A few years ago, growing anything at Chelaba Primary School seemed almost impossible.

The school is located within a naturally saline landscape that has long been part of a wildlife corridor in Baringo County. For generations, wild animals have visited the area to access natural salt licks found in the soil. While this unique environment supports wildlife, it also presents challenges for growing crops and trees, and for a region already struggling with harsh climatic conditions, the idea of establishing thriving vegetation within the school grounds felt ambitious.

Today, however, something remarkable is taking root.

Rows of indigenous seedlings now stand where bare ground once dominated. Learners carefully water young trees before class. Teachers discuss restoration not only in lessons, but through practice. Community members regularly walk into the school compound looking to purchase seedlings for planting in their homes and farms.

At the centre of this quiet transformation is the Native Plants for Environment and People (Native PEP) project.

The journey began with the establishment of a native tree nursery within the school.

Working closely with teachers, learners, and the surrounding community, the project introduced training on restoration practices and indigenous tree propagation. Soon, the school started nurturing native species that are increasingly disappearing from the landscapes of Baringo County, including acacia trees that have long shaped the region’s ecosystems.

For many learners, it was their first time raising tree seedlings from seed.

But as the nursery grew, so did something else: ownership.

Students began taking pride in the trees they nurtured daily. Teachers embraced the initiative as part of practical environmental learning. The surrounding community started purchasing seedlings directly from the school, not simply because they needed trees, but because they had begun embracing the wider restoration movement.

The impact of the nursery soon extended beyond the school grounds. Inspired by what they were learning, some learners started establishing their own small nurseries at home and sharing their knowledge with parents and other family members. In doing so, they became young ambassadors for restoration within their communities.

Then came an unexpected outcome.

The school realized the nursery could generate income.

Money earned from selling seedlings started helping the school purchase basic learning materials such as books and pens for students. What started as an environmental intervention was now also contributing to educational support for learners.

In many ways, the seedlings became symbols of possibility, proof that restoration could produce both ecological and social value.

Yet another challenge remained beneath the surface.

The school’s saline soils continued limiting plant growth in several areas. Instead of overlooking the problem, the Native PEP project worked with the school to understand and address it directly.

Teachers and students received training on soil amelioration practices aimed at improving soil health and productivity. Gradually, areas that previously struggled to support vegetation began showing signs of recovery.

A school garden was later established, a new space expected to support vegetable production while serving as a living classroom for sustainable land management.

For the learners, the lesson became bigger than farming or trees.

It became a lesson about resilience: that even degraded land can recover with patience, knowledge, and collective action.

Chelaba Primary School is now helping shape a broader vision for Native PEP’s engagement with schools across Kenya and Tanzania.

The project hopes to replicate similar approaches in other learning institutions, while recognizing that every school has unique challenges and opportunities. Some may require restoration support, others water solutions, soil improvement, or environmental awareness programmes.

The guiding principle remains simple: listen first, then respond to the realities on the ground.

At Chelaba Primary School, the journey is only beginning.

Building on the success of the tree nursery, soil improvement efforts, and school garden, the school is planning additional environmental activities in the coming years. These include initiatives to support the restoration and protection of springs, swamps, and canals within the surrounding landscape.

Achieving these ambitions will require continued collaboration and support from partners and well-wishers. Sustained investment will help ensure that the gains already achieved through the Native PEP project are maintained and expanded, allowing more learners, families, and communities to benefit from restoration efforts.

And at Chelaba Primary School, the reality is already visible.

What once looked like lifeless soil is slowly becoming a place of growth, learning, and hope; one seedling at a time.

Article by: Simon Njoroge

Brussels became the stage for a powerful conversation on Africa’s agricultural future during the DeSIRA LIFT+ Spring Co‑design Workshop held on 20–21 April 2026. The gathering brought together African partner organizations, FARA, RUFORUM, and Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT), as well as Agrinatura EEIG, the Directorate‑General for International Partnerships of the European Commission (DG INTPA), and selected experts. The mission objective was to co‑design the operational roadmap and Theory of Change (ToC) for DeSIRA LIFT+, a development facility dedicated to strengthening innovation, evidence, and policy dialogue for agroecological transitions across Africa.

DeSIRA LIFT+ is not about implementing projects directly; it is about connecting the dots as a service hub by fostering dialogue, building partnerships, conducting transversal studies, and ensuring that evidence flows seamlessly into policy arenas. The workshop was a turning point, gradually rotating the wheel from broad ambition to concrete action.

