Recently, Michael Farrelly, a program officer at AFSA, shed light on the organisation’s pivotal role in the ambitious PrAEctiCe project. “The task of developing indicators that contribute to the effectiveness of agroecology is indispensable for ensuring its successful implementation,” he explained. “This necessitates tapping into the wisdom of academic institutions and establishing connections with practitioners and organisations who bring a wealth of experience to the table.”

The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) is a non-profit, pan-African organisation dedicated to the transition to agroecology. Comprising 40 regional and national networks, AFSA serves as a thriving hub of small-scale food producers deeply committed to promoting agroecology across the continent. This dynamic alliance strongly advocates for ecological principles, local wisdom, and farming practices that not only protect our environment but also serve and support local communities’ food and nutrition security, resilience, and livelihoods.

Recently, Michael Farrelly, a program officer at AFSA, shed light on the organisation’s pivotal role in the ambitious PrAEctiCe project. “The task of developing indicators that contribute to the effectiveness of agroecology is indispensable for ensuring its successful implementation,” he explained. “This necessitates tapping into the wisdom of academic institutions and establishing connections with practitioners and organisations who bring a wealth of experience to the table.”

The PrAEctiCe project stands tall with a vision to encourage the adoption of agroecological practices throughout Africa, bolstering food security and fostering sustainable agriculture in the process. AFSA’s involvement as a crucial partner in this venture is a testament to its vast expertise and deep-rooted knowledge in agroecology, food sovereignty, and policy advocacy.

Throughout the course of the PrAEctiCe project, AFSA will contribute significantly in several areas:

• Engaging with stakeholders, facilitating knowledge transfer, and providing policy recommendations.
• Conducting mapping and analysis of the currently practised agroecological methods.
• Developing a comprehensive screening and synthesis of existing indicator frameworks to evaluate the economic and environmental sustainability of agroecological practices, particularly in East Africa.

AFSA’s role in propelling the adoption of agroecological practices has far-reaching impacts. These practices aid farmers in enhancing their yields while simultaneously mitigating adverse environmental impacts. AFSAconsistently partners with local communities and farmers, facilitating the development and implementation of agroecological practices customised to their unique requirements and context. It further engages in relentless advocacy for policy reforms that foster the adoption of agroecology, thereby ensuring food sovereignty across the continent.

Building bridges to practical challenges and opportunities within agroecology is a vital part of AFSA’s mission. Regular consultations with ground members and keeping them abreast of the latest developments ensure the agroecological approach remains relevant and responsive to local needs. A steadfast commitment to testing and ground truthing further guarantees that agroecology is not only effective but also resonates with the local conditions and communities it seeks to serve.