The 2nd Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference opened yesterday in Nairobi with renewed urgency and shared vision: to transform the region’s food systems through agroecology. Drawing hundreds of delegates from across Africa and beyond, the opening ceremony set the tone for a week of rich dialogue, policy deliberations, and showcasing of agroecological innovations.

Convened under the theme “Strengthening Agri-Food System Transformation for Resilience, Sustainability and Socioeconomic Development,” the conference brings together government officials, researchers, development partners, farmers, youth, and private sector actors committed to regenerative agriculture.

Dr. David Amudavi, Executive Director of Biovision Africa Trust—the convening organization—welcomed participants by reflecting on the success of the inaugural 2023 conference and the urgent need to act amid worsening food insecurity, climate change, and degraded ecosystems.

“Agroecology offers a science-based and community-centered pathway for rebuilding our food and farming systems; emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, indigenous knowledge, and equitable value chains,” he said.

Dr. Amudavi emphasized the paradox of increasing fertilizer use alongside declining soil productivity and showcased local solutions such as composting, biofertilizers, and vermiculture. He called for investments to move agroecology from the margins to the mainstream.

Representing the Cabinet Secretary of Agriculture, Dr. Christopher Wanga underscored Kenya’s commitment to agroecology through its National Agroecology Strategy (2024–2033). He stressed the importance of interlinking policies and urged mainstreaming agroecology across counties, farms, and enterprises.

“Let us not forget the five areas of focus: increasing biodiversity, ensuring animal health, protecting the ground, saving natural resources, and conserving our environment,” Dr. Wanga said.

He also linked Kenya’s policy direction with continental strategies such as the AU’s Kampala Declaration and the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit’s Nairobi Declaration—both recognizing agroecology as a critical pathway.

Dr. Petra Jacobi, delivering remarks on behalf of GIZ Country Director Mr. Bodo Immink, praised Kenya for its thought leadership in agroecology and highlighted the participatory development of the national strategy. She emphasized empowering farmers as change agents, sharing that agroecological innovations had increased incomes by 35% among over 100,000 households.

From Uganda, Hon. Fred Bwino, State Minister for Agriculture, expressed pride in Uganda’s progress in institutionalizing agroecology as a science, a practice, and a movement.

“Governments must provide enabling frameworks, commit funding, and raise awareness,” he stated. “Only then can agroecology transform food systems in a sustainable way.”

Renowned agroecology champion Dr. Hans Herren delivered a powerful address focused on the political and structural roots of food insecurity. He challenged the audience to rethink the overemphasis on technological fixes and instead address systemic issues such as inequity, land access, and monopolization of food systems.

“Technology alone cannot fix hunger. Political will, structural reforms, and a truly just food system are what we need,” he declared.

He criticized the push for a new “green revolution,” arguing that agroecology represents the only holistic and sustainable path forward.

The opening ceremony concluded with a shared call to action: to invest in agroecology, support farmer-led innovation, align policies, and scale what works. As Dr. Amudavi put it, “This conference is not just a meeting—it is a movement.”

As deliberations continue, the spotlight remains on building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food future for Eastern Africa and beyond.

Prepared by Simon Njoroge

With the countdown to the 2nd Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference underway, a press briefing in Nairobi today set the stage for a pivotal conversation on the future of agriculture in the region. The gathering brought together key stakeholders, from government officials to researchers and farmers, all united by a shared commitment to agricultural sustainability and the media to create awareness about the issues the conference will be addressing.

The most impassioned speech of the day came from Dr. David Amudavi, Executive Director of Biovision Africa Trust. He pulled no punches in underscoring concerns about the region’s deepening food insecurity and soil degradation.

“Our region continues to face serious agricultural and food security challenges. Despite widespread reliance on chemical fertilizers, soil health continues to deteriorate limiting returns to investment. We must ask ourselves: How can we ensure every household has food on the table? Food is a fundamental right to be neglected!” he declared.

