On Friday February 28, 2025, the École Régionale d’Agriculture (ERA-Sud) in Bingerville hosted a large-scale conference on the theme “Preserving Africa’s genetic heritage: more than a duty, a challenge for food sovereignty”. Organized by the Coalition pour la Protection du Patrimoine Génétique Africain (COPAGEN) and INADES-Formation Côte d’Ivoire. The meeting brought together 230 students keen to learn more about this crucial issue.
By 2:00 pm, the conference room at ERA-Sud was packed, testifying to the students’ interest in food sovereignty and the preservation of farmers’ seeds. Mr. SIKELI Jean Paul, coordinator of COPAGEN and speaker at the meeting, highlighted the threats to agricultural biodiversity in Africa: the widespread use of hybrid and genetically modified seeds, the gradual disappearance of local varieties, the impact of chemical inputs on soil, water and human health, and the effects of climate change. According to the FAO, of the 250,000 plant varieties available for cultivation, only 7,000 are used today, i.e. less than 3%.
Exchanges between speakers and students were particularly rich. Various solutions were put forward for sustainable and autonomous agriculture, including agroecology, peasant seed systems and the involvement of young people in the defense of agricultural biodiversity. Agroforestry and the use of fertilizer trees to replace chemical fertilizers were presented as viable alternatives, reducing carbon footprints and promoting resilience in the face of climatic hazards.
One of the highlights of the conference was the speech by Madame ZEI Pauline, Director of INADES-Formation Côte d’Ivoire, who urged students to become actively involved in preserving food sovereignty: “The future of our agriculture depends on your commitment. It is essential to preserve our traditional seeds and promote practices that respect the environment and our local identity”, she declared.
The organizers were delighted with the success of the event and the enthusiasm shown by the students, many of whom expressed their desire to get involved in preserving Africa’s genetic heritage.
The conference not only raised awareness among future agronomists, it also set in motion a process of mobilization in favor of sustainable agriculture that respects Africa’s genetic heritage.
