December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 0 CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. Agroecology Initiative Technical Report December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 1 Contents Acknowledgement .......................................................................................... 5 Acronyms and abbreviations ........................................................................... 6 Executive summary ......................................................................................... 7 1. Contextual background ...................................................................... 8 1.1. Kenya’s end of Initiative results dissemination workshop ............................... 8 1.2. The CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology ................................................................ 9 2. Welcome and introduction to the workshop…………………………….10 3. Insights from National and County representatives……………………11 4. Partner statements…………………………………………………………….13 5. Initiative key messages ……………………………………………………...14 Work package 1. Multistakeholder partnerships and co-designing of agroecological innovations…………………………………………………………….14 Work package 2. Evidence-based agroecology assessments…………………….15 Work package 3. Creating market opportunities through the development of inclusive business models and financing strategies………………………………..16 Work package 4. Creating enabling policy and institutional environments and policies towards agroecological transitions…………………………………………18 Work package 5. Understanding and influencing agency and behavioral change……………………………………………………………………………………19 Additional working area. Unlocking nature’s potential by mapping and utilizing organic resources to build resilient agroecological systems……………………...21 Discussion points on the key messages……………………………………………...22 6. Topical panel discussions……………………………………………………22 6.1. Unlocking Agroecological Financing and Market Opportunities to Strengthen Resilient Food Systems…………………………………………………..22 6.2. Exploring insights, challenges and prospective opportunities in nurturing the next generation of agroecological scholars…………………………………….23 6.3. Mobilizing farmers and stakeholder networks for accelerated transitions…24 7. Key workshop takeaways…………………………………………………….25 December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 2 List of Figures Figure 1: Virtual workshop participants by country ................................................................................................................................. 7 Figure 2: Workshop proceedings highlighting presentations by different government representatives. ....................................... 12 Figure 3: Key messages from work package 1 of the Initiative on Agroecology ................................................................................ 14 Figure 4: Key messages from work package 2 of the Initiative on Agroecology ................................................................................ 15 Figure 5: Key messages from work package 3 of the Initiative on Agroecology ................................................................................ 16 Figure 6: Key messages from work package 4 of the Initiative on Agroecology ................................................................................ 17 Figure 7: Key messages from work package 5 of the Initiative on Agroecology ................................................................................ 19 Figure 8: Key messages from additional area of focus on harnessing organic resources ................................................................. 20 December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 3 CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End- of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. Beatrice Adoyo1, Alex Awiti1, Anne Kuria1, Christine G. Kiria Chege2, Edith Anyango1, Lisa Elena Fuchs2, Nadia Guettou Djurfeldt2, Peter Bolo2, Rosina Wanyama2, Hezekiah Korir3, Sylvia Nyawira2 Kevin Onyango 2, 1World Agroforestry (ICRAF) 2Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT 3 International Institute of Tropical Agriculture December 2024 December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 4 Acknowledgement We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this workshop. We are particularly indebted to Prof. Catherine Muthuri, CIFOR-ICRAF Kenya country representative, and Prof. Alex Awiti, CIFOR-ICRAF Agroecology Theme lead and CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology (AE-I) Kenya lead, whose leadership and insightful presentations provided a strong foundation for meaningful discussions on advancing agroecology. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to representatives from national and county government representatives, including Mr. Martin Munyau (Agroecology officer- Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development), Hon. David Kuria (County Executive Committee Member, Water, Environment & Natural Resources-County Government of Kiambu), and Mr. Gabriel Kuria (Agriculture Officer- County government of Makueni), whose commitment to supporting agroecological transitions at the local and national levels is invaluable. We deeply appreciate the invaluable contributions of our partners, including Community Sustainable Agriculture and Healthy Environment (CSHEP), Dryland Natural Resource Conservation (DNRC), Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM-Kenya), Intersectoral Forum on Agrobiodiversity and Agroecology (ISFAA), and