Project presentation with Shaun Matsheza (Small room) (en)

The presentation "Guardians of Seed, Land, and Life: The Southern Africa Rural Women’s Assembly" offered a deeply moving and insightful look into the lives of rural women in Southern Africa. The presentation showcased the research findings of the Transnational Institute (TNI) in collaboration with the Rural Women’s Assembly of South Africa, accompanied by powerful photographic documentation to bring the audience closer to the realities these women face. Their stories reflected their tireless commitment to preserving natural and cultural heritage through traditional seed exchange practices.

Through personal stories and striking portraits, visitors were able to grasp the essence of their struggle for food sovereignty—a vision that empowers local communities to decide for themselves how their food is produced and consumed. The Rural Women’s Assembly itself is an act of resistance: it unites these women in a shared mission to protect their resources and traditions.

The participants were inspired both by the collective commitment of the women and learned that seed exchange goes far beyond economic aspects. It is a practice that promotes social and cultural values, preserves natural heritage by protecting biodiversity, and safeguards intangible cultural heritage such as traditional knowledge, culinary traditions, and stories related to planting and harvesting. These exchange practices support the livelihoods of families and honor the connection between people, plants, and place.

The presentation also sparked a broader discussion about urgent global issues, such as the alarming loss of biodiversity caused by the Western model of industrial agriculture. This model, dominated by large transnational corporations, often promotes only a limited selection of genetically modified seeds, thereby threatening indigenous seed varieties that are crucial for local ecosystems.

Overall, “Guardians of Seed, Land, and Life” was a thought-provoking and inspiring event that highlighted the resilience and wisdom of rural women and emphasized their central role in preserving our shared ecological and cultural heritage.