From February 11th to 14th, 2025, over 100 participants from 22 African countries gathered in Sagana, Kenya, for the African Agroecology Workshop (AAW 2025). The event brought together a vibrant mix of smallholder food producers, civil society organizations, researchers, and policymakers, all united by a shared commitment to advancing agroecology as a transformative approach to sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems in Africa.
Alice Kachere’s Experience: Alice Kachere, a dedicated member of the Rural Women’s Assembly (RWA) and a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture, represented RWA as part of the Farmer-to-Farmer working group. She participated actively in discussions, workshops, and hands-on training sessions, gaining valuable insights into the broader concept of agroecology beyond organic farming.
“I initially thought that practicing organic farming meant I was already implementing agroecology,” Alice shared candidly. “But I learned that agroecology is much more – it is a holistic approach that promotes food sovereignty, prioritises farmers’ rights, and emphasises diversity, affordability, and access to resources like water, land, and seeds.”
During the workshop, Alice expressed her excitement about the collaborative spirit: “It was inspiring to see so many people from different countries, all passionate about agroecology. We shared ideas, challenges, and practical solutions. I felt a strong sense of community.”
Key Learnings and Thematic Areas: The workshop delved into seven thematic areas crucial for promoting agroecology across the continent:
- Value Addition and Markets: Highlighted the importance of certification, consumer awareness, and market access for agroecological products.
- Education, Training, and Awareness: Emphasised the need for disseminating agroecology knowledge through community engagement, documenting success stories, and integrating agroecology into school curriculums.
- Organisational Collaboration and Coordination: Advocated for unified regional campaigns, physical and virtual workshops, and stronger collaborations among stakeholders.
- Policies and Strategies: Focused on influencing national and regional policies, including CAADP and seed policies, to support agroecology.
- Finance and Funding: Explored opportunities for partnerships, government support, and subsidies for agroecological practices.
- Practical Work on the Ground: Promoted gender-sensitive community awareness, indigenous seeds and livestock, and knowledge-sharing through transformative household methodologies.
- Farmer-to-Farmer Approaches: Stressed the importance of peer learning, exchange visits, and creating agroecological farm schools in every country. “Learning from each other is invaluable,” Alice shared. “The Zimbabwe model by ZIMSOFF is a great example of what we can achieve.”
As a member of the Farmer-to-Farmer working group, Alice and her group members established a WhatsApp group to facilitate continuous communication and knowledge exchange. They plan to hold monthly Zoom meetings, each focusing on specific topics set by different countries. Additionally, they aim to amplify their activities through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
“This is not the end but the beginning,” Alice said. “We will keep the conversation going and bring more voices to the table.”
Alice committed to applying her new knowledge on her farm and engaging other RWA members to adopt agroecological practices. “I want to lead by example. If I can show success, others will follow,” she explained.
The African Agroecology Workshop 2025 was more than just a learning platform—it was a call to action. Participants left with renewed energy and concrete plans to champion agroecology in their respective regions. As Alice Kachere puts it, “We must define agroecology in our local languages, establish learning centers, and connect it to climate change campaigns such as ‘No to GMO’. Agroecology is not just a practice; it is a movement for food sovereignty and a healthier planet.”
The workshop reinforced the urgent need for a united front to defend and promote agroecology, ensuring that Africa’s food systems become more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive. As the Rural Women’s Assembly (RWA) we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to promoting agroecology as a path to achieving food sovereignty and empowering rural communities across Africa. Through continued advocacy, capacity building, and collaboration, we strive to ensure that agroecology becomes a cornerstone of sustainable development and resilience in the face of climate challenges.
