NAIROBI, Kenya (PAMACC News) - Agroecology has been identified as one of the most important pathways to climate resilience and a transformative approach to sustainable food systems for the African continent.
In short, the approach integrates ecological and social principles into farming practices to address challenges like food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
The second Conference on Agroecology that was held in Nairobi last month demonstrated how agroecology was being used to offer sustainable farming solutions that create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young generation, thereby reducing rural-urban migration.
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), agroecology reconnects people to their food and producers to consumers making healthy food accessible to all consumers and available for its use in healthy and sustainable diets.
And now, the East African Legislative Assembly has endorsed a resolution officially recognising agroecology as a strategic priority for formulating and recommending sustainable policies in agriculture, tourism, and natural resource management across the East African region
Hon Uwumukiza Françoise a Member of Parliament from the East African Legislative Assembly and Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources (EALA-ATNR) explains why the farming practice in an exclusive interview with Climate Action.
Q: Does EALA recognize agroecology as a credible, science-based solution for food and nutrition security in East Africa?
Yes. In fact, the EALA, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and support from the Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT) has endorsed a resolution officially recognising agroecology as a strategic priority for formulating and recommending sustainable policies in agriculture, tourism, and natural resource management across the East African region.
Through the EALA-ATNR committee, we have started building capacities of legislators from member states, where the first training was held recently in Kampala, Uganda bringing together 60 parliamentarians from Kenya Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.
By embracing agroecology, we are committed to creating a future that values ecological integrity and the welfare of our people, with the aim to end hunger by 2030 as we promote the right to adequate food, leaving no one behind.
Q. What success stories or evidence can help position agroecology as a transformative pathway for resilient and sustainable food systems in the region?
There is overwhelming evidence that agroecology works, and that is why at this moment, we are focusing on implementation. Today, there exist several methodologies of nourishing the soil organically. As well, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) for example, has collected so many cases from across Africa to showcase successes of agroecology. Besides, there are several organisations that advocate for indigenous seed, others are producing biofertilisers, biopesticides and organic soil conditioners.
However, there are other interests that are not happy that agroecology is succeeding and they are working hard to dilute the progress. If we support genetically modified food for example, we may end up having a lot of food that is not safe for health and livelihoods of our citizens.
Q. How can EALA collaborate with farmers, civil society, and research institutions to shape strong regional policies and legal frameworks that support agroecology?
EALA has already initiated a joint and broad network that brings together all the actors in agroecology, including civil society organisations, academia, the FAO, the private sector and representatives from member states. The main aim of this platform is to share experiences, emerging techniques, challenges and opportunities that can help create sustainable food systems for the continent
As the chair of EALA-ATNR, I subscribe to all agroecology networks and contacts on linkedln and other social media platforms. These powerful platforms have always helped me understand whatever is happening in the agroecology space. The emerging challenge I have learned is that farmers across the continent are eager to join the agroecology movement, but there is lack of sufficient information. It means that there is need for more capacity building at all levels.
Q. Can EALA support greater investment in research and development of agroecological innovations—especially bio-inputs like biofertilisers and biostimulants—as alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals?
At the EALA-ATNR committee, we have a department dealing with research. We have already notified the research team that during the next plenary, we will be moving a motion seeking to have agroecology officially recognised as a strategic practice to save people’s health and the environment.
Once the law is passed, it will become the official gateway for the East African Community (EAC) to support agriecological innovations, and even call on member countries to work towards subsidising organic farm inputs and supporting indigenous seed systems.
So far, there is a high political will and we should soon come up with a policy that can harmonise agroecology practices from all member states. We need to look at the already existing policies and strategies to come up with a concrete direction that will help implementation of principles of agroecology.
We will also be working with the private sector because they are also interested in producing food without use of harmful chemicals.
We are as well working closely with the department of Agriculture and Food Security Department at the EAC to ensure that no one is left behind.
Q. How can agroecology be positioned within EALA’s agenda as a practical strategy for climate resilience and low-carbon agriculture in the EAC?
When you mention agroecology, it means you are talking about climate resilience and environment conservation. This is because if we restore the soils that have been depleted or damaged by climate change, then we will be talking of agroecology as a driver for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
At EALA level, we have a forum on climate change, and we are supporting agroecology as a good practice for environmental protection. We are also pushing for a climate change bill, and we are calling on different actors to support us as we plan to table it as a private bill.
