Arusha, Tanzania — July 12, 2025 — The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), in its virtual plenary session yesterday, debated and adopted a comprehensive report of the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources on Agro-Ecology within the EAC Region. This comes after the committee led by Hon. Francoise Uwumukiza held a capacity-building seminar on Agro-ecology held in Kampala from November 13th to 15th, 2024, which was organized in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT), the seminar brought together farmers, parliamentarians, researchers, and development partners to explore innovative approaches for advancing Agro-ecology. This approach applies ecological principles to agriculture, promoting biodiversity, soil health, climate resilience, and social equity.
The resolution underscored the vital importance of integrating Agro-ecological principles into regional policies and legislation to foster sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems across the East African Community (EAC).
The Assembly recognizes that Agro-ecology is more than a farming practice; it is a transformative movement essential for tackling biodiversity loss, climate change, soil degradation, and food insecurity—issues that affect millions of people globally. The committee report recommends the following key resolutions:
- Developing regional legislation that promotes sustainable agricultural practices and elevates food security.
- Strengthening policies to protect local seed systems and traditional food practices, ensuring food sovereignty.
- Increasing resource allocation for Agro-ecological research, community seed banks, and innovative farming approaches.
- Empowering women, youth, and marginalized groups as critical drivers of Agro-ecology and food system transformation.
- Establishing community seed banks, supporting Agro-ecological knowledge sharing via platforms like the Knowledge Hub for Eastern Africa, and promoting farmer-led initiatives and markets.
Further, the Assembly called for continued capacity building to enhance parliamentary understanding of Agro-ecology’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 2—Zero Hunger. “Agro-ecology is not just a farming technique but a pathway to achieving food security, environmental sustainability, and social equity in the region. Our collective action is vital for transforming our food systems for current and future generations.”
These resolutions serve as a rallying call for governments, civil society, farmers, and development partners to prioritize Agro-ecology as a key driver for sustainable development in the East African region.
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For further information, please contact:
Nicodemus Ajak Bior
Senior Public Relations Officer (SPRO)
East African Legislative Assembly
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: +255-768-885-633 / +254-729-157-207
Email: nbior@eachq.org
www.eala.org
