On 22 October 2024, the Transformative Partnership Platform for Agroecology (AE-TPP) held its second AE-TPP Dialogue, “Transforming Food Systems through Agroecology.” The fully online event brought together hundreds of participants from across regions to explore practical pathways for advancing agroecological transitions, with a focus on the Africa-focused framework called “5 Steps To Transform Food Systems in Africa”, that encompasses the HLPE 13 principles of Agroecology. The workshop allowed for both sharing this novel concept and collecting feedback and suggestions on how to strengthen this into applicable solutions.
The dialogue opened with keynote remarks from Dr. Fergus Sinclair, Co-Convenor of the Agroecology TPP, who emphasized the need for systemic and holistic responses to global food system challenges. He presented evidence on the benefits of agricultural diversification, highlighting gains in biodiversity, productivity, and resilience and highlighted the role of local innovation in transitioning from extractive to regenerative food systems.
Building on these reflections, the session featured insights from practitioners and researchers working at the frontlines of agroecological transformation. Speakers shared lessons from Africa and Latin America, emphasizing inclusive governance, women’s leadership, and forest integration within agroecological landscapes. Discussions also examined the barriers to transformation, including limited policy support, market access, and financing for smallholders.
The workshop centered around enhancing the understanding of complex issues, developing participants’ skill development, co-creation and co-design, networking, broadening impact pathways and fostering empowerment. Through rich exchanges and collaborative dialogue, participants reaffirmed that agroecology is not only about fixing food systems, but rethinking and redesigning them to be more sustainable, equitable, and resilient.