Organic Farm Input Manufactures Association of Kenya (OFIMAK). Their collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and experiences enriched this workshop and strengthened our collective efforts. A special thanks to all AE-I Kenya staff, workshop panellists, participants, and our rapporteur (Mr. Emmanuel Atamba) for their active engagement, insightful feedback, and contributions to shaping the future of agroecological practices. Finally, we extend our thanks to all who supported the event's organization and logistics. This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards achieving a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural future. December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 5 Acronyms and abbreviations ALL Agroecology Living Landscapes B-ACT Business Agroecology Criteria Tool CGIAR Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research CIAT International Center for Tropical Agriculture CIFOR- ICRAF Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry. CSHEP Community Sustainable Agriculture and Healthy Environment DNRC Drylands Natural Resource Conservation FAO Food and Agriculture Organization HOLPA Holistic Localized Performance Assessment (HOLPA) framework IITA International Institute of Tropical Agriculture ISFAA Intersectoral Forum on Agrobiodiversity and Agroecology KALRO Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization KOAN Kenya Organic Agriculture Network NAS-FST National Agroecology Strategy for Food Systems Transformation NPK Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium OFIMAK Organic Farm Input Manufacturers Association of Kenya PELUM Participatory Ecological Land Use Management PGS Participatory Guarantee System SWOT Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats WP Work Package December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 6 Executive summary This report highlights key insights and lessons learned from the implementation of the CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology (AE-I) in Kenya. Launched in 2022, the AE-I concluded with a results dissemination workshop on December 10, 2024, at the ICRAF Campus in Nairobi. The event brought together 89 in- person attendees and 331 virtual participants. Alongside presenting findings from the Initiative’s six work packages, the workshop benefited from candid feedback and recommendations from diverse stakeholders on advancing agroecological transitions. The workshop featured a mix of presentations by project leaders, partners, government representatives, plenary, and panel discussions, addressing critical topics such as research outcomes, government commitment to agroecological transitions, unlocking financing and market opportunities to strengthen resilient food systems, and mobilizing farmers to accelerate transitions. The findings underscored agroecology as an economically viable initiative with the potential to enhance resilient and inclusive food systems. Raising awareness of agroecology’s holistic benefits through clear, simple, and tailored communication to stakeholders, including farmers and policymakers, was identified as a key strategy for promoting its adoption and scaling. To ensure ownership and sustained implementation, the report emphasizes the importance of principle-driven partnerships, enabling the co-design of agroecological innovations that meet societal needs. While an inclusive approach—incorporating all actors in the food system value chain—was noted to foster holistic transitions, it was highlighted that agroecological transitions are dynamic processes shaped by diverse factors. Key drivers of these transitions include consumer behavior and market demand, climate change, health concerns, input costs, capacity building, and innovation, with the cost of ecological inputs identified as a primary factor. Additionally, the promotion of high-input industrial agriculture and the underutilization of organic resources called for incentivizing public and private investments in agroecological interventions. Enabling institutional environments, including supportive policies and secure land tenure, were recognized as central to advancing transitions. However, while Kenya boasts in agroecological provisions with several counties developing agroecology related policies, these efforts were reported to be fragmented and lacking alignment within a centralized policy framework, limiting effective and sustained implementation. Developing a unified policy framework to ensure consistency, alignment, and efficiency in agroecological transitions was therefore proposed. December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 7 1. Contextual background 1.1. Kenya’s end of Initiative results dissemination workshop The co-creation of knowledge is central to agroecology. This entails sharing, discussing, and contextualising agroecological research findings, all of which are crucial for driving transitions towards more resilient and sustainable food systems. By engaging key stakeholders in the exchange and discussion of research outcomes, this approach fosters collaborative learning, inclusive decision- making, and stronger stakeholder buy-in for agroecological transitions. In this context, the CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology in Kenya hosted an end-of-Initiative results dissemination workshop at the ICRAF Campus in Nairobi on 10 December 2024. The one full day event, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from research institutions, academia, civil society, the private sector, national and county governments, as