Old Varieties – New Hope at Welthaus Bielefeld

Old Varieties, New Perspectives: Food Sovereignty in Southern Africa

How can traditional crop varieties form the basis of a diverse, resilient, and self-determined agriculture? The lecture at Welthaus Bielefeld focuses on the significance of old varieties for food sovereignty and global justice.

Traditional Seeds as a Perspective for the Future

On Thursday, November 19, 2026, Petra Aschoff and Gisela Feurle will address the search for and development of traditional varieties in Southern Africa. Many of these plants are particularly well adapted to the climatic conditions of their respective regions. At the same time, they are increasingly under pressure from uniform seeds, changed cultivation methods, and the consequences of the climate crisis.

Diversity, Climate Adaptation, and Self-Determined Agriculture

The evening will illustrate why the preservation of genetic diversity goes far beyond the protection of individual plants. Old varieties can support smallholder families in utilizing regional resources and making agriculture more resilient. The focus will be on insights into the search for traditional seeds and the question of how new perspectives for sustainable nutrition can emerge from them.

Lecture with Room for Exchange

This event is part of the series “Making Global Nutrition Fair” at Welthaus Bielefeld. After the lecture, there will be an opportunity for questions and a joint discussion. The format combines professional information with personal exchange and appeals to anyone interested in global food systems, sustainable development, biodiversity, and development policy education.

An Evening of Social Relevance

The organization of the evening is handled by Welthaus Bielefeld, an institution for development policy education. The calm atmosphere of the house creates a suitable setting to discuss seeds, climate adaptation, food justice, and the role of local communities.

Visitors can expect an informative lecture followed by a discussion and concrete insights into the significance of old varieties for food sovereignty in Southern Africa. Those who wish to understand global connections and engage in discussions about sustainable agriculture will experience an evening rich in professional depth and personal encounters.

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Sources:

• Kulturoeffner – Event Details for Old Varieties – New Hope
• Welthaus Bielefeld – Contact, Directions, and Address
• BNE NRW – Educational Work and Event Location Welthaus Bielefeld