Market and Seed Access Project
About MASAP
Markets and Seeds Access Project (MASAP) is a 12-year initiative funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by a consortium of organisations. The project works in Zambia and Zimbabwe to improve food security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers, especially women and youth.
Traditional Food
& Seed Festivals
The Chipata Traditional Seed and Food Festival took place on 26th – 27th 2025, convening farmers, NGOs, government actors, researchers, and civil society.
Organized by PELUM Zambia with Kachere Development Programme and other local partners, the event highlighted indigenous seed preservation, nutritional diversity, and agro-ecological practices. Under the theme “Nourishing Our Communities and Improving Livelihood through Seed Diversity,” festival participants underscored the urgent need for access to traditional seeds, market support, and capacity-building to revive agro-biodiversity and food sovereignty. The
festival representation included famers Government represented by the District Commissioner, Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI), private sector and the public the total number represented was 50 farmers and partners 30 public 50 female and 40 male.
Farmer Dialogue
Core to the festival, this platform facilitated two-way learning—combining farmer experiences and expert guidance. Outlined aims included:
- Amplifying farmer voices in policy and innovation.
- Resilience-building through diversified cropping systems.
- Networking across research, private, and policy domains.
- Promoting seed sovereignty via sharing and exchange.
Exhibitions
Diverse stakeholders showcased indigenous and improved seed varieties adapted to local conditions. Efforts emphasized nutrition, climate resilience, and heritage preservation.
Key Stakeholders & Presentations
Exhibition
Diverse stakeholders showcased indigenous and improved seed varieties adapted to local conditions. Efforts emphasized nutrition, climate resilience, and heritage preservation.
