 Seed systems are disrupted by war, conflict and natural disaster. Like in 2019, when cyclones Aide and Kenneth destroyed important local seed reserves in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. People lost their crops, seeds and livelihoods in an instant. Crucial for food supply, seed systems must be restored and strengthened. Even when farmers have lost everything, they need access to suitable seeds to rebuild their lives. To accomplish this in Southern Africa, the International Plant Treaty of the Food and Agriculture Organization teamed up with local farmers, gene banks and governments. Together we took stock of lost seeds, identified where to find them and other suitable varieties locally, regionally and around the world. To return them to communities to use and safeguard. Gene banks duplicated the seeds and hold a backup for the future. To continue to support the resilience of seed systems, governments institutionalized these actions into emergency response plans. These plans facilitate collaboration between communities, gene banks, countries and regions. To ensure farmers have continued access to the seeds they need.