The 13th National Seed Fair is set to open at the Harare Botanical Gardens on 19 September, promising two days of celebration, learning and exchange centred on agriculture, food and cultural heritage.
Running under the theme “Nurturing Our Future, Reviving Our Heritage,” the fair will also host the launch of the Annual Good Seed and Food Festival, further cementing its role as a key fixture on Zimbabwe’s agricultural calendar.
The event is organised by Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Zimbabwe through the Zimbabwe Seed Sovereignty Programme. Since its inception, the fair has steadily grown into a nationally recognised platform for preserving and promoting the country’s farming traditions and indigenous knowledge.
At its core, the National Seed Fair provides smallholder farmers with the opportunity to showcase and exchange seeds that have been carefully saved and handed down across generations. This exchange not only strengthens community ties but also plays a vital role in conserving Zimbabwe’s agricultural diversity.
In addition to seed displays, visitors can look forward to a vibrant food market offering a wide variety of traditional dishes. Cooking demonstrations and a traditional cook-off will highlight culinary skills rooted in heritage while inspiring appreciation for local crops.
Discussions and workshops will run alongside the festivities, covering key topics such as organic farming, seed saving practices and the importance of indigenous crops in building resilience against climate change. Organisers describe the festival as a space where food culture and farming knowledge meet innovation and dialogue.
Young visitors will not be left out. A dedicated children’s corner will provide hands-on food learning activities, while a youth space will showcase innovation and fresh ideas aimed at re-imagining the future of agriculture.
Cultural performances, including music and dance, will animate the gardens, adding to the atmosphere of celebration and community.
“Over the years, the festival has become Zimbabwe’s go-to space for celebrating our food culture while inspiring a resilient and sustainable future,” the organisers noted in a statement.
PELUM Zimbabwe has extended an open invitation to the public, stressing that the festival is a free and family-friendly event designed to bring together parents, children, friends and neighbours.
With its unique blend of tradition, innovation and community spirit, the 13th National Seed Fair is set to be both a celebration of Zimbabwe’s agricultural heritage and a vision of its farming future.