well as farmers and farmer organizations. The hybrid format allowed for the participation of 89 in-person attendees and 331 virtual participants from various countries Figure1 shows the virtual participants and the countries they connected from. Figure 1: Virtual workshop participants by country 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 K e n ya Z a m b ia U g a n d a N e th e rla n d s In d ia D R C Ita ly B e n in U n ite d S ta te s S o u th A fric a R w a n d a Ja p a n M a la w i A u stra lia G h a n a L a o G a b o n M a d a g a sc a r S ie rra L e o n e S in g a p o re E l S a lva d o r M a la ysia A lg e ria N o . o f a tt e n d e e s Country mailto:https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/agroecology/ December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 8 The Initiative has been operational since 2022 and various agroecological research, innovations and trainings have been conducted during this period, especially within the Kiambu and Makueni Agroecology Living Landscapes 1. in Kenya. During this workshop key research findings and lessons learned over the three years were presented. The workshop also presented an opportunity to engage national stakeholders and explore pathways for advancing agroecological transitions in Kenya. The workshop program is presented in Annex 1. 1.2. The CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology. The Initiative on Agroecology (AE-I) is one of Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR's) research portfolios focused on delivering science and innovation to transform food, land, and water systems in the context of a climate crisis. In Kenya, the Initiative is implemented by five CGIAR Centers: CIFOR /ICRAF, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, World Fish, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) . In addition, partnerships with the Inter-sectoral Forum for Agrobiodiversity and Agroecology (ISFAA) and Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM Kenya), have been crucial in supporting engagements with diverse stakeholders and moving the agroecology agenda in the country. In Kenya, the Initiative operates primarily in two agroecological living landscapes (ALLs) in Kiambu and Makueni Counties. These ALLs represent a geographically coherent sub-national area, encompassing diverse actors dedicated to promoting just food system transitions and willing to take transformative actions, as shaped by their collective interactions and goals. To foster effective multistakeholder engagement in the identification, co-design, testing, and scaling of agroecological innovations, AE-I’s operations in the two ALLs are coordinated through central hubs known as ALL Host Centers, which were identified at the start of the Initiative. These are the Community Sustainable Agriculture and Healthy Environment Program (CSHEP) in Ndeiya, Kiambu County, whose main focus is organic agriculture but works on all components of agroecology, and the Drylands Natural Resource Centre (DNRC) in Mbumbuni, Makueni County, which specializes on permaculture but also works on all components of agroecology. The ALLs host centers represent and provide a physical space where food system actors can meet, interact, and co-create knowledge Anchored on five key Work Packages (WPs) and an additional area of focus on harnessing organic resources, the AE-I adopts a transdisciplinary, participatory, and action-oriented approach designed to enhance the resilience, equity, and sustainability of food systems. The six interconnected work areas of the AE-I in Kenya are outlined below: Work Package 1. Transdisciplinary co-creation of innovations in Agroecological Living Landscapes (ALLs): Work Package 1 (WP1) of the AE-I, which centered on the transdisciplinary co-creation of innovations within the Agroecological Living Labs (ALLs), comprised two main components: establishing thriving multi-stakeholder partnerships and fostering collaboration within the designated ALLs (referred to as "ALL establishment"), as well as co-designing on-farm innovations. Aligned with overarching 1 Agroecology Living Landscape (ALL) represent a geographically coherent sub-national area, encompassing diverse actors dedicated to promoting just food system transitions and willing to take transformative actions, as shaped by their collective interactions and goals. https://cshepkenya.org/ https://cshepkenya.org/ https://dnrckenya.co.ke/wp/ https://dnrckenya.co.ke/wp/ December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 9 agroecological principles and frameworks, both objectives were to be accomplished through transdisciplinary co-design processes. Work Package 2. Generating evidence to support transitions by comparing ‘business-as-usual’ and agroecological alternatives: The aim of WP 2 is to generate robust evidence to support agroecological transitions by conducting assessments that compare the benefits and trade-offs of conventional "business-as-usual" approaches with agroecological alternatives across the ALLs. This evidence will inform stakeholders and decision-makers, demonstrating the advantages of agroecological practices in fostering sustainable and equitable food systems. Work Package 3. Creating market opportunities through the development of inclusive business models and financing strategies: The aim of WP 3 is to create market opportunities by developing inclusive agroecological business models and innovative financing strategies. This involves fostering value chains and market systems that support agroecological practices, ensuring equitable