Native Seeds Initiative
Restoring Rangelands, Strengthening Communities
Launched in 2022, Savannas Forever's Native Seed Initiative addresses the urgent need for locally adapted, native plant seeds to restore degraded rangelands and support climate-resilient livelihoods in East Africa.
Our work is grounded in the knowledge of local communities and supported by scientific research on the practical value of plant diversity. We partner with seed champions—women and youth in pastoral villages—who identify, harvest, and multiply native grasses and legumes vital to healthy grazing systems. These biodiverse seeds are used in restoration efforts across communal and private lands, helping improve forage quality, reduce erosion, and support ecosystems services.
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Looking Ahead: We aim to scale the Native Seed Initiative across additional villages and regions, expand partnerships with restoration practitioners, and strengthen the native seed value chain through policy advocacy, market development, and continued research.
Our Approach
We combine ecological science with community action to grow a reliable and biodiverse supply of native seeds for restoration projects.
Our model includes:
- Seed Collection & Multiplication
Working with trained local women and youth to sustainably collect native species and propagate them in community managed plots.
- Training & Extension
Building capacity through hands-on training in seed identification, sustainable harvesting, storage, and site restoration.
- Restoration Planning
Supporting landowners and communities in using native seed mixes to rehabilitate degraded pastures.
- Seed System Development
Strengthening local seed banks and developing markets for native seeds across regions.
Why Native Seeds
Native plant species are essential to effective and lasting rangeland restoration. Unlike commercial or introduced species, they are adapted to local climate and soils, support traditional grazing systems, and contribute to ecosystem stability. Our native seeds are collected within the ecosystems targeted for restoration.
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Improve soil health and water retention
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Support biodiversity and pollinators
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Provide better-quality forage for livestock
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Reinforce traditional ecological knowledge​
Impact So Far
- 4 villages engaged in seed collection and multiplication
- 79 seed champions (women and youth)
- 79 pastures reseeded with native grass, forb and legume species
- 20 native species identified and multiplied
- Communal lands and seed champion pastures reseeded for demonstration and seed production
Get Involved
Funders
Support scalable, community-led restoration with proven ecological and economic impact.
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Donate Now
Practitioners
Source native seeds and collaborate on restoration planning
Communities
Join as seed champions or restoration partners