Kenya is hosting the second Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference (EAAC) in Nairobi, aiming to advance the movement for agroecology and encourage investments in sustainable food systems. The conference has drawn over 700 participants from Africa and beyond, including government representatives, private sector leaders, farmers’ associations, NGOs, academia, research institutions, investors, and development partners.
Organized by multiple stakeholders, including Biovision Africa Trust and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the conference seeks to leverage agroecology for resilient and sustainable agri-food systems. With the theme “Strengthening Agri-Food System Transformation for Resilience, Sustainability, and Socioeconomic Development,” it promotes organic farming systems to enhance food security, productivity, and environmental conservation.
Speaking at the event, a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture highlighted Kenya’s commitment to agroecology through the implementation of the National Agroecology Strategy for Food System Transformation (2024–2033). This strategy aligns with national and continental policies, including Vision 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and declarations from the African Union. The structured coordination mechanism in place aims to integrate agroecology at national, county, and enterprise levels.
The conference serves as a platform for showcasing innovations, fostering knowledge exchange, and forming partnerships to position East Africa as a leading ecotourism and agroecology hub. Agroecology is presented as a scientifically grounded and community-focused approach to food system transformation, prioritizing soil health, biodiversity, indigenous knowledge, and equitable value chains.
Kenya has emerged as a leader in organic agriculture, with over 173,000 hectares dedicated to organic farming and about 63,000 certified organic farmers. The event emphasizes the significance of farmer-led initiatives, demonstrating how agroecology enables increased production at lower costs while restoring dignity to farming communities.
The impact of climate change on agricultural systems is a pressing issue, with unpredictable weather patterns affecting farmers. The conference underscores the urgency of adopting environmentally friendly practices and aligning actions with key policy frameworks. Degradation of ecosystems and biodiversity loss are recognized as critical threats to food security and human well-being. As soil productivity declines despite increased chemical fertilizer use, the conference advocates for local, sustainable solutions such as composting, biofertilizers, and vermiculture.
Stakeholders emphasize the need to empower farmers as key agents of change. Agroecological innovations have proven to increase household incomes significantly, demonstrating the potential for transformative change when supported by enabling policies and public investments. Kenya’s National Agroecology Strategy provides a long-term framework for food system transformation, reinforcing the importance of prioritizing sustainability over short-term agricultural gains.
Uganda has also made strides in institutionalizing agroecology, recognizing it as both a science and a movement. Government commitments to raising awareness, allocating funding, and creating an enabling environment are essential for ensuring the widespread adoption of agroecological practices.
The conference aims to strengthen the agroecology movement by fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among policymakers, farmers, researchers, development partners, and investors. Discussions will focus on generating evidence of agroecology’s impact, scaling up transitions, investing in research and innovation, and creating trade opportunities for small-scale food producers.
Participants will also have the opportunity to visit selected agroecology sites, witnessing firsthand the innovations and impacts at the community level. The conference serves as a call to action for stakeholders to commit to sustainable agriculture practices that ensure food security while protecting natural resources for future generations.