Q. What specific commitments is EALA willing to make to embed agroecology in regional food systems strategies and support the implementation of the Healthy Soil, Healthy Food initiative?
Agroecology in itself is healthy. So if we support agroecology, it means that we are supporting healthy foods and healthy outcomes. We need a healthy population to produce healthy food. And if the soils are contaminated with chemicals, then we cannot guarantee healthy food. So our commitment is by supporting a legal framework to support agroecology.
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, (PAMACC News) -- The African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have reinforced their strategic partnership to enhance collective efforts in addressing fragility and building resilience across Africa. This commitment follows a high-level technical exchange held from 22-23 April at the Bank headquarters in Abidjan.
The two-day mission brought together senior officials from both institutions to align approaches, share best practices, and strengthen collaboration to address complex challenges-- particularly in transition states or experiencing fragility. This meeting builds on previous engagements between the two development institutions, including a 2019 Civil Society deep dive facilitated by the African Development Bank’s Civil Society Division, where key areas for joint action were initially identified.
"This strategic alliance with IsDB reinforces our shared vision of addressing complex challenges in transition states through tailored, context-specific approaches," said Yero Baldeh, Director of the Transition States Coordination Office at the African Development Bank. "By aligning our methodologies and leveraging our complementary strengths, we can deliver more sustainable solutions in places where development needs are most acute."
The IsDB delegation was led by Ahmed Berthe, Lead NGO and Civil Society Specialist, and included Esra Sayhi and Abass Kassim, both Senior Fragility and Resilience Specialists.
"Our institutions serve many of the same member countries facing similar challenges," noted Berthe. "What has impressed us most is the African Development Bank's shift toward anticipatory action and prevention rather than simply responding to crises. This partnership creates a framework for maximizing our collective impact through coordinated investments, shared knowledge, and aligned strategic priorities."
The exchange spotlighted the African Development Bank’s Transition Support Facility (TSF), which committed more than $610 million to projects in fragile contexts in 2024. Discussions explored how the TSF’s approach could complement IsDB's financing tools and create stronger synergies in countries where both institutions operate.
Climate security emerged as a key theme, with both partners recognizing the role of environmental challenges exacerbating fragility, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the Sahel and the Horn of Africa. The partnership will help develop integrated approaches that address immediate needs and build long-term resilience for both institutions.
The exchange also explored ways to harmonize assessment methodologies, coordinate financial instruments, and implement integrated approaches to climate security, with both institutions agreeing to establish a joint technical working group to operationalize the partnership.
"In line with our 2022-2026 Strategy for Addressing Fragility and Building Resilience in Africa, this partnership reflects the Bank's strategic emphasis on building alliances that amplify our development impact," said Ozong Agborsangaya-Fiteu, Chief Operations Officer at RDTS. "By combining our institutional strengths with IsDB, we're creating a more powerful platform for advancing resilience where it's needed most."
The partnership includes a structured implementation framework scheduled for 2025-2026, in line with the duration of both institutions’ strategies for fragility and resilience. A joint technical working group will operationalize the partnership, ensuring that concrete actions follow this strategic alignment.
This strategic collaboration advances the African Development Bank’s approach to staying engaged in fragile contexts, focusing on prevention rather than crisis response, and building strategic partnerships across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus—all key principles of its fragility and resilience strategy.
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, (PAMACC News) -- The African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have reinforced their strategic partnership to enhance collective efforts in addressing fragility and building resilience across Africa. This commitment follows a high-level technical exchange held from 22-23 April at the Bank headquarters in Abidjan.
The two-day mission brought together senior officials from both institutions to align approaches, share best practices, and strengthen collaboration to address complex challenges-- particularly in transition states or experiencing fragility. This meeting builds on previous engagements between the two development institutions, including a 2019 Civil Society deep dive facilitated by the African Development Bank’s Civil Society Division, where key areas for joint action were initially identified.
"This strategic alliance with IsDB reinforces our shared vision of addressing complex challenges in transition states through tailored, context-specific approaches," said Yero Baldeh, Director of the Transition States Coordination Office at the African Development Bank. "By aligning our methodologies and leveraging our complementary strengths, we can deliver more sustainable solutions in places where development needs are most acute."
