East African Legislative Assembly and FAO take a significant step on agroecology in East Africa
The East African Legislative Assembly’s (EALA) Committee on Agriculture, Tourism, and Natural Resources (ATNR) has taken a significant step towards sustainable agricultural practices by officially recognizing agroecology as a strategic priority through a formal resolution.
With the support of the Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT), FAO and the EALA-ATNR organized a capacity-building event on the topic in Kampala, Uganda last week (13-15 November), with insights and practical tools to effectively promote agroecology across the region at the top of the agenda. More than 20 parliamentarians from the EALA-ATNR, representing six member countries (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania) joined the three days of sessions, together with a wide range of other stakeholders.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, FAO Assistant Director General and Regional Representative for Africa, Dr Abebe Haile Gabriel, stressed that agroecology is a strategic response to the hidden costs of unsustainable agrifood systems, offering “a holistic approach to agrifood systems, integrating ecological and social principles”.
A key moment in the event was a field visit, facilitated by CEFROHT, to enhance awareness and engagement among parliamentarians on agroecological practices.
As a result of the three days, EALA-ATNR adopted a resolution advocating for a comprehensive approach to sustainable agricultural practices, recognizing the pressing challenges facing agrifood systems in East Africa and highlighting the necessity for collective parliamentary action to facilitate sustainable agrifood systems transformation.
As underlined by the Chairperson of the EALA-ATNR, Hon. Françoise Uwumukiza, “this resolution marks a significant step towards sustainable agricultural practices in East Africa. By embracing agroecology, we are committed to creating a future that values ecological integrity and the welfare of our people, with the aim to end hunger by 2030 as we promote the right to adequate food, leaving no one behind”. Jean-Leonard Touadi, Special Coordinator of FAO’s Parliamentary Networks Team, added, “our role is to provide technical expertise to help you implement the international commitments made by your countries as UN member states. We aim to share and connect you with various experiences from around the region and the world. However, the political decisions and institutional mechanisms necessary to follow up on this process remain in your hands, and FAO is always here to support you."
The EALA-ATNR has requested FAO's assistance on a process that would ultimately deliver a regional legal framework to bolster agroecological practices and enhance sustainable agricultural policies. EALA-ATNR also requested further support to promote awareness among EALA members, beyond the ATNR committee, regarding the importance of policy development and parliamentary initiatives in the field of agroecology.
EALA Resolution: Recognition of Agroecology as a Strategic Priority of the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism, and Natural Resources (ATNR) of East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) for formulating and recommending sustainable policies in agriculture, tourism and natural resources management in the African Region
The resolution adopted during the event included:
- Development of Regional Legal Frameworks: Requesting FAO's assistance in developing frameworks that promote agroecology and enhance EALA-ATNR's efforts in creating sustainable agricultural policies.
- Continued Promotion and Advocacy: Seeking ongoing support from FAO to follow up on the initial meeting and to raise awareness among EALA members about agroecological policies and initiatives.
- Commitment to Agroecology: Reaffirming a commitment to advancing agroecology in East Africa, focusing on environmental protection, food security, and community wellbeing.
The EALA Resolution underscores the commitment to agroecology as a critical strategy for achieving food security and environmental sustainability in the region contributive to the effective implementation of the Global Parliamentary Pact against Hunger and Malnutrition (2023). As we look forward to the Third Global Parliamentary Summit against Hunger and Malnutrition scheduled to be held in Africa in 2026, these initiatives are essential in advancing the shared goal of eradicating hunger and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
