Kenya

Baobab – Adansonia digitata, an icon of the Kenya dryland vegetation.

The collaboration between the MSBP and Kenya is manifest in a project with a strong local identity called "Seeds for Life". A partnership consisting of RBG Kew and 5 local institutes gives the Seeds for Life project tremendous potential for achieving measurable plant conservation for Kenya.

Kenya is a nation rich in plant genetic resources. It is estimated to be the home of over 7500 higher plants, of which some 1100 are endemic. However, human population increases and subsequent increase in demand for plant-based products and land for settlement and farming continues to threaten wild flora. In addition exotic crop species continue to replace indigenous crops.

Western Australia visitors to Kenya

The stated aim of the Seeds for Life project is to enhance ex situ conservation and sustainable utilisation of plant genetic resources indigenous to Kenya. Kenya's land area consists of about 80% arid and semi-arid lands and the project will focus on the conservation of plants from these areas. To achieve the objective of the project, partners have identified 3 key areas of work:

1. Increasing the numbers of ex-situ seed conservation collections held in Kenyan facilities and duplicated to the MSBP. This will ensure the most important species for conservation will be secured in long term seed collections and ensure Kenya meets it’s global responsibilities under the CBD;
2. Working with local communities to ensure that land managers benefit from improved indigenous technologies and understanding of seed management;
3. Ensuring that the increased understanding of germination and seed handling for a wide range of species is available for a wide audience within Kenya and beyond.

Collecting in the Chyulu Hills (Photo: E. Holotova Barnett)

The five Kenyan partners are working closely with each other and RBG Kew to achieve the project's objectives. Access to plant distribution data is through the East African Herbarium (at NMK) and will be supported by data from the Herbarium at Kew. Species targeting guides from a number of high priority plant groups have now been completed. Collections from national parks and forest reserves will be facilitated by KWS and FD who will also provide the necessary interface with farmers and community groups through their extension services. The Seeds for Life project places considerable emphasis on the value of improving on-farm utilisation technologies. A strong collection programme continues and capacity building in the form of RBG Kew-based and local training initiatives, supply of vehicles and laboratory equipment will ensure the 9 year project leaves a lasting legacy for seed conservation in the country.