Symposium Theme: Sustainable Future: Advancing Agroecology for Food Sovereignty and Climate Resilience

2nd National Agroecology Symposium, Nairobi

The Organizing Committee of the National Agroecology Symposium would like to invite participants to the 2nd National Agroecology Symposium to be held from 10th to 11th July 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. The invitation is extended to the public/ individuals, students, private sector, media, researchers, farmers, organizations, networks and all stakeholders to register for participation.

The National Agroecology Symposium aims to catalyze a transformative dialogue toward a sustainable food system transition in Kenya. By promoting partnerships, sharing knowledge, and engaging stakeholders, the symposium will serve as a platform to promote agroecology as a key strategy for food and nutrition security, food sovereignty, environmental sustainability and climate resilience. This comes at an important time when Kenya has launched its National Agroecology Strategy for Food Systems Transformation.

The symposium will be held in Nairobi, Kenya from 10th to 11th July 2025 and will include exhibitions, plenary and breakout sessions . The symposium will be a hybrid event comprising in-person attendance and livestreaming for online participants.

Building on the success and lessons learnt during the 1st National Agroecology Symposium held on 6th and 7th November 2024 and the recently launched National Agroecology Strategy (2024–2033), this second symposium provides a timely platform to:

  • Assess progress in mainstreaming agroecology since the first symposium;
  • Showcase innovations and success stories;
  • And tackle key challenges, especially around policy implementation, marketing of agroecological products, land tenure, inclusivity,investment and financing for agroecological transformation.

The symposium will spotlight the lived realities of grassroots actors, who are pioneering agroecological transitions under often difficult and uncertain conditions. Their voices will be central to shaping the future of a more just, resilient, and sustainable food system in Kenya.

OVERALL GOAL

The symposium seeks to position agroecology at the center of Kenya’s agricultural and food systems transformation. The 2nd National Agroecology Symposium aims to catalyze transformative dialogue and action towards a sustainable and helathy food systems transition in Kenya through inclusive multi-stakeholder engagement, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

The symposium seeks to accelerate agroecology as a key pathway for achieving food and nutrition security, climate resilience, soil health, and environmental sustainability in Kenya’s agricultural sector. The specific objectives are to:

  1. Facilitate knowledge sharing among policymakers, Researchers, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and farmers on successful agroecological practices and innovations.
  2. Engage policymakers and leaders in dialogues to integrate agroecological principles into national and county-level agricultural policies, strategies, and  Plans.
  3. Showcase agroecological technologies, innovations, and models to foster learning and adoption.

Expected Results

  • Actionable Policy Recommendations: Development of evidence-based policy briefs to implementation of the NAS-FST 2024-2033; mainstreaming of agroecology into national and county agriculture and food system policies, strategies and plans.
  • Knowledge Dissemination: Publication of symposium proceedings, case studies, research outputs and best practices to promote wider learning and adoption of agroecological approaches.
  • Partnership and Investment: Strengthening networks among practitioners, policymakers, development partners, and market actors to enhance collaboration on agroecology value chains development, including input access, market access, and capacity

Target Participants

  • National and County Government
  • Farmers and Farmer Organizations
  • Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Indigenous Groups
  • Civil Society Organizations
  • Development Partners
  • Researchers and Academia ,
  • Private Sector and Social Enterprises in Agroecology
  • Youth and Women’s Networks
  • Financial Institutions and Investors
  • Media and Digital Innovators

PROPOSED KEY THEMES

  1. Policy, Governance, and Science Nexus
    Opportunities and challenges in shaping a supportive policy environment for agroecology.

Following the launch of the National Agroecology Strategy for Food System Transformation (NAS-FST), 2024-2033. There is a need to accelerate the implementation at both the national and county level;

This theme explores the critical intersection of policy, governance, and science in enabling agroecological transitions. Discussions will focus on the development, domestication and implementation of agroecology policies at both the national and county levels.

