End of Year Reflection: Africa
We conclude yet another great year, where we achieved so much, even though the odds were against most agricultural practices. It is safe to say, this was probably the toughest year for the agricultural movement on the continent. Southern Africa was hard hit by elnino and there was a massive loss of crops especially maize and over 50% of the sub-region’s rural families are struggling to put food on the table. Kenya, flooded with thousands of homes displaced, and losses of human and animal lives. The Nature’s call to action is loud and clear, a call to speed up response, support and transition to ecologically sound practices and it is urgent.
In the same breath, I am inviting you to a space of celebration. The regenerative agriculture and agroecology movements are gaining traction in the face of the above mentioned issues. The movements are highlighting an importance of integrating ecological principles in agricultural practices, promoting recognition of local wisdoms for seed and food sovereignty, as well as restore resilience on broader landscapes. The benefits of regenerative actions by farmers spoke louder this year, an incredible opportunity to showcase and inspire others to join the band wagon. We are excited to share this year in summary in a posture of deep gratitude.
Summary of Updates, Wins and Action
Network organizations like our friends at the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), have been leading in communicating the inclusion of ecologically sound agriculture in national and regional policies. However, dominance of corporate interests that exclude small family farmers remain a challenge in agricultural policy making. Thank goodness, Hope dares to be resilient and so we are committed to contribute and support communicating every effort!
We managed to beautifully host an online summit as part of our World Food Day celebrations. The People’s Food Summit was a moving event and we got some of the continent’s leaders to share stories of resilience, regeneration and resistance to the corporate narrative in African agriculture. This was a high reach and impact event with over a million views achieved on the African segment alone. The materials are worth a visit if you haven’t already watched. Enjoy !
We joined a global gathering in Kisumu, Kenya. This meeting was convened by McKnight Foundation’s Global Collaboration for Resilient Food Systems (CFRS). The gathering was an incredible space for dialogue, co-creation, asking questions, and finding answers for resilient food systems. The whole meeting was rooted in the lived experiences of small family farmers. The convergence brought together over 120 people from across 5 continents, being a mixed group of small family farmers, policy makers, NGOs, funders, and researchers.
Our network friends of PELUM Zimbabwe, and others hosted The 2024 National Seed and Food Festival in Harare Zimbabwe. The gathering brought together other networks and funders working on the continent to deliberate on moving things forward in the movement. The seed and food fair this year also became a platform of replenishing seed for most of the farmers from drier regions of the country as they had lost all seeds in the elnino phenomenon.
To all supporters of the Regeneration International Network, your seeds are spreading far and wide. We have a great majority of our partners from the African continent, and our dream is to see a flow of information, training and financial resources reach our partners that are making regenerative magic happen on the ground.
We look forward to a generous and abundant 2025, leaving no farmer behind and we pledge to spend our days inspiring regeneration and hope. Siyabonga, Asante, Thank you!