Representing Biovision Africa Trust, Fredrick Ochieng (Ag. Executive Director) and Alex Mutungi (AU EOA Initiative Africa Coordinator) played a vital role in shaping discussions. They emphasized the importance of farmer‑managed seed systems (FMSS) and agroecology as cornerstones of Africa’s food system transformation. BvAT presented its Transdisciplinary Learning Initiative (TDLI) and Digital Knowledge Platform (DKP) as initiatives that align with its objectives for knowledge management and capacity building. Their call was for policies that recognize and protect farmer-managed seed systems, incentivize agroecological practices, and integrate these into national, regional, and continental strategies.

The workshop concluded with a shared roadmap, draft governance structures, and a renewed commitment to evidence‑based policy dialogue. For FARA, RUFORUM, and BvAT, this was more than a technical exercise; it was about ownership and voice, ensuring that continental priorities drive the trajectory of DeSIRA LIFT+ Initiative.

With partners like BvAT at the forefront, the initiative is poised to make agroecological transitions not just a vision but a lived reality across Africa.

Compiled by:

Alex Mutungi

Africa Secretariat Coordinator of the AU EOA Initiative

The Organic Farmer magazine continues to provide practical, field-tested knowledge to help farmers stay resilient in the face of changing climate and market conditions. In this edition, we place strong emphasis on climate preparedness. With increasingly erratic rainfall and extreme weather events, timely decision-making is critical.

Our weather advisory and technical guidance highlight the importance of early planning, appropriate crop and variety selection, and practices such as soil conservation, water management, and fodder planning to reduce risks and optimise production throughout the season. We further explore innovations shaping the future of agriculture, from climate-smart crop varieties to dryland farming techniques and emerging agribusiness opportunities such as avocado farming.

As always, TOF remains committed to translating research into simple, actionable insights equipping you not just to cope with change, but to farm with confidence and resilience.

This year, we introduce a digital version of the TOF newsletter to keep you informed throughout the year.

Click here to access a wide range of practical information on organic farming and markets: https://newsletter.theorganicfarmer.org/

Enjoy the Read!

The Harvest Money Expo remains one of Uganda’s most strategic agricultural platforms bringing together farmers, agribusiness actors, policymakers, researchers, development partners, and consumers organised by New Vision and other partners.

For PELUM Uganda through the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology (KHEA) Project, participation in the 2026 Expo was intentional and impact-driven. Beyond exhibitions, our engagement focused on two critical pillars: policy influence and consumer awareness.

Elevating Agroecology Through Policy Dialogue

While agroecology continues to gain traction at grassroots level, policy environments often lag behind. Smallholder farmers, youth, and women the primary drivers of agroecology are frequently excluded from policy conversations that directly affect them.

To bridge this gap, KHEA along other partners, through support mechanisms under its broader programming, facilitated a Policy Dialogue at the Expo. The dialogue created a structured platform where:

• Agroecological entrepreneurs and multipliers engaged decision-makers
• Participants articulated challenges affecting organic value chains
• Discussions focused on market access, certification, financing, and regulatory frameworks
• Stakeholders explored opportunities for creating more enabling policies

The dialogue was not symbolic, it was practical. It strengthened the confidence of KHEA-trained Multipliers, and other farmers and exhibitors to move beyond technical production and actively participate in shaping the systems that govern their work.

By providing a space for structured engagement, PELUM Uganda through the KCOA-KHEA Project contributed to repositioning agroecology not just as a farming practice, but as a policy priority.

Advancing the “Know What You Eat” Campaign

Consumer awareness is equally critical in transforming food systems. At the Expo, KHEA amplified the “Know What You Eat” campaign, an initiative designed to empower consumers to make informed food choices.

The campaign emphasized:

• Understanding how food is produced
• Promoting safe, chemical free agricultural practices
• Encouraging traceability and transparency in value chains
• Connecting consumers directly to agroecological producers

Through interactive engagements at the Agroecology Village, consumers were encouraged to reflect on the link between food production methods, personal health, and environmental sustainability.

The campaign reinforced a simple but powerful message: food choices influence farming systems. When consumers demand safe and sustainably produced food, markets respond — and agroecology thrives.

Showcasing Knowledge in Action

Participation also provided an opportunity for the PELUM Uganda trained KHEA Multipliers to exhibit agroecological products and innovations. Their presence demonstrated the tangible outcomes of knowledge dissemination, capacity building, and farmer-to-farmer learning.

The Expo platform allowed KHEA to connect knowledge to markets, policy conversations, and consumer engagement completing the agroecology ecosystem cycle.

A Strategic Investment in System Transformation

PELUM Uganda’s participation through the KCOA-KHEA Project in the 2026 Harvest Money Expo was more than visibility, it was a strategic investment in:

• Strengthening policy engagement
• Empowering agroecological entrepreneurs
• Raising consumer awareness
• Expanding market opportunities
• Positioning agroecology within mainstream agricultural discourse

By integrating dialogue, advocacy, and consumer campaigns within one national platform, KHEA advanced its mission of transforming agrifood systems through knowledge-driven, inclusive, and sustainable approaches.

