Historic First Visit: KHEA CIPs - PELUM Uganda and PELUM Kenya Unite for a Gender Learning Exchange
PELUM Uganda a Co-Host and Country Implementing Partner (CIP) in Uganda on the KCOA-KHEA Project proudly hosted a team of 23 staff members from PELUM Kenya which is also a Country Implementing Partner (CIP) on the KCOA-KHEA Project in Kenya for a Gender Learning Exchange from August 19-23, 2024.
On August 21, the staff from both PELUM Country Chapters in Kenya and Uganda converged at Silver Springs Hotel in Bugolobi and exchanged and dialogued on Gender inclusiveness in the agriculture sector.
In her opening remarks, the Country Coordinator and KHEA Project Co-Host Coordinator, Mrs. Josephine Akia Luyimbazi, encouraged staff from both country chapters to fully utilize the vibrant platform for open dialogue, where diverse perspectives should be shared and valued.
🔍 Key Highlights discussed in the session:
- Diverse Perspectives: The session explored various approaches and strategies for advancing gender equality in the projects implemented, learning from each other’s successes and challenges.
- Innovative Solutions: Country chapters showcased impactful practices and solutions that have made a significant difference in the respective regions.
- Strengthened Partnerships: Through the week, the exchange fostered deeper connections and understanding, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and collective action between PELUM Uganda and PELUM Kenya.
- Experience Sharing: Participants also discussed gender mainstreaming tools and strategies to enhance the region’s collective efforts.
The PELUM Uganda Head of Programs representative and KCOA-KHEA Project Manager, Francis Nsanga, and PELUM Kenya Head of Programs representative of the PELUM Kenya Country Coordinator, Manei Naanyu said in their opening remarks to the PELUM Country Chapters staff that, “Kenya and Uganda are making significant strides in promoting gender inclusiveness within the agricultural sector.”
As a vital area of focus on the KCOA-KHEA Project, gender equality is crucial for optimizing productivity and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. See link to the KCOA Gender Guide: https://khea-africa.org/knowledge-products-2/ which was launched recently by GIZ in partnership with the KCOA Hubs.
Through a short documentary, the KCOA hubs shared a snippet on what is in the KCOA Gender Guide, watch via this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CIPt4zAT10
The staff from both organisations also held departmental exchanges to pick lessons and learn from one another to support better project implementation in the region.
A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff of PELUM Uganda and PELUM Kenya, as well as the PELUM Association Regional Secretariat, for their invaluable contributions and commitment to advancing gender equality.
Prepared by Pamella Magino
TOAM Showcases Organic Agriculture Innovations at the 2024 National Farmers Exhibition Week (NANE NANE)
Tanzania Organic Agriculture Movement (TOAM) a Country Implementing Partner on the KCOA-KHEA Project participated in the National Farmers Exhibition Week (NANE NANE) from the 1st to the 8th of August 2024. The main objective of TOAM’s participation in the NANE NANE was to promote Organic Agriculture and Agroecology innovations to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals, and people.
TOAM, leading the Agroecology Consortium Corridor, brought together diverse stakeholders to showcase innovations in organic farming. Government officials, policymakers, and researchers visited the corridor, recognizing the achievements in agroecology. Over 256 attendees engaged with the exhibits.
The Agroecology Consortium included partners such as Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania (SAT), PELUM Tanzania, SJS Organic Farm, Organic Inputs Partners as well as Market Actors and HELVETAS, among others. The consortium displayed a range of technologies and knowledge products, including indigenous seeds, bio-inputs, and organic agriculture products.
The agroecology/organic agriculture actors used the National Ecological Organic Agriculture Strategy to emphasize the benefits of ecological organic farming, including environmental sustainability, economic viability, and social well-being. The discussions covered policy support, research and innovation, market development, and capacity-building programs essential for the successful implementation of NEOAS.
Through dialogues, key discussions during the event included seed sovereignty and the role of indigenous seeds in sustainable agriculture. The consortium emphasized the benefits of ecological organic farming, including environmental sustainability and market development.
The KHEA Project supported 15 participants, including Multipliers, Master Trainer, farmers and project officers from Saint Joseph School (SJS) organic farm Centre of excellence on the KCOA-KHEA Project, enhancing networking and knowledge exchange.
