August-October 2025
The Basic Training Curriculum on Seed Rangers for Strengthening Farmers’ Seed Systems is designed for farmers, young farmer groups, and community seed network leaders to build a strong foundation for protecting and advancing local seed systems. The overall goal is to help participants understand global and local seed issues, recognize the value of farmers’ seed-saving practices, and develop the capacity to strengthen community-based seed networks through collective learning and action. The Basic Training Curriculum for Seed Rangers comprises 4 modules, detailed as follows.
Module 1: Understanding Our Seed System Module 1 focuses on building shared awareness of seed systems by introducing formal and informal seed systems and examining where farmers’ seeds come from. Through group discussions and seed memory-sharing activities, participants reflect on seed heritage and cultural values in the Mekong region, helping them recognize that farmers are already seed custodians and understand why local seed systems are increasingly vulnerable. This module also situates local experiences within broader global and national contexts. Participants learn about global trends, including seed commercialization, UPOV, seed privatization, and changes in national seed laws across Mekong countries. Short lectures combined with small-group discussions enable participants to connect these trends to their own country contexts and farming realities.
Module 2: Farmers’ Rights Module 2 focuses on farmers’ rights, aiming to equip participants with clear, practical knowledge. Through discussions on UNDROP Article 19 and the International Plant Treaty, participants learn to identify and explain their rights as farmers. Case comparisons and storytelling from inspiring practitioners highlight the role of farmer movements and the responsibilities of young farmers in defending and advancing seed sovereignty.
Module 3: Farmer Seed Practices & Local Seed Systems Module 3 strengthens practical skills by building on farmers’ existing knowledge of seed practices. Hands-on activities such as seed selection, cleaning, drying, storage, seed banking, and seed exchange allow participants to learn from one another and co-create solutions. Activities that link seeds to food culture, such as cooking and sharing traditional meals, reinforce the connection among seeds, livelihoods, and local food systems.
Module 4: Building Local Seed Networks Module 4 shifts the training toward collective action by supporting participants in building and strengthening local seed networks. Through network mapping, group planning, and action plan development, participants identify allies, partners, and threats within their contexts. The curriculum concludes with participants developing simple, practical action plans and small initiatives to apply their learning and strengthen community seed systems in their own areas.
