The International Commodity Summit 2025 (ICS2025) has embraced a powerful call for African leaders to champion agroecology, shifting the focus from industrial agriculture to sustainable, community-driven food production.
The summit will facilitate various discussion panels but will particularly focus on agriculture and food systems across Africa. The ICS2025 seeks to bridge the divide between the supplier and consumer within trade and industry.
This movement had begun earlier this year in Kenya at the recent African Agroecology Workshop (AAW 2025) held in Sagana where over one hundred participants from 22 countries gathered to advocate for urgent reforms in Africa’s food systems.
The AAW 2025, which took place from February 11 to 14, was a vibrant gathering of smallholder farmers, civil society organizations, researchers, and policymakers within the industry.
Together, they underscored the significant role of agroecology as not just a farming practice, but a transformative movement aimed at building resilient and equitable food systems across the continent.
“Agroecology emphasizes community, nature, and local knowledge over profit-driven models,” said Anne Maina, National Coordinator of BIBA Kenya.
Participants expressed their concerns regarding the impacts of ongoing conflicts, particularly in the East-Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
They reaffirmed their solidarity with affected communities, stressing the importance of peace and environmental protection. The workshop also addressed the pressing challenges faced by smallholder farmers, who play a crucial role in food security yet often lack access to essential resources.
Suggestions that emerged from the workshop included dedicating half of agricultural funds to agroecological programs and incorporating these methods into educational curricula.
Research has shown that Africa has been severely impacted by food insecurity, with 17.8% of Malawi’s population and 38.4% of Zimbabwe’s population experiencing undernourishment in 2023. Small-scale farmers are responsible for producing 70% of Africa’s food supply.
Since 2022, Kenya continues to rival Sudan, which boasts the largest agricultural land area in Africa at 112.7 million hectares.
It is evident that agroecological practices offer a wide array of beneficial effects on agriculture. Both clay and sandy soils demonstrate a positive and significant influence on crop yields. Agroecology has the potential to decrease food imports and reliance on food aid, which may result in lower food prices. This approach can enhance dietary variety, promote balanced nutrition, and eliminate harmful chemical residues in food, leading to improved health and nutrition outcomes.
Moreover, agroecology can contribute to mitigating the global impacts of climate change, and global warming internationally.
AFSA General Coordinator Million Belay highlighted recent achievements, including the launch of the Healthy Soil, Healthy Food Initiative.
Belay stated that they were forging new paths in sustainable land use and food sovereignty.
“We launched the Healthy Soil, Healthy Food Initiative forging new paths in sustainable land use and food sovereignty as well as the integration of agroecological principles into the African Union’s Land Governance Strategy and nurturing vital platforms like Our Land, Our Life,” Belay said.
Vice President of Hibarri, Cherrylee Samson notes that agroecology is important because it promotes sustainable farming practices that protect the environment by minimizing chemical use, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting food security, while also addressing social issues like farmer livelihoods and equitable access to food.
“The integration of agroecology contributes significantly to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals, and it also allows farmers to adapt to climate change, sustainably use and conserve natural resources and biodiversity.”
“The summit aims to advance access to markets for farmers, promote the integration of technology and agriculture, and share strategies for adapting to climate change while enhancing crop yields,” said Samson.
The ICS2025 conference intends to address crucial agricultural industry challenges, such as: strategies for adapting to climate change, eco-friendly farming methods, agricultural technology innovations, food security issues, and obstacles in market access and trade.
An additional issue that requires attention is the economic stability and farmers health, and women empowerment in agriculture.
The conference must also bring together important international stakeholders to discuss necessary policy modifications for supporting a robust agricultural sector within Africa, and within the international trade market.
The ICS2025 would like to reinforce emphasis that through offering solutions, exchanging successful practices, and encouraging cooperation among industry participants, this will provide an improve market for agricultural trade and industry.
For further information on The International Commodity Summit 2025, including registration details, sponsorship opportunities, and the full agenda, please visit [https://internationalcommoditysummit.com/].