Exhibits featured composting techniques, organic fertilizers, and innovative irrigation systems. Among other participants were the KCOA-KHEA Project Associate Partners like; Sustainable Organic Agriculture Tanzania (SAT) from Morogoro region, Floresta Tanzania from Kilimanjaro region, and Njombe Southern Highland Development Association (NSHDA) from Njombe region.
During the exhibition, TOAM showcased some knowledge products such as; 18 days Compost, BIM bokashi, CRN Carbon, BIM organic potassium, BIM organic DAP, Rabbit urine, and Fish Amino Acids.
TOAM and its partners used the platform to advance sustainable agricultural practices and advocate for policies supporting organic agriculture and agroecology in Tanzania.
Prepared by TOAM Edited by Pamella Magino
Some of the products exhibited
Different ecological /organic agriculture technologies were exhibited during the event including a simple irrigation system using the home wastewater.
The former Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture getting an explanation from TOAM chair Dr. Mwatima on various knowledge products showcased under the TOAM pavillion
Farmers and other participants during the exhibition.
GSDM and SYMABIO Shine at the 25th FIERMADA Fair in Madagascar
The 25th edition of FIER MADA took place at the Makis Andohatapenaka stadium, from 7 to 11 August 2024. In 25 years, visitors have become accustomed to see an exceptional experience for each edition, with discoveries, multi-sectoral innovations, commercial exchanges and knowledge.
GSDM and SYMABIO a Country Implementing Partner on the KCOA-KHEA Project, also professionals in Agroecology, participated for the 10th time this year 2024 through the ALEFA Agroecology and KCOA-KHEA Project. It has been noted that the agricultural sector is regaining an important and crucial place in rural development. Farmers are panicking at the idea of making their farms as profitable as possible and making them resilient against climate change and the impacts of mining agriculture.
During this event, the crowd visited the GSDM stand for technical advice, sharing of experiences and acquisition of various seeds. This saw the passage of different farmers from all regions of Madagascar.
A technician and a farmer leader of the ALEFA project received the visitors in the stand where they shared the knowledge and opportunities linked to the adoption of good agricultural practices, in general, the agroecology. Conservation agriculture and soil fertilization also attracted the attention of visitors. Many of them returned every day during the fair to acquire as much practical advice as possible.
Organic farming was also mentioned during this event, a theme which interests more and more farmers, mainly because of the use of non chemicals products on crops.
During the fair, the KCOA-KHEA Project highlighted the promotion of knowledge products on agri-bio by supporting the participation of the “Entraide et Fraternity” consortium. These are partner organizations hosting some of the KHEA Multipliers who have benefited from training through the KCOA-KHEA Project, made up of CARITAS Antsirabe, FTM/CPM and the ST BENOIT Fénérive-Est Center.
Prepared by GSDM Edited by Pamella Magino
The KCOA´s Gender Guide Launch
“And remember that this guide is not only a document but a tool that your organization can use to incorporate gender equality into its activities.” With these words, Najla Dhen, Multiplier’s coach (KHNA), closed the launching event of the KCOA´s Gender Guide.
Around 100 participants from various fields related to the African agri-food systems attended the online event on August 7, from 11:00 to 13:00 CEST. These participants included farmers, partners of the KCOA Network, representatives from non-governmental organizations and women’s groups, and others. Both the GIZ and the KCOA Network were in charge of moderation.
What is the Gender Guide?
After having analyzed the regional and socio-cultural gender relations dynamics in the agricultural sector across over 15 countries in Africa, the focal points of the five Knowledge Hubs integrating the KCOA project came up with this document. The Gender Guide strategically presents means to take the participation of women in the project forward. It provides alternatives and insights to address the different forms of gender inequality to which women and girls contributing to the agri-food systems in Africa are regularly subjected.
What issues for women does the Gender Guide address?
The Guide acknowledges five main obstacles that could potentially prevent women from fully participating in and profiting from KCOA activities:
- Limited access to and control over resources, including knowledge.
- Mobility and time constraints
- Violence
- Obstacles around participation, engagement, and leadership
- Cultural and locally specific constraints
Should you also use the Guide?
As stated by Mrs. Dhen, the Guide is an engaging document, a tool that every organization seeking to strengthen a gender equality approach in their projects can implement. The guide covers 9 phases of a project; from design to evaluation, and ensures, therefore, that all possible areas where women might encounter difficulties are covered. The guide is also designed in such a way that every person can navigate it and find a suitable strategy to enrich their specific initiative.