participation of all stakeholders, particularly small-scale farmers, while enhancing the economic viability and scalability of agroecological transitions. Work Package 4. Creating enabling policy and institutional environments towards agroecological transitions: The WP 4 focuses on t strengthening the policy and institutional enabling environment at national and sub-national levels. Work Package 5. Understanding and influencing Agency and Behavioral Change : This WP is to understand and subsequently influence agency and behaviour of diverse Food System Actors, both individually and collectively, to foster an inclusive and equitable agroecological transformation. This includes learning from previous agroecological project's successes and failures in shifting agency and behaviors towards agroecological transitions as well as identifying drivers that influence agency and bihaviour change. Additional work area: Unlocking nature’s potential by mapping and utilizing organic resources to build resilient agroecological systems: This work area was added in Kenya during the last year of the Initiative to fill a research gap that was identified during the implementation of the Initiative. The work focuses on identifying opportunities to optimize the use of underutilized organic resources supporting agroecological transitions. Through mapping organic resources across various counties, the research has highlighted key areas for prioritizing investments to enhance the efficient utilization of these resources. 2. Welcome and introductory remarks The workshop was opened with remarks from the CIFOR-ICRAF Kenya country coordinator Prof. Catherine Muthuri, and Prof. Alex Awiti, CIFOR-ICRAF Agroecology Theme and Kenya AE-I lead. The two high level remarks were followed by presentations and discussions by representatives from the national and county governments and partner organizations. All the presentations emphasized the crucial role of agroecological research in facilitating transitions to sustainable food systems. The speakers emphasized the need to advance from generating information to effectively disseminating the evidence among relevant stakeholders as a vital strategy for advancing agroecology. They also addressed the importance of taking an inclusive approach that involves a diverse range of actors, with a particular focus on engaging farmers as key ambassadors of agroecology. ” Providing research evidence, is key to guiding policies and decision-making in the right direction. In addition, it is important to generate and disseminate actionable insights and evidence that can drive agroecological transitions at both national and international levels”, highlighted Prof. Catherine Muthuri in her remarks. She further indicated that the workshop was very important because it created an December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 10 opportunity to share and discuss some of the high-level findings of the research that has been going on for the last three years. The practicality and potential of evidence in enhancing agency towards agroecological transition was demonstrated by Prof. Alex Awiti through a presentation of empirical findings highlighting the critical role of integrated soil health in agricultural systems. Based on his presentation, trade-offs of the Green Revolution, which heavily relied on mineral fertilizers to boost yields, were deemed insufficient for sustaining food systems. This perspective was supported by FAO data showing that Africa continues to experience yield gaps despite increasing fertilizer use. Further, Prof. Awiti presented an empirical analysis comparing Uganda’s threefold yield increase to Kenya’s, despite Kenya's significantly higher fertilizer utilization. This finding underscored the need for a paradigm shift that involves adopting a systems-based, regenerative agroecological approach that prioritizes the biophysical and physiochemical characteristics of soil. Given that soil health is a cornerstone of sustainable and profitable food systems, it was noted that holistic and integrated soil health management is essential. He clarified that such an approach should extend beyond focusing solely on macronutrients (NPK) to address the broader spectrum of soil health factors. Considering the limited availability of organic resources at household level, a business model for the relevant value chains that might support agroecological transitions and resolve the root causes of soil nutrient mining was considered as the fundamental value proposition of agroecological transition. In light of the practical food system challenges mentioned by government officials, Prof. Awiti introduced the various work packages of the Initiative on Agroecology, highlighting how their core objectives address these challenges. Participants were invited to offer candid feedback on the presented work, which would play a crucial role in refining existing models and approaches. 