The IsDB delegation was led by Ahmed Berthe, Lead NGO and Civil Society Specialist, and included Esra Sayhi and Abass Kassim, both Senior Fragility and Resilience Specialists.
"Our institutions serve many of the same member countries facing similar challenges," noted Berthe. "What has impressed us most is the African Development Bank's shift toward anticipatory action and prevention rather than simply responding to crises. This partnership creates a framework for maximizing our collective impact through coordinated investments, shared knowledge, and aligned strategic priorities."
The exchange spotlighted the African Development Bank’s Transition Support Facility (TSF), which committed more than $610 million to projects in fragile contexts in 2024. Discussions explored how the TSF’s approach could complement IsDB's financing tools and create stronger synergies in countries where both institutions operate.
Climate security emerged as a key theme, with both partners recognizing the role of environmental challenges exacerbating fragility, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the Sahel and the Horn of Africa. The partnership will help develop integrated approaches that address immediate needs and build long-term resilience for both institutions.
The exchange also explored ways to harmonize assessment methodologies, coordinate financial instruments, and implement integrated approaches to climate security, with both institutions agreeing to establish a joint technical working group to operationalize the partnership.
"In line with our 2022-2026 Strategy for Addressing Fragility and Building Resilience in Africa, this partnership reflects the Bank's strategic emphasis on building alliances that amplify our development impact," said Ozong Agborsangaya-Fiteu, Chief Operations Officer at RDTS. "By combining our institutional strengths with IsDB, we're creating a more powerful platform for advancing resilience where it's needed most."
The partnership includes a structured implementation framework scheduled for 2025-2026, in line with the duration of both institutions’ strategies for fragility and resilience. A joint technical working group will operationalize the partnership, ensuring that concrete actions follow this strategic alignment.
This strategic collaboration advances the African Development Bank’s approach to staying engaged in fragile contexts, focusing on prevention rather than crisis response, and building strategic partnerships across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus—all key principles of its fragility and resilience strategy.
NAIROBI, Kenya - (PAMACC News) The African Forest Forum (AFF), in partnership with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), have launched the AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) Community of Practice, an interactive platform designed to empower young professionals, students and entrepreneurs in the forestry sector across Africa.
The AY4F Community of Practice will serve as a collaborative space where members can exchange ideas, share best practices, and co-create innovative solutions to advance forest conservation, enhance climate resilience, and unlock green economy opportunities.
Through knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and networking, the platform aims to equip Africa’s youth with the tools and resources needed to address pressing environmental challenges and contribute meaningfully to sustainable forest management.
The live discussions will run from March 31 – April 11 virtually via Howspace. The program will feature interactive chat discussions during the first week and live webinars in the second week, ensuring an engaging and dynamic learning experience.
Prof. Labode Popoola, Executive Secretary-CEO of AFF, emphasized the significance of engaging young people in forestry:
“We recognize the critical role that young people play in shaping the future of Africa’s forests and tree resources. By providing a dynamic and inclusive space for engagement, we are fostering the next generation of forestry leaders and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to drive positive change.”
Dr. Jane Njuguna, CEO of KEFRI, emphasized the importance of the virtual event, stating:
“We are proud to collaborate with AFF and SLU on this AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) initiative, which empowers youth to take an active role in environmental stewardship and the sustainable management of our forests.”
Sara Gräslund, Head of SLU Global, underscored the role of youth in sustainable forestry:
"Africa’s youth is crucial in re-thinking sustainable forest management. There are great opportunities in acknowledging this and working together with young professionals and students who drive climate resilience, unlock green economy opportunities, and shape the future of forests.”
The launch of the AY4F Community of Practice aligns with AFF’s broader mission to promote sustainable forest management and ensure that Africa’s forests continue to provide essential ecological, social, and economic benefits. With support from SLU and KEFRI, the initiative will facilitate research collaborations, mentorship programs, networking, and policy dialogues to enhance youth participation in forestry and environmental governance.
Young changemakers, students, educators, activists, scientists, experts and policy makers in the forestry sector are invited to join the AY4F Community of Practice and be part of this transformative journey towards a greener and more sustainable Africa.