Dr. Amudavi pointed to the vulnerability of Kenya’s food systems, heavily reliant on imported chemical fertilizers. He emphasized the need to champion homegrown solutions to address geopolitical challenges that limit timely access by farmers to chemical inputs.

“The disruptions in global supply chains have shown us that dependency on chemical fertilizers is a ticking time bomb. This conference will highlight locally produced solutions including biofertilizers that can be promoted at scale, reinforcing the ‘Buy Kenya, Build Kenya’ initiative,” he said.

Dr. Amudavi painted a picture of landscapes once green and thriving, now turned barren due to unsustainable farming practices. “The unpredictable weather is no longer just a forecast; it’s a daily reality for our farmers,” he said, emphasizing agroecology as a viable solution to restore soil fertility, improve yields, and protect the environment.

He noted that according to global statistics for the year 2023 more than 3.4 million hectares of farmland were organic in Africa. This is over 2.8 percent of the world’s organic farmland was in Africa. Closer home, Kenya is among the top ten Africa countries with organic agricultural land being over 173,000 hectares and among the top ten countries with highest organic producers with over 63,000 certified organic producers.

Farmers from various counties such as Makueni, Kitui, Kisii, Bungoma, and Nyandarua will share firsthand experiences of how agroecology has transformed their farming practices. “These are real success stories, farmers using organic manure, reducing dependency on chemicals, diversifying their crops, and, most importantly, reclaiming their land’s productivity,” he added.

Dr. David Kamau, KALRO’s Director-Natural Resource Management, painted a sobering picture of Kenya’s food security challenges, yet he remained hopeful about the solutions agroecology presents. He outlined three key strategies under the Presidential Economic Transformation-Agriculture Pillar:

• Strengthening food-secure value chains.
• Increasing export value chains to stabilize the Kenyan shilling.
• Reducing reliance on import-dependent value chains.

“It takes approximately 700 years for a centimeter of soil to form in the tropical region,” he warned, calling for immediate conservation efforts. Dr. Kamau lauded the Agricultural Soil Management Policy and the National Agroecology Strategy for Food System Transformation, asserting that these initiatives will anchor Kenya’s transition to sustainable food systems.

For Ms. Venancia Wambua, Head of Programmes at BvAT and one of the event’s lead organizers, the conference is more than a meeting; it is a movement. She underscored that discussions will be evidence-based, drawing on research and farmer experiences.

“We cannot speak of sustainability without prioritizing investment in research and innovation. Women and youth, as the backbone of our farming communities, must be at the heart of this transformation,” she urged.

The conference will also shine a spotlight on the market ecosystem; helping farmers access financial opportunities, explore value addition, and connect with new markets. But beyond economics, Dr. Amudavi stressed the need for robust policy support.

“If we align our strategies with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, we will unlock real change for small-scale farmers,” he noted.

With the conference just days away, anticipation is building for what could be a defining moment in Eastern Africa’s agricultural landscape. Dr. Amudavi’s closing words left no doubt about the urgency of the moment:

“Let us seize this opportunity to advance sustainable farming, promote agroecology, and ensure a food-secure future for all Kenyans. The time for change is now!”

The 2nd Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference is not just another event; it is a turning point. The decisions made and ideas shared in the coming days will shape the future of agriculture across the region, ensuring resilience, sustainability, and food security for generations to come.

Prepared by Simon Njoroge

Dr. David Amudavi, Executive Director of Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT), was among the distinguished participants at the Global Research & Innovation Conference themed ‘Boosting Agrifood Research and Innovation Cooperation for Impact at Scale,’ held from March 11-13 in Brussels. Invited by EU DeSIRA Lift, Dr. Amudavi contributed to high-level discussions aimed at strengthening agrifood research and innovation cooperation worldwide. The conference fostered vibrant exchanges of experiences and lessons learned, where global stakeholders engaged in participatory processes to shape future interventions.