Emphasis will be placed on leveraging robust scientific research and indigenous knowledge to inform policy processes, establish financing mechanisms, and design incentive structures that promote agroecological adoption. The theme will also examine gaps in institutional coordination, regulatory frameworks, and political will, while highlighting counties’ successful case studies that demonstrate effective policy integration and implementation.

  1. Agroecological Practices for Climate Resilience, soil Health and Nutrition Security
    Scaling agroecology practices to build resilience and improve food and nutrition outcomes.

This theme will showcase proven agroecological practices that enhance resilience to climate shocks, restore ecosystems, and improve productivity. It includes focus areas such as:

  • Soil health and fertility management
  • Sustainable water use and conservation
  • Biodiversity protection and restoration
  • Integrated pest and disease management
  • Circular bioeconomy and sustainable bio-inputs
  • Integration of modern science and indigenous knowledge systems

In addition, this theme will delve into the role of agroecology in advancing nutrition security, by promoting diversified farming systems that produce nutrient-dense, locally adapted crops. The conversations will highlight how agroecology can contribute to healthier and safe diets, reduce dependency on ultra-processed foods, and strengthen community food systems.

  1. Finance, Investment, and Markets for Agroecology Transition
    Unlocking resources and market systems to accelerate agroecological transformation.

This theme addresses the financial and market barriers limiting the expansion of agroecological farming. It will focus on:

  • Strengthening and formalizing markets for agroecological produce
  • Developing inclusive, local, and territorial markets
  • Enhancing value chains and certification systems for agroecological products
  • Expanding access to bio-inputs and agroecological tools
  • Mobilizing public and private investments
  • Exploring innovative financing strategies, including blended finance, impact investment, and climate finance mechanisms
  • Enhancing economic transformation for agroecological products

Stakeholders will discuss how to create enabling environments that reward ecological stewardship while ensuring market access for smallholder producers.

  1. Inclusion, Social Equity, and Land Tenure
    Ensuring equitable access and participation in agroecological transitions.

This thematic area underscores the socio-political dimensions of agroecology, recognizing that systemic change must be rooted in equity and inclusion.

Agroecology thrives in systems that prioritize social justice and inclusive participation. This theme will focus on:

  • The empowerment of women and youth as innovators, and entrepreneurs in agroecology
  • Strategies to mainstream gender equity and intergenerational knowledge transfer
  • Secure and equitable land tenure, especially for marginalized groups including women, youth, and People With Disabilities
  • Policies and governance structures that uphold land rights and support long-term investment in agroecological systems
  1. Digital Innovation for Agroecology
    Harnessing digital technologies to accelerate agroecology knowledge sharing and innovation.

Digital innovation offers a powerful pathway to enhance outreach, improve learning, and build adaptive capacity across agroecological systems

This theme explores how leveraging on digital tools and platforms can be used to support and scale agroecology. Key areas of focus include:

  • Real-time data collection and analysis for evidence based decision-making
  • Digital extension services and knowledge sharing platforms
  • Monitoring and evaluation of agroecological indicators
  • Use of mobile and ICT solutions for connecting farmers to markets, climate information , and advisory services.

Expected Results

  1. Policy Recommendations:
    Develop actionable policy recommendations for integrating agroecology into national and county-level agricultural policies.
  1. Knowledge Dissemination:
    Publish symposium proceedings and best practices to accelerate the adoption of agroecological practices across the country.
  1. Partnership Opportunities:
    Establish networks and collaborations among stakeholders, including government, private sector, CSOs, and international partners.

Target Groups

The symposium will bring together over 300 participants and 50 exhibitors from various regions of the Country. Specifically, the participants will include:

  • Policy makers and governments, representatives from both County and National governments.
  • Organizations and initiatives working towards food systems transformation.
  • Farmers and Farmer Organizations
  • Civil Society Organizations including consumer associations
  • Private sector
  • Strategic partners and donor agencies
  • Academia and research institutions
  • Students
  • Media

  • Scroll to …