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

The Tanzania Organic Agriculture Movement (TOAM) has just hosted its 4th National Ecological Organic Agriculture Conference (NEOAC) in close collaboration with The Ministry of Agriculture in Tanzania in a dynamic three days event (3–5 March 2026) that brought together farmers, policy actors, researchers, civil society, and agriculture stakeholders to exchange experiences and chart pathways for scaling ecological organic agriculture across Tanzania and the region. The first two days focused on conference sessions, while the third day featured an experiential learning excursion to the Bihawana Farmers Learning Centre, followed by a gala dinner recognizing key actors in the ecological organic agriculture sector and providing networking opportunities for TOAM members.

The conference was streamed live on YouTube, allowing broader participation:

• Day 1 livestream: Youtube Link
• Day 2 livestream: Youtube Link

Showcasing KHEA Multipliers at the Exhibition

A key highlight of the event was the exhibition space made available to the KHEA Multipliers trained on the KCOA Project.

KHEA Multipliers were supported to participate in the conference exhibition, giving them a platform to:

• Showcase farmer‑led innovations, organic practices, and indigenous knowledge products,
• Engage directly with conference participants, policy influencers, and extension officers,
• Strengthen visibility for community‑driven ecological agriculture approaches.
• Network and share experience with other delegates including farmers, researchers,policy makers and other value chain actors.
• Learn from other exhibitors, presenters and side events for discussion new practise and technologies.

This exhibition provided an important opportunity for Multipliers to demonstrate how locally adapted ecological practices contribute to resilient farming systems.

Experiential Learning Visit to Bihawana Farmers Learning Centre

Following the formal sessions, participants joined an excursion to the Bihawana Farmers Learning Centre, a leading hub for practical agroecological learning. The visit offered an immersive experience where attendees:

• Observed organic production systems in action,
• Interacted with experienced farmers implementing ecological practices,
• Deepened understanding of soil health management, biodiversity enhancement, and farmer‑led advisory models.

These hands‑on insights complemented the conference discussions, offering real‑world examples of the principles shared during sessions.

Government Support for Demonstration Plots and Awareness Building

 In addition to the National Ecological Organic Agriculture Strategy  launched in November 2023, the government has allocated land at the Bihawana Farmers Learning Centre for EOA stakeholders. This support will be used to:

• Demonstrate the performance of ecological organic agriculture practices,

• Serve as training sites for farmers, researchers, and extension agents,
• Increase awareness of organic agriculture benefits across farming communities.

“The Government of Tanzania, through the Ministry of Agriculture, recognizes the importance of Ecological Organic Agriculture. I encourage stakeholders to frequently visit our offices so we can further discuss collaboration towards the successful implementation of the National Ecological Organic Agriculture Strategy (NEOAS).”— Hon. David Silinde, Deputy Minister of Agriculture

This government collaboration reinforces commitment to scaling organic agriculture and integrating ecological approaches into mainstream development strategies.

Looking Ahead

 TOAM’s 4th NEOAC underscored the importance of multi‑stakeholder collaboration in driving agricultural transformation. By partnering with KHEA to elevate Multipliers’ voices, facilitating learning excursions, and securing strategic support for demonstration sites, the conference marked a meaningful step toward strengthening organic agriculture uptake.

TOAM looks forward to the implementation of the identified call to action, which highlights the urgent need to address critical challenges facing the ecological organic agriculture sector.

The livestreamed sessions ensured that conversations and insights extended beyond the event venue, enabling wider access for stakeholders across the region.

Together, these efforts advance a shared vision of resilient, ecologically grounded food systems that empower farmers and nurture community well‑being.

About the NEOAC, please visit the site for more information; https://kilimohai.org/

Other pictures

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

Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania; A recent engagement between the Native Plants for Environment and People (Native PEP) Project team and Maasai community leaders in five  villages (Magadini, Kandashi, Mawasiliano, Ashengai and Karansi) in Siha District, Kilimanjaro Region, has reaffirmed strong local ownership of the project and underscored the value of sustained community dialogue in achieving lasting environmental and livelihood outcomes.

The meeting, held with Laigwanans (traditional Maasai leaders) from different wards of West Kilimanjaro, was convened following the destruction of one of the project’s demonstration plots. Rather than undermining progress, the incident provided an important opportunity to surface community concerns, address misinformation, and reinforce collective responsibility for project success.

Discussions revealed that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding among some community members, who believed that land used for demonstration and trial plots had been sold to the project. This created fears of restricted access to grazing areas and potential loss of communal land.

