Why empowering women and youth drives agroecology's success in East Africa

The second East Africa Agroecology Conference (EAAC), convening in Nairobi this week from March 25-28, transcends a mere regional gathering; it marks a pivotal moment for the future of agriculture across the continent. This assembly of policymakers, farmers, academics, practitioners, and civil society underscores the burgeoning and increasingly critical recognition of agroecology's transformative potential. Within the conference's diverse tracks, the subtheme 'Empowerment of women and youth movements in agroecology' stands out, not merely as timely but as fundamentally indispensable. This echoes the resolutions of the inaugural conference, which acknowledged the crucial role of both women and youth in advancing agroecological practices. This emphasis is not a matter of political expediency; it is a pragmatic response to East Africa's demographic realities and the undeniable roles women and youth play in the intricate agricultural value chain. Moreover, escalating climate shocks, with their unpredictable and devastating impacts, disproportionately afflict these vulnerable groups, exacerbating the already formidable challenges faced by smallholder farmers. The urgency of addressing these disparities cannot be overstated. Through the Rural Women Cultivating Change (RWCC) Program, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary resilience and enduring struggles of women farmers in Baringo, Kitui, Nakuru, and Laikipia counties. RWCC is a program implemented by a consortium made up of Groots Kenya, Hivos, and Seed Savers Network (SSN). It aims to promote gender equality and the empowerment of young and adult women - particularly women smallholder farmers, female heads of households, and survivors of SGBV. It focuses on investments that improve women's access to and control over productive resources (land, capital, inputs, and infrastructure) and promotes agroecological approaches to achieve food security and improve livelihoods. Their experiences expose the persistent gender disparities that permeate the agricultural sector, including limited land ownership and restricted access to vital resources like quality inputs, technology, and machinery. Despite these obstacles, women and youth demonstrate remarkable ingenuity, pioneering sustainable agroecological strategies such as climate-resilient seed preservation, innovative water conservation, and cooperative-driven market access. The conference must serve as a platform to elevate these invaluable innovations, ensuring their recognition, scaling, and integration into broader agroecological policies. Agroecology is rooted in the ecofeminist ethic of care-a profound respect and responsibility for the land, community, and future generations. Women, often custodians of biodiversity and repositories of ancestral agroecological knowledge, possess intimate relationships with the land, forged through generations of practice. Youth bring a vital infusion of innovation and climate awareness. When these forces converge, they challenge the extractive and patriarchal agricultural models, fostering a future rooted in justice, reciprocity, and regeneration. The 2nd East Africa Agroecology Conference must create an inclusive space for this intergenerational, gender-just dialogue, where the experiences of rural women and the aspirations of youth shape the future of our food systems. The conference's recognition of social movements is equally significant. History demonstrates that lasting change arises from collective action. Land rights and environmental movements across Africa have proven the power of organized people. However, sustaining these movements amidst diminishing funding poses a serious threat. Budget cuts from development partners risk reversing hard-won gains in inclusivity and gender equity within agriculture. The Conference must transcend technical discussions and declarative statements. While panel discussions and presentations are valuable, real change will only materialize from practical actions that empower women and youth to lead the transformation of our food systems. It must prioritize the voices of marginalized farmers, ensuring their central role. Beyond technical jargon, the focus must remain on improving livelihoods, ensuring environmental sustainability, and addressing systemic social injustices. Governments across East Africa bear a critical responsibility in facilitating the meaningful involvement of women and youth in agroecology. They must develop and implement comprehensive national agroecology strategies that address the unique needs of these groups. This includes policies promoting equitable access to land, credit, and markets. Furthermore, governments must resolve land tenure issues, ensuring secure access for women and youth. They must also connect farmers with viable markets for their agroecological products, fostering sustainable value chains. This conference presents a unique opportunity to: Elevate the lived experiences of women and youth: Ensure their voices are central to policy deliberations. Strengthen support for grassroots movements: Explore innovative funding models and provide targeted technical assistance. Develop actionable, gender-responsive strategies: Translate insights into implementable plans. Foster meaningful collaboration: Build bridges between policymakers, practitioners, and farmers. Let us move beyond resolutions and embrace tangible change. The future of East African agriculture hinges on empowering women and youth, ensuring their rightful place at the forefront of the agroecological revolution. This conference must catalyse that transformation. The writer is the Regional Director at Hivos East Africa

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