KHEA Phase III Capacity Strengthening Workshop Lays a Strong Foundation for Enhanced Regional Impact

Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT), the lead coordinating agency of the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Eastern Africa (KHEA), successfully convened a Capacity Strengthening and Phase III Launch Workshop from 1^st December to 2nd December 2025 at Gelian Hotel, Machakos in Kenya. The workshop brought together 24 participants from the implementing partners from Kenya- PELUM Kenya, Uganda- PELUM Uganda, Tanzania-TOAM, Rwanda-ROAM, and Madagascar-GSDM and SYMABIO to strengthen regional collaboration, sharpen implementation strategies, and build a collective understanding of the KHEA Phase III agenda.

The initiative continues to be funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through GIZ, whose support has sustained the Eastern Africa Hub and other Hubs in West, North, Central, and Southern Africa, since 2019 to date, enabling the growth of a continental network advancing organic agriculture and agroecology.

The workshop was officially opened by Dr. David Amudavi, Executive Director of Biovision Africa Trust, who emphasized the importance of shared learning and strengthened coordination.

“As we enter Phase III, our focus is on deepening the quality of our interventions and strengthening the systems that deliver impact. Collaboration remains our cornerstone, and together we will continue translating agroecological knowledge into meaningful change for farming communities.” — Dr. David Amudavi, Executive Director, BvAT

Workshop Purpose and Focus Areas

The workshop aimed to build a unified and results-oriented approach for KHEA Phase III based on lessons and good practices from the earlier project phases. Core discussions focused on refining planning tools, improving coordination mechanisms, and reinforcing financial, administrative, and reporting capacities across implementing partners.

The key objectives were to:

1. Review achievements and lessons from KCOA–KHEA Phase II and integrate them into Phase III implementation.
2. Establish shared understanding of Phase III priorities, expected results, and delivery strategies.
3. Validate coordination and implementation workplans with clear responsibilities and synergies.
4. Strengthen understanding of financial management, procurement, compliance, and audit processes.
5. Build clarity on the KCOA–KHEA Results Matrix and the roles of all Country Implementing Partners (CIPs).
6. Officially launch the implementation of KCOA–KHEA Phase III.

Building on Good Practices and Strengthening Delivery

A major focus of the workshop was reviewing good practices (GPs) identified from previous phases, including farmer-centered learning models, documentation of agroecological practices, visibility and communication tools, and cross-country collaboration. Partners discussed how these practices could be scaled, strengthened, and better integrated into KHEA Phase III implementation.

Venancia Wambua, Head of Programs for KCOA–KHEA and EOAI at BvAT, highlighted the importance of strong systems and shared commitment:

“KHEA Phase III gives us the opportunity to consolidate what has worked well, refine what needs improvement, and deliver with greater coherence. Our collective strength lies in our coordination, transparency, and shared resolve to elevate agroecology across Eastern Africa.” — Venancia Wambua, Head of Programs, BvAT

From the project implementation side, Francis Nsanga, KHEA Project Manager, emphasized cross-country synergies and collaborative planning:

“This workshop has strengthened our alignment as regional partners. The conversations around workplans, coordination, and reporting are crucial as we work toward more harmonized and impactful delivery in Phase III.” — Francis Nsanga, KHEA Project Manager, BvAT and PELUM Uganda

Voices From Across the Region

Partners from Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Madagascar shared their reflections, underscoring the value of regional cooperation:

• “For us in Madagascar, KHEA Phase III represents a moment to scale innovations that have already shown significant promise. The regional platform allows us to learn from each other and strengthen agroecological action at home.” —Tovohery Ramahaimandimbisoa GSDM and SYMABIO KHEA Project Officer, Madagascar
• “The collaboration across countries enriches our approaches and ensures that farmers benefit from the best regional practices. This phase is an opportunity to deepen that shared learning and expand our reach.” — Lise Dusabe Chantal – ROAM CEO in
• “KHEA Phase III provides us with an opportunity to strengthen what has already worked in promoting agroecology. Learning from other countries and sharing our experiences ensures that smallholder farmers in Tanzania can access practical solutions that improve productivity and sustainability.”- Bakari Mongo – CEO of TOAM in Tanzania.
• “This workshop has reinforced the importance of coordination and joint planning. By harmonizing strategies and sharing good practices, we are better positioned to deliver meaningful impact for farmers across the region.”- Ratemo Moraa- KHEA Project Officer under PELUM Kenya
• “The discussions during this workshop have been invaluable. They allow us to reflect on past achievements, address challenges, and ensure that our workplans for Phase III are aligned and results-focused. Together, we are stronger.”- Jude Ssebulibe the Head of Programs from PELUM Uganda

A Unified Start to the Next Phase

Caption; KHEA Project Team guides Partners on the Phase 3 workplans

By the close of the workshop, partners reaffirmed their commitment to a more aligned, efficient, and impactful implementation approach under KHEA Phase III. With clear workplans, strengthened systems, and continued donor support from BMZ through GIZ, the project enters the new phase on a solid foundation.

The strong collaboration demonstrated at the workshop reflects a shared vision for advancing agroecological transformation across Eastern Africa—empowering farmers, strengthening food systems, and deepening regional cooperation.

By Magino Pamella – KHEA Communications Officer – PELUM Uganda and Bio vision Africa Trust