WingFarm’s Post

Yesterday (Sat 16 Nov 2024), I returned from an inspiring four-day workshop at the CIFOR-ICRAF campus in Nairobi. Experts, researchers, and policymakers gathered to discuss solutions for stronger, more resilient food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. The workshop revolved around the Global Environment Facility's (GEF) Resilient Food Systems (RFS) program, which has supported 12 countries with $116 million to tackle food insecurity, climate change, and land degradation. Key discussions highlighted the importance of #agroecology, soil health, and local innovations. However, a key takeaway for me was the tension between climate-smart agriculture, regenerative agriculture and #agroecology. While both were discussed, #agroecology offers a broader lens, addressing systemic issues like power dynamics, market structures, and policies—areas critical for sustainable transformation. It’s clear that advocacy is needed to distinguish and prioritize #agroecology in global funding discussions. #Agroecology is already on the GEF agenda, but most funding flows through national governments, only leaving small grants for CSOs. The workshop reflected both what we champion at AFSA-Healthy Soil Healthy Food and what we challenge. GEF’s support spans diverse approaches, including agroecology, offering us a chance to influence and secure funding for what aligns with agroecology and food sovereignty. Let’s seize this moment to strengthen agroecology’s position as the future of sustainable food systems. Prof Alex O. Awiti, Eliane Ubalijoro Fergus Sinclair Charles Dhewa

Food justice is about fairness, equity, and sustainability in every aspect of our food system. From the farm to the table, it ensures that everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food while safeguarding the people and ecosystems that make it possible. The journey to a just food system begins with the soil. Healthy soils are the foundation of this vision, producing nutrient-rich crops that nourish communities, sustaining livelihoods through resilient agricultural productivity, and tackling environmental challenges such as climate change and land degradation by sequestering carbon, improving water retention, and preventing erosion. #SoilHealth #FoodJustice #Resilience Agroecology Coalition Agroecology Fund Agroecology Europe Association Centre for Agroecology, Water & Resilience UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology ISFAAKenya PELUM Kenya Association African Population and Health Research Center

Ahead of the African Food Systems Summit in Kigali next month, African faith leaders, backed by civil society and farmer groups, will issue an open letter to the Gates Foundation. They cite much evidence that the foundation's push for industrialized agriculture, particularly through AGRA, is harming Africa's food systems. This evidence shows that despite over a billion dollars in funding, AGRA's initiatives have increased dependency on costly inputs, eroded local seeds, and weakened climate resilience. The letter calls for reparations and a shift toward sustainable, farmer-led agroecology. Join the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa's (AFSA) press conference next week on August 28th to learn more: 📝An open letter demanding that the Gates Foundation provide reparations for the damage caused by its Green Revolution programs. 🌾The devastating effects of the Green Revolution agenda in Zambia, where corn production has fallen by half and food insecurity is severe. 🔎Research results from AFSA on AGRA’s undue policy influence, which is undermining efforts to promote farmer-led ecological agriculture. Read the full letter: https://lnkd.in/ehVZ979d Register: https://lnkd.in/eJKxzQhz

As a step toward encouraging more #sustainable agricultural food systems in Lebanon, IECD and Semeurs d’Avenir Association are supporting small enterprising farmers. 🌿👩🌾 The initiative aims to improve food sustainability by adopting #agroecological practices that boost soil health, preserve biodiversity, and use natural resources responsibly. 🌱🌍 In response to current challenges in Lebanon’s agricultural sector, the project will equip #farmers with essential tools and training, while forging new market connections, #empowering them to overcome economic obstacles and enhance their livelihoods. #SustainableFarming #Agroecology #LebanonAgriculture #EmpowerFarmers #Biodiversity #SoilHealth #EcoFriendlyFarming #IECD IECD - Institut Européen de Coopération et de Développement IECD Lebanon Chiraz Skhiri Lara Khawand

DAY TWO! Under the theme "Financing Sustainable Food and Nutrition Systems in West Africa through Organic Agriculture and Agroecology," this forum aimed to promote agroecology and organic agriculture as resilient and climate-change-mitigating processes that improve food and nutritional security, employment opportunities, and livelihoods of rural communities. Organized by the West African Organic Network (WAfrONet) with support from ECOWAS, UEMOA, CILSS, AFD, Green Climate Fund, and Action Aid Nigeria, the forum brought together policymakers, producer organizations, development banks, multilateral climate financing mechanisms, and civil society organizations. Through plenary sessions, thematic parallel sessions, and the WAfrONet General Assembly, participants discussed lessons learned, achievements, opportunities, challenges, and prospects of financing sustainable food and nutrition systems in West Africa, assess agroecology development policies, identify financing opportunities, and promote ecological and organic agriculture products. The conference sought to strengthen advocacy, raise awareness, and formulate recommendations for more sustained and adapted financing of agroecology in West Africa, ultimately contributing to regional development and food security. #AgroecologyInWestAfrica

