From September 11 to 14, 2024, the Support Service for Local Development Initiatives (SAILD) took part in agroecology meetings in Zimbabwe.
SAILD took part in these events as a representative of the Network for the Promotion of Agroecology in Cameroon (NEPAC). These were the 2nd edition of the African Agroecological Entrepreneurship, the Harare Seed and Food Festival, and the 5th Biennial Food System Celebration.
These three gatherings were held from September 11 to 14, 2024 in Kufunda, a village in Zimbabwe, with the aim of catalyzing transformative change towards sustainable and resilient food systems in Africa. The aim is to promote health, biodiversity and food sovereignty. Renowned for its experiential learning of agroecology, the village brought together participants from almost all seven continents (Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe and Australia).
Supporting agroecological entrepreneurship
Agroecological entrepreneurship and territorial markets” was the theme at the heart of the discussions organized on September 11 and 12, 2024, on the occasion of the 2nd edition of African Agroecological Entrepreneurship. NEPAC, through its technical secretariat SAILD, had the opportunity to share its experience in supporting agro-ecological entrepreneurs. This was complemented by a presentation of the project “Strengthening community enterprises incorporating local flours in bread and pastry making”.
The presentation highlighted the main challenges and the need to strengthen this sector through ongoing, sustainable funding.
A visit to the Mbare territorial market was on the agenda for the two days of exchanges.
It enabled the 400 participants present to appreciate the territorial commercial approach; the diversification of foodstuffs and other basic products.
Subsequently, the annual National Good Seed and Food Festival was held on September 13 and 14, 2024, at the Harare Botanical Gardens. It brought together thousands of participants from all ten regions of Zimbabwe. The program included food and seed variety exhibitions, musical and culinary demonstrations. These activities presented the country’s best traditional foods and dishes to the general public.
NEPAC members and an agro-ecological entrepreneur supported by SAILD presented a range of products, including moringa, fever grass and bitter cola from the Congo Basin rainforest. All these events have helped agroecology to gain interest in the Congo Basin.
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