Introduction

CIKS commenced the preparation of the training manual on seed saving commissioned by the International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements (IFOAM) in January 2006. The manual has been currently completed and given to IFOAM for wider dissemination. This training manual for organic seed saving was developed to help farmers in the tropics to save and multiply their seeds. A large part of information found in this manual is based on the experience of several seed savers in the field. Besides this, existing material was also collected, screened and simplified for the manual.

You can buy copies of the manual at the IFOAM web site.

The training manual for seed saving that was produced by CIKS .

This manual contains information on the various aspects of community seed banking. It provides detailed information on the various steps involved in seed saving and multiplication. It also gives information on multiplication techniques for specific crops. Examples of community seed saving are also provided.

About the Training Manual

Aims and Scope

The Training Manual was developed to improve the quality and the availability of didactic material on seed saving in tropical countries. It offers a resource basis for trainers with the idea of encouraging individual adaptation and further development of the material according to the needs. The Training Manual can be used as a guide and source book to implement training programs. It will help develop the structure of a training course or workshop and provide material and ideas for its organisation. The Manual can also serve as a handbook for those who want to get a more clear and complete idea on the basics of seed saving.

It is anticipated that the trainers and trainees already have some agricultural background and that the training activities will focus on aspects specifically relevant to seed saving. The Manual attempts to provide a comprehensive introduction to all relevant fields related to seed saving.

Target Groups

The Training Manual addresses trainers and resource persons who are engaged in training activities on seed saving. It can be used to facilitate trainings for trainers and extension workers, but also directly for farmers interested in learning about seed saving. The main focus is on on-farm conservation and multiplication.

Trainings on seed saving can address a wide range of participants. For some of them, the knowledge provided in the Manual will be too basic and the trainers will have to consult the recommended readings to get more detailed information and knowledge. For others, the provided topics and ideas are already too scientific or the language too complicated, such that trainers may need to simplify the theory and use local examples for illustration.

Geographical Scope

The main focus of the Manual is on small farming in tropical developing countries, though some parts can also be applied to other regions. The tropics, however, include humid and arid or semi-arid regions with their various types of crops and farming systems. Therefore, the manual addresses mostly topics of general relevance. Ideas and guidelines are given on how to address specific topics and problems for the region where the training is held.

Training approach

The Training Manual is based on a training approach combining lectures, illustrations and demonstrations, and active participation of the trainees. A balanced mix of these elements allows understanding of seed saving through listening, seeing, experience sharing and trying. It is assumed that participants can contribute to the program of the training based on their background and experience. Therefore, interactive elements and practical exposure (field visits) in the course are highly encouraged and the Manual will aid their implementation.

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