3. Insights from National and County representatives The present national and County government officials shared their insights on the CGIAR Agroecology Initiative and government efforts to promote agroecology. The following key themes were highlighted in their presentations: Building Partnerships is key for Agroecological Transition: Acknowledging the role of collaborations in driving agroecological transition, government officials concurred that adoption and scaling of agroecological practices depends not only on the availability of evidence but also on the support and buy-in from key decision-makers involved in resource allocation and policy formulation. All the government representatives expressed significant interest in the topic and demonstrated a strong commitment to leveraging their respective strengths to advance agroecology through the adoption and scaling of agroecological practices. “We are here because we want to know what has been done. We are here to get answers to some of the issues affecting us at county level” – Mr. Martin Munyao, Agricultural officer-Makueni County The presenters acknowledged the role of the Initiative in advancing agroecology at the County level. Mr. Munyao highlighted key challenges facing Makueni County, including the extensive use of synthetic pesticides, poor soil health management resulting in depleted soils, biodiversity loss, and limited access to water for both domestic and agricultural use. These food system challenges were majorly attributed to the abandonment of traditional farming methods in favor of unsustainable conventional practices. Together with Mr. Gabriel Kuria, the Agricultural Officer at the County Government of Makueni, they December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 11 highlighted a collaborative effort between the county government and initiatives like AE-I as a crucial entry point for building a resilient and sustainable agroecosystem. However, participants were cautioned against overemphasizing long-term sustainability at the expense of short-term productive benefits to farmers and other food system stakeholders. “How can we work to ensure that farmers and other food system actors get optimal results while protecting the environment and the people, this is what we want agroecology to deliver” – Mr. Martin Munyao, Agricultural officer-Makueni County”. As agroecology gains popularity, the number of transition initiatives and the push for context-specific policies was noted to significantly increased. However, the lack of a unified coordination mechanism has led to fragmented and duplicated efforts. Hon. David Kuria, the County Executive Committee Member of Kiambu County, emphasized the need for a centralized coordination framework to streamline agroecological efforts, promote policy coherence, optimize resource allocation, and garner political buy-in. This view was supported by Mr. Munyao who noted that this approach should also involve harmonizing sector-based strategies related to agroecological transitions, to strengthen synergies and ensure coordinated, collaborative action. Customizing agroecological solutions bridges local needs with policy priorities and practical adoption: Hon. David Kuria, County Executive Committee Member of Kiambu County, advised that agroecological transitions should have been tailored to address the specific needs of communities and counties to ensure their relevance and effectiveness in tackling local challenges such as soil degradation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. He highlighted that this approach was crucial for enhancing the appeal of such transitions to politicians and policymakers, who are accountable to their constituents and more likely to support initiatives that align with community priorities. Hon. Kuria further emphasized that linking agroecological solutions to tangible community needs, such as improved productivity and food security, would have fostered community engagement, built political will, and created sustainable solutions that address both environmental and livelihood needs, ultimately driving meaningful and long-lasting change. “A transformative change must be focused on addressing practical community needs. The promotion of agroecology should therefore be tailored to address the specific needs of communities and counties in a way that captures the interest and support of political leaders” emphasized Hon. David Kuria, County Executive Committee Member of Kiambu County Hon. David Kuria urged agroecology researchers to simplify their technical, research-driven findings to effectively engage diverse audiences, including politicians and farmers. He emphasized that capturing the attention of politicians, who play a crucial role in policy formulation and resource allocation, requires presenting evidence in an accessible manner. He also highlighted that the complex language often used by researchers can hinder understanding among ordinary farmers, thereby limiting adoption of agroecological practices. December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 12 Figure 2: Workshop proceedings highlighting presentations by different government representatives. 4. Partner statements The principle of knowledge co-creation is a vital component of agroecology that requires transparent collaboration among actors having a shared goal. The Initiative has been working with its different partners both at the County (e.g. CSHEP and DNRC), and national scale (e.g. ISFAA and PELUM-Kenya) for identification and engagement of relevant stakeholders. Further, the hosting centres (CSHEP and DNRC) have played a key role in supporting the co-creation processes of innovative practices ensuring that local expertise, knowledge, and priorities are incorporated into the transition process. This fosters a sense of ownership and collective responsibility. This collaboration not only increased the Initiative’s visibility but also helped establish networks and create supportive environments for meaningful engagements. Given an opportunity to share their experiences from their engagement and collaborative initiatives with AE-I, the following key take aways were highlighted by the partners: Partner and community commitment was evidenced