Download the guide here Gender Guide_KCOA-English_2024
French Version : Guide sur l’égalité des Genres_CCAB-Francais_2024_f
Prepared by Pamella Magino
Given the increased recognition of the importance of soil health and the enhanced focus on sustainable soil management practices, the demand and need for soil health assessment is ever growing. It is against this backdrop that the Africa Fertilizer & Soil Health Summit was organised in Nairobi from the 7th to 9th of May 2024.
Agricultural enthusiasts converged in Kenya’s capital of Nairobi under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Environment (DARBE) of the African Union, in collaboration with AUDA-NEPAD, RECs, and partners. The summit delegates discussed various issues around fertiliser and soil health in Africa and the implications on the agricultural, health, and social well-being of the continent. This took place through a series of exhibitions, side events, and plenary sessions.
BvAT was well represented in these discussions with its Executive Director Dr. David Amudavi, participating in a side event hosted by the European Commission (EC). The event focused on ‘Emerging opportunities with organic and bio-fertilizers for soil health in Africa
The objective of the EU Parallel side event was to raise awareness regarding the realities and the potential of organic fertilizers and biofertilizers in Africa and to identify pathways to boost the production and use of these inputs to address soil health and food production productivity. In this parallel session the results of the scoping study were shared, and several panellists shared their views and perspectives regarding the potential of commercial organic fertilizer and biofertilizer production.
The session kicked off with a Keynote presentation ‘on an EU-funded “Scoping study” on Exploring the off-farm Production of Organic and Biofertilizers in Africa, done by Prof. Bernhard Freyer, (Institute of Organic Farming, BOKU University of Natural Resources, Austria); followed by a panel discussion. With a view to inform policy dialogue addressing the fertiliser crisis and food security challenges, and for promoting an integrated approach to soil health management, the EU (DG INTPA) commissioned a scoping study on the off-farm production and marketing of organic fertilizers and biofertilizers in 12 case study countries in Africa.
The study addresses the use and acceptance of off-fam organic fertilizers and biofertilizers, the potential development of these inputs especially by recycling urban wastes, the marketing systems, the support services (research and advisory services), the national policies and regulatory framework.
Dr. Amudavi, in his keynote speech intervened on ‘AU Ecological Organic Agriculture initiative and its contribution to the post-Malabo Declaration, and role for organic and bio-fertilisers in the EOA initiative’.
He highlighted significant opportunities for promoting organic and bio fertilizers in Africa. He pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a key platform that can enhance the development of this sector by facilitating trade among African countries, particularly in sustainable production inputs. Additionally, he emphasized the growing market demand for organically and environmentally produced foods, which creates further opportunities for the adoption of organic and bio fertilizers.
Dr. Amudavi also mentioned the political goodwill and mechanisms, such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), that hold member states accountable for their agricultural investments. He noted that the biannual review reporting mechanism recognizes the importance of organic fertilizers, presenting another crucial opportunity for growth in this sector.
On the other hand, Dr. Abdou Tenkouano, Director General of ICIPE, stated that our livelihoods and health rely on healthy soil, which includes minerals and the life beneath the surface. He noted that the research conducted by ICIPE aims to boost crop productivity by increasing mineral availability and restoring life in the soil.
Other keynote speakers that participated in the event included Dr. Oscar Aghan (Chief Executive Officer, Eco Bio Fertilizer company), Dr. Abdou Tenkouano (Director General ICIPE), Ms. Musa Sowe (President NACOFAG, The Gambia), Prof. Bernhard Freyer (BOKU University),Ms. Sara Mbago-Bhunu (Director of IFAD’s East and Southern Africa (ESA)) and Ms. Carla Montesi (Director DG/INTPA European Commission)
Prepared by Hudson Were
Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) participated in the just concluded Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit, held in Nairobi, Kenya from 7-9 May 2024 at the Kenyatta Internatiaonal Confrence Centre ( KICC). The summit deliberated and sought solutions to Africa’s widespread soil quality degradations on our farmlands – a challenge that impacts our agricultural productivity and food security in the long run.
