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Call for Exhibitors – Kirinyaga Agroecology Symposium

Dates: 19th and 20th June 2025
Venue: Kirinyaga University, Kirinyaga County, Kenya
Theme:“Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agroecology in East Africa”

 

As part of the 2025 Kirinyaga Agroecology Symposium, a dynamic exhibition space will be available to showcase innovative agroecological solutions and practices. This platform invites a wide range of participants—including farmers, input suppliers, traders, researchers, policymakers, CSOs, NGOs, INGOs, and learning institutions—to present their contributions to sustainable agriculture in East Africa.

 

Exhibition Highlights:

Strictly Organic: Only certified organic or agroecological compliant products and inputs will be showcased.

Brand Visibility: Exhibitors are welcome to fully brand their booths with their own promotional materials.

Sales Permitted: Exhibitors may sell their products directly to symposium delegates.

Live Demonstrations and Workshops: Input suppliers and service providers are encouraged to offer live demonstrations, lead workshops, and present technical insights on sustainable inputs, technologies, and innovations.

Educational Engagement: Participants may join expert panels, share success stories, and offer technical knowledge aligned with agroecological principles.

Networking Opportunities: The symposium will facilitate partnerships and collaborations among stakeholders advancing sustainable agriculture.

 

This exhibition is a unique opportunity to connect with key players in the agroecology ecosystem, promote sustainable solutions, and contribute to regional development goals.

Download the Kirinyaga Agroecology Symposium 2025 Exhibitor Guidelines & Rules HERE

Deadline: 30th May 2025

 

Apply to Exhibit via this link https://bit.ly/KirinyagaSymposiumExhibitor

Kirinyaga Agroecology Symposium 2025: Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable East Africa

Bringing Agroecology to the Forefront of Agricultural Transformation

The countdown is on to one of the most anticipated agricultural events in East Africa — the Kirinyaga Agroecology Symposium 2025. Jointly organized by the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) and the County Government of Kirinyaga, the symposium will bring together thought leaders, farmers, researchers, and policymakers to reimagine sustainable farming through the lens of agroecology.Over two days, participants will explore how agroecology can address pressing agricultural challenges while offering practical, inclusive, and innovative solutions tailored for the region.

 

📅 Date: 12th and 13th June 2025
📍  Venue: Kamiigua Polytechnic, Kirinyaga County, Kenya
🎯 Theme: “Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agroecology in East Africa”

 

Why this Symposium Matters

Across East Africa, farmers are navigating complex issues like climate change, soil degradation, pest outbreaks, and limited market access. The Kirinyaga Agroecology Symposium is designed to provide practical responses to these challenges by promoting science-backed, nature-based solutions rooted in agroecology. The event is more than a conference — it’s a platform for change, for exchanging knowledge, forging partnerships, and igniting action.

 

Key Objectives

  • Knowledge Sharing: Present the latest research, techniques, and agroecological innovations.
  • Collaboration & Networking: Connect farmers, traders, input suppliers, policymakers, and grassroots communities.
  • Strategic Development: Co-create actionable strategies to integrate agroecology into county and regional development plans.
  • Awareness Raising: Sensitize stakeholders about agroecology’s role in achieving food security, climate resilience, and sustainable rural livelihoods.

 

Tackling Real Farmers’ Challenges

The symposium will zoom in on four critical challenges that agroecology can address:

  1. Pest and Disease Management – Showcasing biological pest control, integrated pest management (IPM), and indigenous solutions.
  2. Soil Fertility and Health – Exploring composting, green manures, and soil enhancement practices.
  3. Climate Resilience – Sharing drought-tolerant methods, water-saving techniques, and climate-smart farming.
  4. Market Access and Value Addition – Demystifying certification, connecting farmers to markets, and promoting value-added agroecological products.

 

Leveraging Opportunities for Farmers

Agroecology isn’t just about farming — it’s about empowerment. The symposium will provide:

  • Hands-on workshops and training sessions
  • Opportunities to network with policymakers and investors
  • Access to innovative agroecological inputs
  • Insights into supportive policy frameworks

 

Who Should Attend?

  • Farmers & Farmer Groups – Discover innovative pest, soil, and crop solutions
  • Extension Officers & Practitioners – Gain digital tools and field support strategies
  • Researchers & Academics – Present or learn about climate-resilient farming studies
  • Agro Dealers – Explore the booming market for eco-friendly agri-inputs
  • Policymakers & County Officials – Shape policies aligned with sustainable farming
  • NGOs & Development Partners – Identify scalable, community-based solutions
  • Traders & Retailers – Learn how to build markets for organic and agroecological produce
  • Women & Youth in Agriculture – Participate in targeted sessions to showcase their leadership and innovations.

 

Partnerships That Power Change

The symposium draws strength from a diverse and dynamic pool of partners, including:

  • County Government
  • Academic Institutions
  • NGOs
  • Corporate Partners

 

Agroecology Input Suppliers: The Unsung Heroes

A dedicated exhibition zone will allow agroecology input suppliers to showcase sustainable products like organic compost, bio-fertilizers, pest repellents, and soil enhancers. Live demos, expert panels, and networking sessions will help bridge the gap between innovation and implementation.

