HARARE, September 11, 2024 — As Africa grapples with the triple burden of malnutrition, climate crises, and biodiversity erosion, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa [ AFSA ] is set to host a landmark tripartite event in Harare, Zimbabwe. Taking place from September 11-14, 2024, this series of gatherings include the 2nd African Agroecological Entrepreneurship and Territorial Markets Convening [AAE], the 5th Biennial Food Systems Conference [BFSC], and the Zimbabwe Good Seed and Food Festival.
A Convergence of Policy, Innovation and Tradition
These events are set to converge key stakeholders, including agroecological entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, farmers, and civil society, to advance sustainable, healthy, and resilient food systems across Africa. The focus will be to highlight the potential of agroecology, showcasing successful agroecological initiatives, celebrating Africa’s rich food heritage and traditional food systems, enhancing market access, and advocating for supportive policies. It builds on previous successes and initiatives while leveraging partnerships and knowledge exchange to propel transformative change. The tripartite event will explore the following key themes:
African Agroecological Entrepreneurship: Nurturing Growth and Resilience
The 2nd African Agroecological Entrepreneurship and Territorial Markets Convening will focus on empowering Africa’s agroecological entrepreneurs and strengthening territorial markets as vital pillars of sustainable food systems. This event will showcase the dynamic contributions of agroecological enterprises in addressing food security, creating resilient economies, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The convening will highlight key themes such as the role of youth in driving agroecological entrepreneurship, the pivotal contributions of women in territorial markets, and the need for enabling policy environments that support the scaling up of agroecological businesses.
“Agroecological entrepreneurs are at the heart of Africa’s food systems transformation. By nurturing local innovations, supporting territorial markets, and fostering policy environments that allow these enterprises to thrive, we can build resilient economies and promote food sovereignty across the continent. This convening will showcase the powerful impact of agroecology in creating sustainable solutions for Africa’s diverse challenges,” said Ruth Nabaggala, African Agroecological Entrepreneurship [AAE] project officer, AFSA
5th Biennial Food Systems Conference: Celebrating Our Healthy African Food Heritage
The 5th Biennial Food Systems Conference [BFSC], organised by the AFSA, will take place in Harare, Zimbabwe, on September 13-14, 2024. The conference will highlight the importance of traditional and indigenous foods in promoting healthy diets, preserving Africa’s rich cultural heritage, and fostering sustainable food systems.
By bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, farmers, chefs, researchers, and civil society, the BFSC will serve as a platform to promote the consumption, production, and preservation of traditional foods while advocating for policies that support food sovereignty across Africa.
“Traditional foods are at the core of Africa’s identity and resilience. By safeguarding and promoting their consumption, we are not only ensuring healthier diets but also protecting our cultural heritage and reinforcing food sovereignty. The 5th Biennial Food Systems Conference is a powerful opportunity to showcase Africa’s diverse food traditions and advocate for policies that uphold the significance of indigenous foods,” said Dr. Million Belay, AFSA General Coordinator.
Zimbabwe Good Seed and Food Festival: Celebrating the Diversity and Resilience of Local Foods
The 2024 Zimbabwe Good Seed and Food Festival, organized by Bio-Innovation Zimbabwe and PELUM Zimbabwe, will be held in Harare on September 13-14, 2024, coinciding with AFSA’s Biennial Food Systems Conference and the African Agroecological Entrepreneurship Convening.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating the Diversity and Resilience of Zimbabwe’s Foods,” highlights the importance of promoting local, climate-adapted crops and farmer-managed seed systems as key solutions to Zimbabwe’s dual challenges of undernutrition and rising obesity rates. The festival will feature seed exchanges, cooking demonstrations, and a vibrant marketplace showcasing traditional grains, indigenous fruits, vegetables, and more. It aims to reconnect farmers, consumers, and private sector stakeholders, promoting market linkages that extend beyond the festival.
“Zimbabwe’s traditional foods and farmer-managed seed systems hold the key to building resilient, sustainable food systems that benefit both people and the environment. The Good Seed and Food Festival offers a unique platform for farmers to connect with buyers, learn from each other, and celebrate the incredible diversity of Zimbabwe’s local foods,” said Gertrude Pswarayi, PELUM Zimbabwe, Country Coordinator.
Building Momentum: Join Our Social Media Campaign
To ensure widespread awareness and engagement, AFSA will launch a one-week social media campaign leading up to and during the event. The campaign aims to inform the public, engage stakeholders, and amplify the impact of the event activities.
In the words of AFSA Chair, Hakim Baliraine: “As Africa strives for food sovereignty and climate resilience, we must transition to agroecological systems that honor our roots and empower our youth. By embracing agroecological entrepreneurship and celebrating our rich food heritage, we can foster healthy diets, protect biodiversity, and ensure culturally appropriate solutions to the food systems crisis. I invite everyone—especially young Africans—to join hands in this movement. Together, let’s reconnect with our traditions, build sustainable food systems, and create a prosperous and resilient future.”
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