During a High-Level Panel discussion aimed at inspiring EU policies, funders, and development partners on enhancing the impact of Research and Innovations (R&I) programs, Dr. Amudavi underscored the importance of strong, multi-actor research platforms. He emphasized that such platforms must be functional and responsive to their purpose, guided by clear values, well-defined performance frameworks, structured facilitation, and a clear delineation of actor roles. Furthermore, he highlighted the role of these platforms as powerful tools for policy influence and integration.

Dr. Amudavi also stressed the need for high-value innovations within value chains, which require commitment, accountability, and effective communication. He pointed out that these innovations should cater to diverse stakeholders, including producers, extension officers, policymakers, funding institutions, and development agencies, ensuring that research outcomes translate into tangible impact at scale.

As a regional leader and Secretariat to the African Union’s Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative (EOA-I) and related agroecological for sustainable agriculture programmes, Biovision Africa Trust plays a central role in coordinating multi-stakeholder platforms that facilitate research, policy advocacy, and innovation scaling in agroecology and sustainable agriculture. Dr. Amudavi showcased how BvAT, through its extensive network, fosters collaboration among partners to share research results, inform policies, and develop instruments that support agroecological transitions from knowledge production to large-scale adoption.

One of the key multi-stakeholder platforms BvAT organizes is the biennial Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference. Dr. Amudavi took the opportunity to inform participants about the upcoming Second Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference, set to take place in Nairobi from March 25-28, 2025. This conference will bring together diverse actors to deliberate on advancing agroecology and strengthening innovation ecosystems across the region.

The conference in Brussels attracted 150 participants, including representatives from the European Commission, policymakers from EU Member States (such as BMA and CIRAD), international research centers (e.g., CGIAR and icipe), universities, regional research and education networks (e.g., The European Alliance for Agricultural Knowledge Development Agrinatura, FARA, RUFORUM), civil society organizations, and farmer organizations like the Pan-African Farmers Organization (PAFO) among others.

Dr. Thomas Dubois, Head of Plant Health at icipe, presented insights on the EU-supported Regional Multi-Actor Research Network for Agroecology in East Africa (RMRN-EA) project. This initiative aims to drive the transition towards sustainable agri-food systems in sub-Saharan Africa through agroecology-based principles and practices. BvAT is a key partner in this project, contributing significantly to policy advocacy on agroecology in East Africa.

Dr. Leonard Mizzi, Head of Unit for Sustainable Agri-Food Systems and Fisheries at the European Commission (DG INTPA), emphasized the critical need for funding Research and Innovations that demonstrate tangible value and accountability to taxpayers. His remarks aligned with Dr. Amudavi’s perspective that stakeholders in the research and innovation ecosystem must ensure value for investments, translating funding into measurable outcomes that benefit agricultural communities and ecosystems.

Dr. Amudavi’s participation in the conference reaffirmed BvAT’s pivotal role in advancing agroecological research, innovation, and policy advocacy in Africa. By fostering multi-stakeholder collaborations, organizing impactful conferences, and contributing to research networks such as RMRN-EA, BvAT continues to champion the transformation of agri-food systems towards sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity.

Biovision Foundation, based in Switzerland, and Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT), headquartered in Kenya, share a common vision of healthy people living in healthy planet by promoting sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and food security interventions. Though established as independent entities, the two organizations have collaborated closely over the years, leveraging their complementary strengths to address global challenges in agroecology and sustainable development. Biovision Foundation provides strategic insights and resources, while BvAT is uniquely positioned on the ground to conceptualize and implement impactful projects that directly benefit farmers and communities across Africa.