🌿 Driving Agricultural Transformation Through Sustainability 🌿 Proud to share our latest infographic that highlights the journey and impact of sustainable farming practices in Africa. At Nobowa Africa, we believe empowering farmers with climate-smart solutions, innovative tools, and data-driven insights is key to achieving food security and economic resilience. This infographic dives into: ✔️ Climate-friendly agricultural practices. ✔️ Crops that withstand the challenges of climate change. ✔️ Strategies for farmer empowerment and community engagement. 📈 Together, we’re building a more sustainable future for agriculture. Let’s collaborate, share insights, and grow an African resilient agricultural sector! 💬 What strategies do you think are essential for transforming agriculture in Africa? Share your thoughts below. #AgricultureInnovation #Sustainability #AfricanAgriculture #NobowaAfrica

I had a privilege to speak at the 2024 Zambia National Food Systems Insaka! 🍽️ In a society increasingly impacted by climate change, achieving resilient food systems isn’t just a goal - it’s a necessity. My presentation focused on bridging critical research gaps and unlocking new opportunities for sustainable food systems. 💡 Key Gaps We Need to Address: 1)Limited site-specific data on agroecology: We need a localized understanding of what works optimally where. 2)Transitional pathways for smallholder farmers: Farmers need practical steps to shift to agroecological practices. 3)Evidence of economic benefits: Every farmer wants to know—will this pay off? Opportunities to Explore: ✅ Collaborative, community-driven research that incorporates indigenous knowledge and builds trust. ✅ Partnerships with NGOs, research institutions, and government agencies to amplify impact. Building resilient food systems is a team effort. Together, we can bridge gaps, seize opportunities, and drive meaningful change! Here is a snippet from my presentation here: https://lnkd.in/dxmBuBkP #Agroecology #ClimateChange #FoodSystems #Resilience #Zambia #ResearchOpportunities

Affordable seed swap initiatives are transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape by offering cost-effective solutions for crop diversification and community-driven #foodproduction. These programs, including seed libraries, digital platforms, and school-based initiatives, empower farmers to exchange seeds, promote #biodiversity, and ensure sustainability. By enabling access to diverse and resilient seed varieties, these initiatives address key challenges in Africa's #foodsecurity, fostering resilience against #climatechange and improving self-reliance in local food systems. Their role in strengthening regional food networks and advancing sustainable agriculture makes them a critical component in achieving long-term food security across the continent. #FoodSecurity #SustainableAgriculture #Biodiversity #SeedSwap #AfricaAgriculture #ClimateResilience #CommunityFarming AGNES KALIBATA, Dr Jemimah Njuki, eliud kireger, Professor Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, Joshua Okonya, Jürgen Kroschel

The Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health (CA4SH) heavily engaged at the just concluded #AFSForum2024 in Kigali, Rwanda under the theme: The future of food systems lies beneath our feet! Our key messages were: ✅ Soil is a unifier across sectors and actors: We need to broaden the scope of soil health to include climate action, biodiversity, water regulation, ecosystem restoration, and nutritious food ✅ We need collective and committed action to realize the AFSH Action Plan ✅ Farmers, pastoralists, and land managers are stewards of the soil: We must align policy, finance and practice to support them in adopting healthy soil practices. Check out the events summary here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dPSYRMmB

In Zimbabwe, the agricultural sector faces numerous challenges, from climate change to soil degradation. It's crucial to adopt sustainable farming practices that can ensure food security and environmental health. This is where Participatory Action Research (PAR) comes into play. PAR involves farmers, researchers, and communities working together to identify problems, test solutions, and share knowledge. By integrating local wisdom with scientific research, PAR empowers farmers to innovate and adapt to changing conditions, fostering resilience and sustainability. Let's champion PAR in agroecology to build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for Zimbabwe's agriculture. 🌾🤝 #Agroecology #SustainableAgriculture #Zimbabwe #ParticipatoryResearch #FoodSecurity #ClimateResilience