGIAR were also credited with enhancing technical expertise across the region.
Looking ahead, Member States agreed on key priorities for 2025/26, including germplasm regeneration and characterisation, the development of National PGR Conservation Strategies and Agro-Biodiversity Action Plans, and the establishment of a Resource Mobilisation Committee for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA).
The meeting concluded with consensus that plant genetic resources remain the cornerstone of agricultural development and climate resilience in Southern Africa, providing the foundation for sustainable seed systems, food security, and regional growth.