In a pivotal moment for the partnership between Biovision Foundation and Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT), the new CEO of Biovision Foundation, Mr. Anders Gautschi, accompanied by the outgoing Co-Head of the International Partnerships Department, Ms Loredana Sorg, visited BvAT on a mission to familiarize with the sister organization and deepen collaboration. The visit, hosted in Nairobi on13^th Jan 2025, by BvAT’s Executive Director, Dr. David Amudavi and several BvAT senior staff, brought both teams together to reflect on the founder’s vision for the two organizations and the journey walked so far, acknowledge strengths and challenges, and renew their commitment to advancing the vision of their founder, Dr. Hans Rudolf Herren.

Dr. Amudavi expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Hans Herren for his visionary leadership and reiterated that the two organizations are intrinsically connected and play complementary and indispensable roles in achieving sustainability and food security. “Our efforts align perfectly, with Biovision Foundation providing strategic insights and BvAT being strategically positioned on the ground to conceptualize interventions and work directly with farmers,” said Dr. Amudavi. “My clarion call to everyone in Biovision Foundation is simple: Let us see how we can continue working together and with transparency. If challenges arise, let us resolve them genuinely, amicably and productively,” he emphasized. This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Gautschi, who highlighted the importance of seamless integration between the two organizations under the new administrative changes at Biovision Foundation.

Using a powerful metaphor, Dr. Amudavi likened the relationship between Biovision Foundation and BvAT to a human umbilical cord, symbolizing their deep-rooted connection and shared purpose. He emphasized that “BvAT is uniquely positioned to implement sustainable agriculture projects and make a tangible impact with farmers on the ground.”

Expanding on the metaphor, Mr. Gautschi described the relationship as that of siblings. “We are siblings,” he said, “with complementary and comparative advantages. This is an advantage because our goals are identical, creating a more intimate relationship than others might have. The relationship has to continue. We also need to rethink how to fulfill the vision, considering it has been almost 15 years since its inception, but without changing the vision itself.” He emphasized that the focus should be on agreeing on any areas that need remodeling, reshaping and approaching them effectively.

Both leaders reaffirmed that Biovision Foundation and BvAT share identical goals and should continually strive to strengthen their partnership. Dr. Amudavi and Mr. Gautschi both acknowledged the importance of aligning with the founding vision while adapting to emerging needs. They emphasized the need to not only focus on impactful processes but also create lasting outcomes in the communities they serve. Demonstrating an alliance of two organisations working for a common vision should be quickly noted by all their partners.

A key takeaway from the discussions was the mutual agreement on the need to further develop and improve capacity within BvAT. Both leaders recognized that building capacity is a strategic move to position BvAT as the partner of choice in agroecology and sustainable development. “Partnerships should create practical impact, not just processes,” noted Dr. Amudavi, underlining the need for capacity-building as a priority in future collaborations.

As the visit concluded, the atmosphere was one of optimism and renewed determination. The teams reaffirmed their commitment to working together, leveraging their unique strengths to achieve a shared vision of sustainability, agroecology, and food security. With this renewed partnership, Biovision Foundation and BvAT are poised to not only overcome challenges but also drive meaningful change on the ground.

This visit marks the beginning of a new chapter, one where both organizations are committed to fostering collaboration, addressing challenges constructively, and making a lasting impact. Together, they are stronger, and together, they will thrive in contributing to having healthy people living in a healthy planet.

Prepared by Simon Thangu

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On December 13, 2024, Icipe-Duduville in Kasarani, Nairobi, became the hub for an impactful journalist training workshop organized under the theme “Empowering Journalists to Promote Agroecology through Effective Farmer Content Production and Dissemination.” Spearheaded by Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe), the event marked a significant stride in leveraging media to foster sustainable agricultural practices.

The workshop was conceived as part of the Agroecology Journalism Challenge, an initiative to capacitate farmer-centric journalists to become catalysts for agroecological transformation. Journalists often face logistical and financial barriers that hinder their ability to produce high-quality content on sustainable farming. This challenge seeks to overcome such hurdles by building their expertise in agroecology, storytelling, and multimedia production while facilitating their connection to resource persons and research networks.

