Nairobi, Kenya – March 28, 2025 – The 2nd Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference, held from March 25–28, 2025 at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, concluded with a unified call for systemic transformation of agri-food systems through agroecology. The event, convened by Biovision Africa Trust and Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, brought together over 850 participants from 42 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Under the theme “Strengthening Agri-Food System Transformation for Resilience, Sustainability, and Socioeconomic Development,” the conference created a dynamic platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and innovation. Government leaders, researchers, civil society organizations, and grassroots practitioners highlighted the critical role of agroecology in responding to the global food, climate, and health crises.
Keynote Insights: Agroecology as a Catalyst for Change
Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, officially opened the conference through his representative, Dr. Christopher Wanga, emphasizing agroecology’s alignment with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Vision 2030.
Dr. Paul Ronoh, Principal Secretary, State Department of Agriculture, stressed the importance of implementing Kenya’s National Agroecology Strategy, calling for action to build resilient food systems.
Dr. David Amudavi, Executive Director of Biovision Africa Trust, emphasized agroecology’s power to confront climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity with farmer-centered, nature-positive solutions.
Deputy Speaker Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei advocated for phasing out harmful pesticides, urging Kenya to ban substances prohibited in Europe and to strengthen collaboration with researchers.
Markus Arbenz, Senior Consultant at FiBL Switzerland, declared, “Agroecology is the solution to the global food system crisis,” citing its ability to boost productivity and resilience.
Thematic Highlights: Insights from Six Sub-Themes
- Pathways for enhancing production, productivity and sustainability of agri-food systems with agroecological interventions: Frass-based organic fertilizers and soil health innovations emerged as promising alternatives to chemical inputs. Tools like TAPE+were recognized for tracking agroecological progress. Discussions emphasized farmers as change agents, integrating indigenous knowledge with modern practices.
- Food security, nutrition, and health nexus: Soil health and farmer managed seed systems: Urban agroecology and diversified farming systems were showcased for their role in shortening food chains and improving nutrition. Experts called for nutrition-sensitive agroecology programs, gender-sensitive approaches, and strategies to combat rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
- Women & Youth in Agroecology: Participants highlighted systemic barriers to land, finance, and markets. Innovative platforms like Tawi Fresh(AI-driven market access) and SowPrecise(solar irrigation) were showcased. Calls were made for inclusive financing, mentorship networks, and policy support.
- Trade, markets and economy: Implications for agroecological transitions:
Leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)for agroecological products was a central recommendation. Stakeholders stressed the need for harmonized standards, consumer awareness campaigns, and youth-led enterprise support. - Institutional and policy opportunities for unlocking potential of agroecology in transforming agrifood systems:Delegates urged governments to align national strategies with the SDGs, Africa Agenda 2063, and CAADP. Recommendations included allocating 20% of agriculture budgets to agroecology, overhauling land tenure systems, and integrating agroecology into education systems.
- Financing Agroecology:The conference strongly advocated for dedicated public funding, innovative finance models such as blended finance, and investments in farmer-led innovations. Development partners were urged to scale financial support for agroecological transitions.
Bridging Gaps and Showcasing Best Practices
The conference identified key gaps—from weak policy integration to limited institutional support—and highlighted best practices, including:
- TAPE+ as a tool for performance evaluation.
- Community-led participatory research models.
- Digital platforms like Tawi Fresh and innovative service models like SowPrecise.
- University-based incubation hubs for youth-driven agroecology.
A Regional Call to Action
At the close of the conference, participants adopted a unified Call to Action, urging all stakeholders—governments, researchers, development partners, civil society, farmers’ organizations, and the private sector—to:
- Invest in farmer-led research and innovation.
- Implement harmonized agroecological strategies aligned with global and continental frameworks.
- Empower women and youth through inclusive partnerships and capacity building.
- Allocate at least 20% of agriculture budgets to agroecology and develop equitable financing mechanisms.
A Pathway Forward
The 2nd Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference reaffirmed agroecology as more than a set of farming techniques—it is a holistic, transformative approach linking environmental stewardship, cultural values, economic justice, and community health.
As Dr. Termote aptly noted, “Agroecology gives us the seeds of change, but we must also plant the knowledge to harvest better health.”
Participants were urged to take the insights home, act on them locally, and contribute to a continental movement that reimagines food systems for a just, sustainable future. With renewed commitment, collaboration, and innovation, agroecology was recognized as a powerful vehicle for Africa’s ecological, economic, and social resilience.
Report prepared by Ms. Venancia Wambua, Head of Programmes, Biovision Africa Trust, email address: vwambua@biovisionafrica.org