The Native PEP team addressed these concerns directly. Dickson Xavery, the Project Lead in Tanzania, clarified that the project neither owns nor intends to acquire community land. All demonstration plots remain community property and exist solely to support training, experimentation, and knowledge exchange.

This clarification was critical in restoring confidence. Community leaders unanimously acknowledged the explanation and publicly affirmed their acceptance of the project, committing to safeguard all implementation sites going forward.

Community leaders also raised broader structural challenges affecting pastoral livelihoods, particularly the reduction of grazing land amid growing human and livestock populations. Questions were raised about the feasibility of small-scale demonstration plots contributing meaningfully to forage availability.

The project team emphasized that Native PEP’s approach responds precisely to this reality. By promoting improved forage productivity, restoration of native species, and better land management practices, the project demonstrates how limited land can be used more efficiently and sustainably; an increasingly critical innovation in pastoral landscapes.

Native species restoration was highlighted as a key strategy, given their multiple benefits, including improved livestock health, increased milk production, and medicinal value.

Importantly, the meeting demonstrated strong local governance mechanisms that enhance project sustainability. The leaders’ secretary instructed all Laigwanans that any individual found damaging project sites would face sanctions under established community by-laws. This clear stance reinforced collective accountability and positioned community leadership as an active partner in implementation.

Leaders further emphasized that behavioural change, particularly around grazing management, is essential to reversing rangeland degradation. The Native PEP Project’s community-driven model aligns closely with this priority, combining technical innovation with social enforcement mechanisms that donors increasingly recognise as critical for long-term impact.

Dr. Urs Schaffner reiterated that the demonstration plots serve primarily as learning platforms, enabling communities to test, observe, and adapt restoration practices before replicating them more widely. Lessons from Mawasiliano and neighboring villages are already informing discussions on scaling the approach across the wider landscape.

Community leaders expressed strong interest in continued training, particularly on managing invasive species. The project team confirmed that ongoing research is generating practical solutions, which will continue to be shared through structured trainings.

To support adoption at household level, the project will continue providing native seeds to community members establishing forage plots on private land. Complementary rangeland restoration practices will focus on facilitating natural regeneration rather than direct planting, ensuring ecological appropriateness.

The meeting concluded with a proposal from community leaders encouraging households to set aside portions of their private land to apply project lessons, particularly to improve dry-season forage availability. Leaders also committed to using their authority to support positive behavioural change where necessary.

This engagement illustrates the Native PEP Project’s core strength: a participatory model that places communities at the centre of restoration efforts, supported by evidence-based practices and adaptive learning. For donors, it demonstrates how investment in trust-building, dialogue, and local governance can mitigate risks, strengthen adoption, and create a solid foundation for scaling impact across pastoral landscapes.

Prepared by: Simon Njoroge

Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT), the lead coordinating agency of the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in East Africa (KHEA) Project, in collaboration with Participatory Ecological land Use Management (PELUM) Uganda, the Co-Hosting Partner, officially launched Phase 3 of KHEA on December 2, 2025 in Machakos-Kenya. This milestone marks an important step toward advancing agroecological transformation and enhancing farmer-centered knowledge exchange across the region.

Working in close collaboration with PELUM Uganda, BvAT hosted a regional press briefing that brought together partners from PELUM Kenya, PELUM Uganda, ROAM, TOAM, GSDM, and SYMABIO from Madagascar. Their attendance highlighted the strong, coordinated regional collaboration that continues to define the project.

Speaking at the event, Dr. David Amudavi, Executive Director of Biovision Africa Trust, underscored the value of these partnerships:

“BvAT is proud to lead the coordination of the KCOA-KHEA initiative. As we enter Phase 3, our commitment together with PELUM Uganda and all regional partners across the 5 countries is to deepen the delivery of actionable, evidence-based agroecological knowledge that strengthens farmer resilience and improves livelihoods.” — Dr. David Amudavi

He also emphasized the power of continental collaboration:

“The collective expertise within this partnership is one of our greatest strengths. By continuing to work together, we will accelerate the adoption of organic and agroecological practices and ensure farmers across Eastern Africa access the information and tools they need to thrive sustainably.” — Dr. David Amudavi

KHEA Partners’ Commitment

During the launch, all KHEA partners renewed a shared commitment to strengthen regional collaboration, harmonize knowledge-sharing efforts, support national and regional agroecology agendas, and scale up proven organic and agroecological practices. Partners pledged to enhance coordination, improve policy engagement, deepen capacity building, and expand farmer-focused learning initiatives across the region.

KHEA Phase 3 will build on earlier achievements by broadening outreach to farming communities, advancing research and documentation, and fostering stronger engagement with stakeholders in each partner country.

The successful launch marks a new chapter for coordinated agroecology efforts in Eastern Africa, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient regional food system.

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

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