Agroecology, a holistic approach integrating ecological, cultural, and socio-economic principles in farming, lies at the heart of sustainable food systems. Key workshop discussions showcased agroecology’s capacity to enhance food security, combat climate change, and preserve biodiversity through methods like recycling resources, enhancing soil health, and fostering biodiversity.

Participants explored groundbreaking solutions such as:

• Push-Pull Technology: A chemical-free innovation combining Desmodium plants and Brachiaria grass to combat pests and weeds while enriching soil.
• Biopesticides and Organic Fertilizers: Eco-friendly alternatives that reduce environmental impact and improve agricultural yields.
• Stingless Bees: A dual-purpose solution for pollination and medicinal honey production, demonstrating agroecology’s economic potential.

In addition to that the journalists received hands-on training on:

• Simplifying complex scientific concepts into relatable content for diverse audiences.
• Using data visualization and storytelling techniques to engage farmers and urban readers alike.
• Employing interactive media to amplify the reach of agroecological narratives.

The workshop facilitated partnerships between journalists, researchers, and policymakers. A curated directory of experts and access to Icipe’s wealth of research materials positioned journalists to create compelling, evidence-based content.

Expected Outcomes

This initiative is poised to:

• Amplify the voices of farmers and agroecology practitioners.
• Elevate public understanding of sustainable agriculture.
• Stimulate dialogue among policymakers to support agroecological policies.
• Enhance the quality and reach of agroecology-themed content.

A Call to Action

As the workshop concluded, journalists left equipped and inspired to meet an ambitious deadline: producing impactful agroecology content within four weeks. By doing so, they will contribute to a ripple effect of awareness, adoption, and advocacy for agroecology across Kenya and beyond.

This milestone underscores BvAT and Icipe’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development, proving that empowering the storytellers of today can transform the agricultural landscapes of tomorrow.

Prepared by James Alunga Photo credits erdley Agona

On 19th December 2024, Chuka University and Biovision Africa Trust signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marking a significant milestone in fostering academic excellence and sustainable agricultural practice. The ceremony held in the Vice Chancellor’s Office, Chuka University, marked the beginning of a formal partnership that will bridge the gap between academia and practical expertise, benefiting students, researchers, and the wider community.

The MoU outlines collaborative initiatives, including capacity building programs for both institutions and internship and attachment opportunities for Chuka University students at Biovision Africa Trust. It also encompasses joint research projects, collective application of research grants, and co-hosting of conferences and seminars to advance knowledge sharing and outreach in agroecology and related fields.

Additionally, the partnership will offer specialized training for lecturers and students, support smallholder farmers in the region, and create backlinks on each institution’s website to enhance online presence and resource sharing.

Present during the ceremony were Dr. David Amudavi, the Executive Director, Biovision Africa Trust (3rd Left), Prof. Henry Mutembei M’iKiugu – the Vice Chancellor (VC), Chuka University (centre), Prof. Gilbert Nduru, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) Academic, Research and Student Affairs (3rd right), Dr. Samwel Chege – Registrar Academic Affairs (far right), Dr. Carolyne Anaye Amukoko, Senior Lecturer – Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental studies (2nd Left), Dr Augustus Nyakundi – Senior. Lecturer, Facility of Humanities and Social Sciences (2nd right) and Mr. Christopher Rwanda-Farmer Communication and Outreach Manager at Biovision Africa Trust (far left).

Dr. David Amudavi and Prof. Mutembei M’iKiugu underscored the need for the two organizations to work on the identified areas of collaboration to benefit the two organizations. They noted that the two institutions should develop an action plan to guide implementation of activities and enhance preparedness in responding to calls for proposals. Dr. Amudavi assured the VC and his team that Biovision Africa Trust will ensure to include Chuka University in future consortia for proposals requiring partnerships with academia. The operationalization of the MOU commences immediately.

Prepared by Christopher Rwanda