Target 13: By 2022, the genetic diversity of cultivated plants, farmed and domesticated animals and their wild relatives, including other socioeconomically as well as culturally valuable species, in Swaziland, is maintained, and strategies have been developed and implemented for minimizing genetic erosion and safeguarding their genetic diversity.
Current situation: The country’s agrodiversity is under threat from changes in agricultural practices including adoption of new and improved hybrids, shifts towards mono-culture, inbreeding On-going activities: The country established a National Plant Genetic Resource Centre (NPGRC). The NPGRC currently holds about 960 accessions of cultivated species including curcubits, beans, groundnuts, maize, pearl millet, pigeon peas and sorghum stored as seed. There are also field collections of Aloe sp., Cassava, Colocosia, Ochna arborea, Sweet potato and Taro. A botanic garden has been planned, however, availability of resources is delaying its establishment. A National Tree Seed Centre was established in 1994 but it is currently under resourced. There are also initiatives at government-owned and private ranches that are aimed at multiplying and keeping stocks of the indigenous breed of cattle (Nguni).
Strategic Initiative 1: Assessment of genetic diversity of cultivated plants, farmed and domesticated animals and their wild relatives.
Strategic Initiative 2: Maintain the genetic diversity of crops, livestock, fish, harvested tree species and wildlife and other valuable species.
Swaziland’s Biodiversity Targets
GOAL A:
Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society
GOAL D:
Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services.