in all partner statements, underscoring the importance of leveraging local support to drive agroecological transitions that promote environmental protection and build resilient food systems. These collaborations were reported to have achieved significant milestones, including capacity building for producers and policymakers, culminating in the development and launch of the National Agroecology Strategy for Food Systems Transformation (NAS-FST). Mr. Patrick Kihoro, zonal coordinator at PELUM, highlighted the NAS-FST as a testament to the power of collective action. Developed through a joint effort between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) and partners such as PELUM-Kenya and the CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology through ISFAA, the strategy showcases the value of harnessing expertise from a diverse range of stakeholders. It was reported that the partnerships had spurred innovative approaches to identifying and implementing agroecological practices adopted by farmers. Notably, it was mentioned that the December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 13 mapping of organic resources, conducted by the AE-I in collaboration with the Organic Fertilizer and Input Manufacturers Association of Kenya (OFIMAK), had revealed areas for potential investment to fully exploit underutilized organic resources for agroecological transitions. While it was acknowledged that these partnerships had driven significant progress, partners emphasized the need for enabling institutional and inclusive market structures to incentivize local producers and influence consumer preferences towards agroecological products. Furthermore, it was stressed that capacity building through training and information sharing remained critical to empowering producers to adopt sustainable farming practices, ensuring food safety, and enhancing human well-being. “To ensure food safety, we urge the government to regulate the pesticides used by farmers. Many are applying highly toxic chemicals without proper protection, posing significant risks to their own health, the environment, and consumers” -Esther Kagai, Director-Community Sustainable Agriculture and Health Environment (CSHEP). Acknowledging that agroecology is a gradual process requiring significant time to deliver results, Ms. Juliet Murugi from DNRC emphasized the importance of designing programs with extended timelines. This would allow effective monitoring of implementation progress and the long-term impacts of agroecological practices. 5. Initiative key messages After the high-level presentations and discussions, the AE-I researchers presented key messages from each area of work (Work Package-WP) of the Initiative. The key take away messages from the presentations are presented in this section, starting from WP1 to WP5 and the additional research area on mapping of organic resources. Work package 1. Multistakeholder partnerships and co-designing of agroecological innovations This session focused on the key insights and lessons learned from the Initiative's work under Work Package 1 (Fig. 3) presented by Dr. Lisa Fuchs, the WP1 lead in Kenya. WP1 focused on two key areas: 1) building collaborations and establishing operational Agroecological Living Landscapes (ALLs) at the subnational level, which involved fostering partnerships and establishing operational ALLs in target locations; and 2) co-designing suitable agroecological transition pathways within these ALLs and assessing the effectiveness of innovative agroecological practices. Dr. Fuchs reported that WP1 work commenced with the joint development of transformative partnerships, facilitating the mobilization of actors for co-creation. This approach leveraged partnerships not only with subnational actors like CSHEP and DNRC, but also with national actors such as ISFAA and PELUM -Kenya. She mentioned that the Initiative worked closely with partners to purposefully identify actors with shared goals and a common intention to drive change. The co-design process was intentionally designed to ensure inclusive selection, co-design and implementation of innovative agroecological practices, while also assessing the availability of incentives to foster their implementation. December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 14 Figure 3: Key messages from work package 1 of the Initiative on Agroecology Following three years of implementation, Dr. Lisa reported that by actively engaging stakeholders from the outset, leveraging existing networks, and establishing formal partnerships, the WP1 component successfully built the capacity of key actors and empowered them to drive agroecological transitions. Recognizing the common challenge of project sustainability, where implementation often stalls upon the departure of lead development partners, Dr. Lisa emphasized the critical need to advocate for the development of physical hubs, such as farmer training centers. These hubs would serve as focal points for ongoing research, experimentation, and continued implementation of agroecological practices. Dr. Lisa further emphasized the need for development partners to formalize principle-driven partnerships by championing partner priorities, mobilizing funds to support their goals, and empowering partners by front lining their efforts. In the co-design of innovative practices, she emphasized that while researchers often have predefined research goals, they should leverage their log frames and deliverables to create win-win outcomes that also address societal needs. She further emphasized the need to integrate