By Chemtai Kirui
NAIROBI, KENYA – Today marked the first day of the Agroecology Conference in Nairobi, where experts gathered to discuss the scaling up of agroecology initiatives to achieve food systems transformation in Africa.
The first Eastern Africa agroecology conference, taking place at the Safari Park Hotel, organized by Ecological Organic Agriculture and the Biovision Africa Trust, with the support of various organizations, including —the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development of Kenya and the African Union, to discuss the operations of food systems in Eastern Africa.
“Agroecology is the only way to achieve a sustainable and resilient food system in Africa,” said Dr. David Amudavi, Executive Director of Biovision Africa Trust and Chair of the conference organizing committee, in his opening remarks.
“Through this conference, we hope to share experiences, knowledge, and best practices on how we can scale up ecological organic agriculture in East Africa. We are going to plant a seed of progress in where agroecology will lead,” he said.
The Event, kicked off with a keynote speech from Dr. Hans Herren, President of the Millennium Institute & Biovision Foundation;
Dr. Herren, an agricultural scientist, who was speaking about the pathways to food systems transformation towards resilience and sustainability in Africa, said that “Global food system is not working.” noting that, “We need new policies, knowledge, and the application of Agroecology if we are to strengthen the food system.”
He stressed the need for collaboration among different stakeholders and the importance of policy support for agroecology initiatives. He said that with only seven years left to make big changes as the world gears towards 2030, investment policies need to change. “Business as usual is not an option. If we are to arrive in another place, we need to change direction.”
In an interview with Dr. Emma Siliprandi, an agricultural officer and the Lead Focal Point for the Scaling up Agroecology Initiative at Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, (FAO), she highlighted the importance of political support in Agroecology practices.
“Many a time, it becomes difficult to have policy recommendation because Agroecology is often seen only as a set of practices without political and financial support. Traditional policies do not embrace the complexity of agroecology, which can help overcome food insecurity, climate change issues, and environmental losses.”
Dr. Siliprandi said that reflective discussions among stakeholders, is a step forward to help push governments to recognize the importance of agroecology and provide the necessary support for its implementation.
“We believe that agroecology is a key pathway towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and building a more sustainable and equitable food system.” She said.
In addition to experts and academics, the conference also features voices of farmers. One Small-scale farmer representative from Uganda, Irene Nakijoba, shared her experience with ecological organic farming.
“Agroecology can only be achievable and sustainable if we involve our children in the entire process of food production and introducing them to Agroecology practices at an early age.” said Nakijoba.
Another small holder farmer in attendance from the Youth Initiative for sustainable agriculture Kenya, Benard Njenga said that Ecological organic farming has helped him improve crop yields and income, but access to markets and financing remains a major challenge.
“I hope this conference will address these issues and provide solutions for small-scale farmers like me.” Njenga said.
Njenga’s sentiments came shortly after experts in the conference faulted East Africa and especially Kenya, for not motivating Youths enough to Join the agricultural sector. The stakeholders highlighted the urgent need for intentional policies to address this issue. As the region’s farmers age, it is crucial to engage not only young people but also women, who play a vital role in implementing ecological organic agriculture.
George Otieno, representing GIZ Kenya, was one of the exhibitors showcasing their work at the conference’s side events. As part of the ProSilience project, Otieno and his team are dedicated to enhancing soils and agroecology for resilient agri-food systems in Western Kenya.
“We educate smallholder farmers on organic agriculture and agroecological approaches, with a focus on promoting soil and water conservation, agroforestry, biopesticides control, and conservation agriculture using minimal tillage,” Otieno explained. However, despite their efforts to involve local government in mainstreaming ecological agriculture, current policies are not favorable.
“We need to mobilize and lobby for political will to support agroecology. Without technical and political support, it’s difficult to mainstream these practices and achieve our goals,” Otieno emphasized.
Civil society advocates attending the conference expressed their concerns and shared their experiences. David Kabanda, the Executive Director at Center for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT), emphasized the need for East Africa to work together to integrate Agroecology in Africa.
Kabanda took legal action against Kenya for allowing open cultivation and importation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and brought the case to the East African Court of Justice (EASJ) to safeguard neighboring countries from what he terms ‘harmful effects of GMOs.’
“The court has ordered the Kenyan government to respond, but we are still waiting,” said Kabanda. He added that promoting healthy food cultivation for the people is crucial and Agroecology is a way of life for many in the region.
Kabanda stated that lifting the ban on GMOs in Kenya contradicts Article 6(d) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, which upholds the free movement of goods and persons, affecting neighboring countries with porous borders and contaminated fields.
Experts at the Eastern Africa agroecology conference, which was attended by hundreds of agricultural professionals, policymakers, and farmers from across the region, emphasized the critical importance of pollination in both natural and managed ecosystems.
Despite the challenges posed by the Ukraine/Russia conflict, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic, experts have highlighted the potential for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system in the region. This system could help achieve carbon neutrality, reduce waste in the food system, and leverage Africa’s unique strengths and resources.
As the conference continues over the next two days, participants will discuss the implications of existing policies and initiatives, share experiences on scaling up agroecology initiatives, and identify opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. With a diverse range of voices and perspectives, the conference is expected to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on how to build a more sustainable and resilient food system in East Africa.
Agroecology is a way of growing food that focuses on the relationships between plants, animals, humans, and the environment. It is a farming approach that seeks to promote sustainability, biodiversity, and social justice by using techniques that work with nature. Agroecology takes into account the ecological, social, and economic dimensions of farming, and aims to support local food systems, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and build resilience to climate change.
This report was developed with the help of ESAFF Uganda through the Agroecology School for Journalists and Communicators.