What to Expect

Day 1:
✅ Opening Ceremony
✅ Plenary Sessions & Keynote Speeches
✅ Case Study Presentations
✅ Thematic Sessions
✅ Networking Lunch & Evening Reception

Day 2:
✅ Thematic Sessions
✅ Hands-On Workshops
✅ Strategy Development Working Groups
✅ Closing Ceremony with Action Plan Presentations

 

Registration Link

Register now through this link; https://bit.ly/KirinyagaAgroecologySymposium and stay tuned for exciting program highlights!

 

By the end of the two-day event, participants will walk away with practical tools, policy recommendations, and new partnerships to drive agroecological transformation not just in Kirinyaga — but across East Africa.

Register for the 2nd Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference!

The 2nd Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference is set to take place from 25th – 28th March 2025 at the Argyle Grand Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya. This landmark event will bring together key stakeholders to explore the transformative power of agroecology in fostering resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.

Why Attend?

This conference is a unique platform to engage in meaningful discussions on the role of agroecology in reshaping food systems for long-term sustainability. Attendees will gain insights into innovative approached, investment opportunities, and policies that support agroecological transitions. The event will feature in-person sessions, field excursion, and hybrid participation options for online attendees.

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Conference Theme:

  • Strengthening Agri-Food System Transformation for Resilience, Sustainability, and Socioeconomic Development.”

Key Focus Areas

  • Evidence Generation: Understanding the impact of agroecology in food system transformation.
  • Scaling Up Transitions: Strategies for expanding agroecological practices.
  • Digitalization in Agri-Food Systems: Exploring the role of technology in sustainable agriculture.
  • Investment in Research and Innovation: Encouraging funding for agroecology.
  • Trade and Market Opportunities: Enhancing economic prospects for small-scale farmers.
  • Inclusive Engagement: Ensuring participation from small-scale producers, indigenous communities, women, youth, and private sector players.

Conference Tracks

  1. Agroecological Systems & Scale-Up Strategies
  2. Food Security, Nutrition, and Health Nexus
  3. Women and Youth Empowerment in Agroecology
  4. Market Development & Trade
  5. Policy Reforms & Agroecology Investments
  6. Financing for Impact and Scale

Register Now!

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the movement driving sustainable food systems transformation in Eastern Africa. Register today to secure your spot and contribute to shaping a resilient future.

For more details and registration, visit the official conference website: https://ea-agroecologyconference.org/

 

Murang’a Takes the Lead in Advancing County Agroecology Policy

The inauguration of the Muranga agroecology policy and ACT on March 9th, 2023 will forever be etched in the annals of history as the pioneering county in Kenya to adopt a policy and act exclusively focused on agroecology. This occasion marked a momentous milestone and set the precedent for the agroecology movement and proponents in Kenya and around the world. The launch event, jointly organized by the Muranga County Government, the Institute for Culture and Ecology (ICE), and stakeholders associated with the Muranga Agroecology Multistakeholder Platform, aimed to provide a platform for agroecology practitioners to showcase their products and services, as well as establish connections for collaborative agroecology implementation.

Muranga County, as the frontrunner among the 47 counties in Kenya, has established an agroecology policy and Act, setting a precedent for other counties and stakeholders who have long been advocating for the integration of agroecology principles and practices into a legal framework through government policies and acts. Despite the promising prospects of agroecology in addressing the challenges faced by food systems, which have adverse effects on the environment and human health, the growth of agroecology has been hindered by the slow recognition of its benefits. This can be largely attributed to a lack of political support and inadequate regulatory frameworks to guide and promote the adoption and sustainability of agroecology. However, with the introduction of such policies and Acts, the government and agricultural stakeholders are obligated to provide both technical and financial support to enhance the implementation of agroecology.

During the launch event, Stephen Munania, the Deputy Governor of Muranga County, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to complement each other’s work. He expressed the county’s openness to collaborations through the Multistakeholder Platform and pledged support for agroecology initiatives, positioning Muranga as a center of excellence for the production of healthy agroecological foods. Martin Mwenda, the Executive Director of the Institute for Culture and Ecology, commended the unity demonstrated by stakeholders during the launch and emphasized its significance for the implementation of agroecology actions. He highlighted that the Muranga policy acknowledges the importance of a multistakeholder approach in driving agroecology implementation within the county, promoting collaboration and synergy-building among stakeholders.

For farmers, this was a moment of recognition for their diligent efforts in providing safe and nutritious food. The smiles on their faces were a testament to the positive impact that agroecology has had on their lives and livelihoods. Proudly showcasing their agroecological products, they expressed optimism about the future of agroecology and pledged to collaborate with the county government and other stakeholders to transform food systems in Kenya through agroecology. Given the escalating costs of inputs, agroecology brings relief to farmers as it enables them to apply local knowledge and produce low-cost farming solutions.

Looking ahead, Daniel Gitahi, the Chief Officer for Agriculture in Muranga County, emphasizes the importance of organizations implementing agroecology-related projects aligning themselves with the Multistakeholder Platform. He highlights that the Multistakeholder Platform serves as a think-tank for agroecology initiatives within the county, and the collective expertise and involvement of stakeholders will play a crucial role in advancing the county’s agroecology agenda.