During the event, BvAT under the umbrella of the KCOA and the EOA Initiative and partners FiBL, Pelum Kenya and GBIACK, ran an exhbition booth where we showcased our various interventions in promoting soil health like using bio-fertilisers as opposed to harmful chemical fertilisers. The booth promoted interaction with delegates, learning from our interventions who marvelled at the products and innovations we are promoting to enhance soil health in the continent.
During the summit, BvAT hosted a side event on the second day under the theme; Soil matters, Care for it! on the title; “Agroecological and Organic Farming Systems in Africa– transformation towards System Resilience and Sustainable Production and Consumption”
BvAT did this through The Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Eastern Africa (KHEA) and the Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative (EOA-I), in partnership with the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL).
The side event comprised of two presentations and a panel discussion. Presentations were made by Dr. David Amudavi (BvAT) and Dr. Milka Kiboi (FiBL) looking at the landscapes of agroecology and initiatives in Africa and sharing the findings of the long-term farming systems comparison in the tropics, Kenya – SysCom program respectively.
The panel discussion which was moderated by Ms Venancia Wambua ( BvAT), and had panelists with diverse qualifications and expertise but all relevant to the issues on the table. How do we enhance our soils’ health?
The panelists were; Dr. David Amudavi (ED) BvAT, Dr. Edward Karanja – icipe, Dr. Milka Kiboi – FiBL, Ms Rosinah Menya – Pelum Kenya, Prof. Felix Ngetich – Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, Dr. Anne Muriuki – KALRO and Albert Kakande – MEMAGO Agroecology (PGS) Group (Uganda).
In his call to action, Dr. Amudavi noted that; “Transforming agricultural systems is not going to be business as ussual. Inorganic solutions have space in agriculture but they are not sustainable. Integration approach and diversifying our enterprises is the best approach”.
He also called for the integration of organic agriculture into conventional agriculture gradually until OA can take over and conventional agriculture is totally dropped. Increasing support to agroecology, investing in research, adopting the value chain approach, enabling farmers to make money from agroecology and finally adopting a systems approach in promotion of Agroecology were some of the success factors that were indentified by the panelists.
Dr. Milka Kiboi from FiBL took the audience through the long term field trials that FiBL is spearheading and proved that, in the long run, organic agriculture has shown to increase productivity and sustain the environment. An impact that may not be evident at the onset of organic farming.
On the other hand, Dr. Anne Muriuki from KALRO took the audience through hudles that are impeding the adoption of agroecology with a series of partinent concerns and questions; bulky nature of organic inputs and their inaccessibility, infancy of research in organic agriculture in africa yet the sector is knowledge intensive, agroecology is a long-term investment and can farmers wait?and who bares the cost? Among many other issues.
BvAT made its contribution to this great event which saw the African Heads of State and Government endorse the Nairobi Declaration on Fertilizer and Soil Health, demonstrating their commitment to restore the nutritional balance of the continent’s soils. A declaration that could see proliferation of usage of biofertilizers.
Prepared by Hudson Were, edited by Venancia Wambua
March isn’t just any ordinary month—it’s International Women’s Month, a time dedicated to honouring the remarkable contributions of women in every sphere of life. It’s a time to reflect on the achievements by women, acknowledge their struggles, and amplify their voices.
This March 2024, Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Western Africa (KHWA) spearheaded in partnership with the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Eastern Africa (KHEA) in Celebrating International Women’s role in the Organic Agriculture sector through a series of webinars.
It has been an exciting to embark on a journey that celebrates the strength, resilience, and achievements of women worldwide.
The month kickstarted with captivating webinar series on 8th, 12th and 20th March 2024 that shined a spotlight on the incredible women leading the way in organic agriculture from West Africa to East Africa. From the Eastern region, KHEA had 3 women selected with support from the Country Implementing Partners from Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, to be part of these webinar series and these include; Dr Sarah Olembo an AWOLA Mentor from Kenya, Ms. Nakidde Lynette a Founder & CEO of Bio-Fertilizer Centre for Youth Empowerment and an AWOLA Mentee from Uganda and Ms. Valentine MUSABE the CEO, and Founder of Valma Farm Ltd from Rwanda.
With attendance of participants from the African continent, these women not only made a difference but also inspired change and innovation in sustainable agriculture practices through the different success stories each of them shared with the audience.
These webinar sessions are an opportunity to gain valuable insights into organic agriculture, learn about sustainable farming methods, and celebrate the indomitable spirit of women in the field.
