KHEA Strengthens Regional Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange at the 3rd National Agroecology Symposium in Kenya

Regional Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange at the 3rd National Agroecology Symposium in Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya,22nd – 23rd July 2026 — The Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Eastern Africa (KHEA) participated in the 3rd National Agroecology Symposium, organised by PELUM Kenya, bringing together farmers, researchers, policymakers, civil society organisations, development partners, and agroecology practitioners to advance conversations on sustainable food systems transformation.

Held under the theme of strengthening collaboration, innovation, and action for agroecology, the symposium provided a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, showcase innovations, and explore pathways for scaling agroecological practices across Kenya and the wider Eastern African region.

KHEA’s participation reflected its commitment to strengthening regional networking and linkages, facilitating knowledge exchange, and connecting actors working to promote organic agriculture and agroecology.

Connecting actors for agroecology advancement

As a regional knowledge hub, KHEA plays a key role in bringing together diverse stakeholders within the agroecology ecosystem, including farmers, multipliers, practitioners, researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners.

The symposium provided an opportunity for KHEA to engage with partners, share knowledge resources, strengthen existing collaborations, and identify opportunities for joint action towards advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

Through these engagements, KHEA continues to support platforms that enable learning between countries, promote farmer-led solutions, innovations, and strengthen linkages between knowledge generation and practical application.

Showcasing knowledge and promoting learning

During the symposium, KHEA Master Trainer, Samuel Ndungu contributed to discussions highlighting the importance of knowledge sharing, evidence-based approaches, and collaboration in accelerating the transition towards resilient food systems.

The event provided valuable insights into emerging innovations, farmer experiences, policy developments, and practical approaches that can support the scaling of agroecology.

These conversations align with KHEA’s mandate of improving access to relevant knowledge, strengthening capacities, and supporting the exchange of experiences among actors across Eastern Africa.

Strengthening partnerships within the agroecology movement

The symposium also reinforced the importance of collaboration among small and medium circular economy entrepreneurs,  farmer networks, government institutions, research organisations, and development partners.

As part of the PELUM network, KHEA’s engagement highlighted the value of collective action in advancing agroecology and strengthening farmer-centred approaches across the region.

By creating spaces for dialogue, learning, and partnership building, events such as the National Agroecology Symposium contribute to a stronger and more connected agroecology movement.

Showcasing AE Innovations

Through the exhibition booths, BvAT through its programs, FCP, KCOA-KHEA, APP and the AE entrepreneurs exhibited agroecological innovative approaches. The organic composter that produces compost as well as compost “tea” was one of the low cost, effective and easy to use technology by both small scale and large-scale famers.    The growing momentum around agroecology demonstrates the importance of working together to address challenges affecting food systems, including climate change, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and the need for sustainable livelihoods.

Through continued networking, knowledge exchange, and partnerships, KHEA remains committed to supporting stakeholders in Eastern Africa to access information, share innovations, and collaborate towards sustainable agricultural transformation.

KHEA invites farmers, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and partners working in agroecology and organic agriculture to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate in strengthening sustainable food systems across the region.

By KHEA Communications Officer – Magino Pamella and KHEA Project Manager – Francis Nsanga