Bongiwe Ngwenya, a young farmer from Enkaba, Elukwatini, Mpumalanga, dedicated to sustainable farming, proudly displays her three maize varieties that she has been cultivating and multiplying to share with other farmers.
The annual Bikita Seed and Food Fair takes place in the Masasire community’s Kumboedza garden on 22 August 2025. This vibrant celebration starts at 9h00 and is expected to end by 17h00. These annual events celebrate the richness of diverse farm-saved seed and the invaluable traditional knowledge that underpins and sustains it.
The theme this year is Growing our Future, Rooted in our Traditions. The Seed and Food Fair provides a unique opportunity to experience EarthLore’s work in action and connect directly with the dedicated farmers at the heart of this movement. As part of the event, farmers, visitors, guests and dignitaries are invited to visit the displays laid out by individual farmers. It is inspiring to witness the enthusiasm of the farmers showcasing their seeds and produce that they have harvested from their gardens, fields and the wild. We are expecting almost 300 displays this year. The diversity of seeds and crops is increasing every year. Many farmers also display crafts and other artefacts that they have produced.
On 23 August, the day after the Seed and Food Fair, Jaka takes place in the field of Mai Elizabeth Turugari, in the nearby village of Mamutse. It starts at 9h00 and is open to visiting farmers and invited guests. Jaka is the name given to traditional communal work. It is a practice in which community members join together to help one farmer complete a big task. In this instance, it will be to harvest a field of finger millet. This cultural tradition of solidarity builds strong community bonds, ensures no farmer is left behind during critical agricultural tasks, keeps alive collective values of reciprocity and mutual care, and reinforces local food sovereignty.
Mai Turugari’s connection with Rukweza (Finger Millet) dates back to 2016. She reflects how for years she resisted hr husband’s many demands to grow finger millet. “Then, when I became involved with EarthLore’s work through the Mabheka communal garden, I decided to plant Rukweza. It is now a seed I love so much.”
Rukweza is a sacred seed, used to brew the beer required for many rituals and ceremonies. It is also EarthLore’s logo.
We extend gratitude to the number of guests who have indicated that they will be attending the Bikita Seed and Food Fair. Your presence will not only honour the farmers but also affirm the value of sustaining biodiversity and local seed systems.
