The forum on Agroecology and Organic Farming in West Africa opens today 21 October 2024 under the chairmanship of Mr. Ibrahim Tanimu, Director Planning & Policy Coordination, Representing the Honorable Federal Minister for Agriculture and Food Security of Nigeria and will run through 24 October 2024.

It is being organized by the West Africa Agroecology Alliance (3AO) and the West Africa Organic Network (WAfrONet), in partnership with ECOWAS and ActionAid Nigeria on the theme: Financing the transformation of sustainable food and nutrition systems for food sovereignty in West Africa through organic farming and agroecology: what policies, mechanisms and instruments?

« As we strive to build a food-secure future, agroecology and organic agriculture offers a compelling solution. By embracing sustainable agricultural practices, we can enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and promote ecosystem services. Agroecology and organic agriculture also empower smallholder farmers, particularly women, to take charge of their livelihoods and contribute to local economic growth », Mr. Taminu says. He encourages all participants to engage in meaningful discussions and knowledge sharing over the next few days, to think critically about the role of each of us in promoting and leveraging financing strategies for agroecology and organic agriculture in West Africa.

About 400 participants from various sectors - networks of farmers' organisations, public institutions, civil society organisations, researchers, policymakers, and private sector players are in attendance.

The forum provides a unique platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and learning among advocates of agroecology and organic agriculture for increasing production, scaling up best practises and better access to markets. The forum is expected to come up with a clear path and a roadmap for accessing funding.