Prepared by Pamella Magino
From 13 to 16 February 2024, the international organic food and natural and organic cosmetics community met in Nuremberg Germany for the BIOFACH and VIVANESS 2024. Among these were the KCOA-KHEA Project team from Uganda-PELUM Uganda, Kenya-Biovision Africa Trust & PELUM Kenya, Tanzania-TOAM, Rwanda-ROAM and Madagascar-GSDM&SYMABIO and the funding partner GIZ.
Around 35,000 trade visitors from 128 countries attended the world’s leading Trade Fair for organic food and the International Trade Fair for Natural and Organic Personal Care.
Under the Biofach 2024 theme which was: “Food for the future: Women’s impact on sustainable food systems,” the KHEA Country Implementing Partners and Project team were inspired by the diverse range of products and services offered by a total of 2,550 exhibitors from 94 countries. In addition to the products, the focus was primarily on the numerous dialogue formats.
The opening ceremony was composed of many speakers and international icons, and ministerial delegates including ministers of agriculture form Uganda and Madagascar. The opening ceremony that marked the opening the BIOFACH and VIVANESS 2024. was officiated by the Germany Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, who has led the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture since December 2021.
Converging together and dialoguing is essential, especially in turbulent times and this was very evident. KHEA participants discussed and interacted in the exhibition halls, at the congress and in other dialogue formats and they were able to play an active role for example in the different side sessions such as; a Side session on Sowing Seeds of Change: In conversation with female leaders in the organic agri- business field organised by IFOAM – Organics International, Side session on Global market overview where Dr. David Amudavi the ED, Biovision Africa Trust and KHEA Project Coordinator presented among other presenters across the world, and another side session on the Landscape of Agroecology and Ecological Organic Agriculture in Africa that had Dr. David Amudavi -Executive Director of Biovision Africa Trust and KHEA Project Coordinator as part of the facilitators.
Another key highlight and key Side session dubbed; KCOA Women Change Makers in Africa: Insights & Experiences for Food Transformation was organised by the GIZ team and the IFOAM – Organics International team. In this session, outstanding women across the KCOA Hubs shared insights and success stories on their role in food transformation. This was well attended by all KCOA partners, KCOA hubs, GIZ team, BMZ team and the Uganda State Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries-Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga.
Another key highlight was the KHEA delegation continuity strategy meeting that was presided over by KHEA Project Manager-Francis Nsanga from PELUM Uganda and Biovision Africa Trust. In this session, he shared the key strategies under the 4 focus areas of the project to be implemented for Phase 3 of the KCOA Project in the Eastern Africa Region. In attendance was the GIZ team, KHEA Project team, KHEA Country Implementing Partners and the EOA-I project team.
This was the second time the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Eastern Africa participated in the Biofach, the last being 2022.
Prepared by Ms. Venancia Wambua, EOA Senior Project Manager
The 5th African Organic Conference is currently ongoing in Kigali Rwanda under the auspices of the African Organic Network (AfrONet) and being hosted by Rwanda Organic Agriculture Movement (ROAM) a Country Implementing Partner in Rwanda under the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Eastern Africa (KHEA). ROAM is a partner to Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) in Kenya which is the lead coordinating agency with a Co-Hosting arrangement with PELUM Uganda on the KCOA-KHEA Project.
AfrONet is the umbrella body of organic agriculture actors in Africa representing the National and Regional Organic Agriculture Movements (NOAMs/ROAMs). While ROAM is the National Umbrella Organization for producers, farmers, processors, exporters, and importers involved in organic agriculture with over 5000 members.
The conference running from December 12 -15 2023 is being held at Marriott Hotel, Kigali Rwanda under the theme, “Strengthening Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems in Africa through Organic Agriculture.”
The four-day event has brought together key stakeholders in the agroecology space in Africa under the leadership of the African Union Commission through the Division of Rural Economy which chairs the EOA Initiative on the continent to discuss organic agriculture developments, progress, and challenges encountered in Africa since the last AOC held in Sally, Senegal but also to share information about the benefits of organic agriculture and its contribution to the economy, human health, soil health, climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience building.
The Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Eastern Africa (KHEA) with Partner Multipliers, Master Trainers and Project Team from Kenya-PELUM Kenya, Uganda-PELUM Uganda, Rwanda-Rwanda Organic Agriculture Movement (ROAM), Tanzania-Tanzania Organic Agriculture Movement (TOAM), and Madagascar-GSDM&SYMABIO are in attendance showcasing different agroecological practices, indigenous and traditional food, agro-inputs and seeds from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Madagascar, their preservation, preparation, innovation/ value addition and consumption. Through the conference, they are creating awareness on the value of OA practices in transforming the food systems and strengthening the resilience capacity of smallholder farming communities to climate change-related stresses.
The conference will exploit ways of strengthening Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems in Africa through Organic Agriculture and share experiences from across the continent.
The conference will exploit ways of strengthening Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems in Africa through Organic Agriculture and share experiences from across the continent
Prepared by Hudson Were
KCOA-KHEA Spreads its wings to Madagascar.
BvAT delegation of the Executive Director Dr. David Amudavi, Mr. Alex Mutungi of EOA Continental Secretariat and Ms. Venancia Wambua, EOA-I Project Manager was in Addis Ababa Ethiopia to sign a Memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) and the Africa Union Commission (AUC).
The MOU officially formalizes the collaboration between the two organizations in managing and hosting of the EOA Initiative Continental Secretariat.
The signing ceremony took place at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, 20th July 2022 and was officiated by Amb. Josefa Sacko, the Commissioner for DREA .
The move comes after 10 years of BvAT coordinating the implementation of the EOA Initiative in the continent. The initiative has been implemented in Africa since 2012 from initial six countries to the current nine that includes Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania in eastern Africa and Nigeria, Mali, Benin, and Senegal in the west Africa. The initiative strives to mainstream Ecological Organic Agriculture into national agricultural production systems, plans and policies which is in line with the African Union Heads of State and Government decision on organic farming EX.CL/631(XVIII).
The MoU is a formal mechanism of fostering strategic partnerships and alliances with BvAT as well as a gesture of commitment to mutual accountability to shared goals and interests towards the realization of aspirations of AU Agenda 2063 on inclusive growth and sustainable development. Hence, the MOU is a recognition of the catalytic, complementary, and empowering role that BvAT will continue to play in the implementation of 2014 Malabo Declaration through the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) framework for action on Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation for Shared Prosperity and Improved Livelihoods and other related programmes.
In her remarks during the signing ceremony, H.E Amb. Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for DARBE applauded Biovision Africa Trust for sspearheading the implementation of the Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA) initiative, which she said has a special niche in the production of healthy foods for the people and for protecting the environment. She further called for more advocacy on the promotion of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides that should result to industrial-scale production to enable the shift away from conventional fertilizers and pesticides.
Dr. David Amudavi, representing Biovision Africa Trust, expressed his gratitude and commitment that BvAT shall implement its functions in the MoU that include hosting of the EOA Initiative Continental Secretariat and ensuring its functioning. BvAT is currently the host to the Continental Secretariat of the AU led EOA Initiative which provides guidance and oversight on the implementation and reporting of EOA in Africa as guided by the AU Decision on organic farming (Doc. EX.CL/631 (XVIII) through its AU chaired Continental Steering Committee (CSC). BvAT was endorsed by the AU to strengthen existing cooperation and collaboration of the parties in the implementation of decisions of the STC on ARDWE in Ecological Organic Agriculture in Africa and to spear head awareness of the EOA initiative in Africa among African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and other AU organs.
Mr Alex Mutungi, the EOA Initiative Continental Secretariat Coordinator briefed the Commissioner on the recent developments within the EOA sub sector noting that the Secretariat is undertaking a pilot study of EOA indicators in the five political regions of Africa for possible inclusion in the CAADP BR reporting framework. He further noted that a Farmer Managed Seed Systems (FMSS) cluster had been established within the AU led African Seed and Biotechnology Partnership Platform (ASBPP) to champion for farmer seeds.
While concluding the ceremony, H.E Amb. Josefa Sacko retaliated the commitment of DARBE to working closely with Biovision Africa Trust to ensure resilience in Africa’s agriculture sector to respond adequately to various shocks on African Food Systems. “We need to align our work to the African Common Position that was presented at the UN Food System Summit in 2021 and to the existing African Union Agriculture transformation frameworks such as the CAADP, for us to be able to achieve agriculture transformation and growth for shared prosperity and improved livelihoods for our people.” she stated.
Prepared by Pamella Magino