scientific rigor with other forms of knowledge, ensuring inclusivity in the research and development process. Work package 2. Evidence-based agroecology assessments Dr. Sylvia Nyawira, the lead for Work Package 2, opened the session by highlighting the critical role of evidence-based data in driving agroecological transitions. She introduced the Holistic Localized Performance Assessment (HOLPA) framework, explaining that the focus of Work Package 2 was to generate data-driven assessments of agroecology and its performance. Using the HOLPA tool in the Makueni and Kiambu Agroecological Living Landscapes (ALLs), Dr. Nyawira presented findings from assessments of 479 smallholder farms. The results revealed varying levels of adherence to December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 15 agroecological principles, underscoring the need for context-specific strategies that leverage existing strengths to improve resource efficiency, resilience, and social equity. Figure 4: Key messages from work package 2 of the Initiative on Agroecology While farms with high adherence demonstrated positive outcomes across key indicators, Dr. Nyawira emphasized the importance of conducting holistic assessment in evaluating performance of food systems. She called for targeted capacity-building initiatives to raise performance across all levels of adherence. Further, she also stressed the value of strengthening farmer connections with extension services, traders, and researchers by enhancing knowledge-sharing networks to support holistic and inclusive agroecological transitions. Work package 3. Creating market opportunities through the development of inclusive business models and financing strategies Dr. Rosina Wanyama shared key highlights and lessons from Work Package 3 (Fig. 5), which focused on creating inclusive business models and financing strategies in two Agroecological Living Landscapes (ALLs). The team started by prioritizing value chains: mangoes in Makueni and green leafy vegetables in Kiambu. They then assessed how well these value chains aligned with the 13 principles of agroecology. December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 16 Figure 5: Key messages from work package 3 of the Initiative on Agroecology Next, a participatory workshop was held to recommend ways to improve existing business models and make them more sustainable from an agroecological perspective. To co-design these upgraded models, tools like SWOT analysis, the business model canvas, and the business agroecology criteria tool (B-ACT) were employed. While SWOT analysis was instrumental in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of a business model, the B-ACT too was used to evaluate the level to which the 13 principles of agroecology were integrated in a farm or business. The output of these tools was useful in identifying areas of improvement towards achieving a holistic and sustainable business model. The SWOT analysis revealed that the conventional business model, where producers independently produce and sell their products, was the most prevalent in Makueni. Other models assessed included the private processing model (involving private processing farms) and the public processing model, where a public processing company procures mangoes from farmers through cooperatives. Acknowledging the reality that businesses are likely to engage in agroecology if the benefits outweigh the costs, a cost-benefit analysis was also reported to have been conducted by WP3. Their findings revealed that agroecological interventions are profitable with shorter payback periods. In her comparison between farm and off-farm enterprises, Dr. Wanyama concluded that higher investments have higher returns, but with a longer return period, while lower investments have lower returns within a shorter time. Although agroecology demonstrates promising short-term positive net returns, it was noted that a substantial portion of agricultural investment continues to be channeled toward conventional or industrial approaches. This highlights the need to redirect agricultural funding toward agroecological initiatives. Furthermore, despite the increasing presence of agroecology, private sector financing remains limited, suggesting that integrating private sector investments could serve as a key opportunity December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 17 to expand funding for agroecological practices. To fully realize the potential of agroecology, incentivizing private sector investment in agroecological approaches was proposed as a crucial entry point. Based on their work, WP3 key findings present agroecology as a cost-effective, profitable solutions with significant social, economic, environmental and health benefits. However, the need for a systems approach, engaging all food system actors, to effectively scale agroecological practices was called for. To build consumer demand, Dr. Wanyama emphasized that it is crucial to enhance clarity and awareness regarding agroecological products. Moreover, leveraging private sector investment and redirecting their efforts toward agroecological initiatives are critical steps towards a successful transition to sustainable farming. The presenter emphasized the need to shift the focus of agroecology beyond the farm level, recognizing the importance of integrating agroecological principles into the entire food system, including the business level. Concerns were raised about the limitations of using organic food as a proxy for agroecology, highlighting the need for a clear definition of an "agroecological