Bringing Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture to Global Policy
In October 2025, I had the privilege of representing Southern African civil society and Regeneration International (RI) at the 53rd Session of the UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS) in Rome. It was also my first time contributing directly to global policy discussions as part of the Coordination Committee of the Civil Society and Indigenous Peoples’ Mechanism (CSIPM), where I serve as Focal Point for Southern Africa.
Being in that space reminded me just how important it is for grassroots voices, especially farmers (fisher, crops), pastoralists, and women, to be heard in global decision-making. We often speak about food systems in big terms, but for me, the heart of it is simple: people and land. Experiencing how CSIPM brings perspectives from communities practicing Agroecology and regenerative agriculture felt like a breath of real life into the room.
RI’s Presence in the Policy Space
The CFS is one of the few global platforms where civil society and social movements have a recognized seat in policy discussions. That in itself is powerful, it means our movements can help shape the direction of food and agriculture policy, not just respond to it.
At this year’s session, RI’s voice contributed to conversations on resilient food systems, land rights, gender, and seeds. I was especially grateful to speak at the SWISSAID and IFAD side event on Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS), sharing how local seed custodians in Africa are wading the challenging waters of farming systems.
Building Connections
I’m also excited to now be part of two global working groups:
- CFS Working Group on Resilient Food Systems, and
- CSIPM Women and Gender Policy Dialogue Working Group.
These spaces will help us connect real community experiences, the kind we see across the Southern African region and RI networks, with the policy conversations that can make a difference at a global level.
Being at CFS53 also gave me a deep sense of connection with others doing similar work around the world. CSIPM gives me hope, it shows that civil society, despite facing many global challenges, can still come together as a collective force. Knowing that there are comrades in many parts of the world working through different agricultural approaches but toward the same goal, fair, resilient, and caring food systems, is incredibly grounding.
Linking the People’s Food Summit and Global Action
Our presence in Rome also built on the energy of the People’s Food Summit (our annual online event that airs on October 16th), which continues to highlight stories and leadership from the ground. The Summit gave visibility to the same farmers and women whose work we later referenced in Rome. That continuity, from storytelling to policy (home to Rome), is what makes our movement strong.
Looking Forward
CFS53 may not be a perfect platform, but a great start and opportunity to dialogue from lived experience, about land, seeds, and community sovereignty, it shifts the tone of global conversations. As the year folds, we strategically position ourselves on how to bring the policy resolves from Rome to home.
You can watch the CFS53 closing tribute that I contributed in the plenary session here: FAO Webcast – Day 5 Afternoon Session (minute 38:58)