product." This, noted Dr. Nyawira, necessitates a certification guideline such as the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS). Work package 4. Creating enabling policy and institutional environments and policies towards agroecological transitions Prof. Alex Awiti, the County Agroecology Lead and Work Package 4 Lead, delivered a presentation emphasizing the importance of policy integration across sectors to advance agroecological transitions. A summary of his key messages have been included in figure 6 below. Figure 6: Key messages from work package 4 of the Initiative on Agroecology December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 18 Referencing the 13 principles of agroecology, Prof. Awiti raised a key question: While Kenya’s legal framework is rich in agroecological provisions, how can these fragmented elements be unified into a cohesive policy framework to ensure alignment, consistency, and effective implementation across sectors? He also highlighted the expanding agroecological policy initiatives developed by various counties and underscored the need for a unified policy framework. Such an overarching policy, he noted, would provide clear guidelines and the necessary flexibility for counties to anchor and align their policy development efforts effectively. Prof. Awiti highlighted that while enabling policy provisions are increasing, agricultural policies such as the Agriculture Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) continue to prioritize high-input, industrial agriculture. This includes subsidies for fertilizers, hybrid seeds, and monocropping, which limits investment in agroecological transitions. He further pointed out that the dominant top-down, linear knowledge transfer models fail to incorporate farmers' expertise, creating barriers to the effective enforcement of developed policies. Additionally, Prof. Awiti emphasized that a lack of coordination both horizontally across sectors and vertically between national and county governments risks leading to fragmented implementation of agroecological policies, thereby weakening their overall impact. Key messages from the work package 4 indicated that a cohesive policy framework, beyond the National Agroecology Strategy, is needed to ensure alignment and accountability across all levels of government. However, while Kenya's devolved system offers an opportunity for localized agroecological strategies, there is a need for improved coordination and capacity building at the county level. Further, current agricultural policies, often favoring high-input agriculture, should be repurposed to incentivize sustainable practices. The work package recommends a redesign of extension services to be farmer-centric and utilizing digital tools to enhance knowledge sharing. Finally, strengthening multi-stakeholder platforms and fostering intersectoral collaboration are essential for effective policy implementation. Work package 5. Understanding and influencing agency and behavioral change Nadia Guettou Djurfeldt, the Work Package 5 lead, presented key highlights from this component which aimed at understanding and influencing agency and behavioural change towards agroecological transition. Learning from previous projects to understand drivers of change, WP 5 used focus group discussions and key informant interviews, to develop timelines of agroecological transitions in their communities and identify key events that triggered such transition processes. Acknowledging that agroecological transition processes are dynamic rather than a linear process with no definite start or endline. What are experiences as a starting point of one actor group does is not necessarily the starting point of another food systems actor. This also intersects with gender, age, and other socioeconomic factors. She noted that six categories of key events that catalysed the agroecological transition were identified and these were: capacity building, climate change, health concerns, cost of inputs, market demand, and policy changes. In Kiambu County, all six triggers were reported, while in Makueni County, only climate change, capacity building, and health concerns were significant. This highlights the localized nature of agroecological transitions and the varied experiences across regions. Additionally, to uphold the transition, there were enablers at individual, community, institutional, and environmental levels. At the individual level one can find knowledge, self- December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 19 efficacy, and economic motivations, whereas community factors like gender norms and social capital were crucial. Institutional supports such as land tenure, access to credit and markets, and favourable policies, alongside environmental factors like climate resilience and ecological vulnerabilities, played significant roles in fostering agroecological transitions Figure 7: Key messages from work package 5 of the Initiative on Agroecology What stood out from Nadia’s presentation is that producers begun to reconnect to agroecological transitions earlier to the timeline compared to other food system actors. This, based on the WP 5 scoping study, illustrated that initiatives/projects on agroecological transition often focus on producers while other food chain actors come in later and feel left behind. To foster and advance agroecological transition, Nadia concluded that targeting all value chain actors from the onset is crucial for inclusive food system transformation. Nadia emphasized that agroecological transitions are influenced by gender differences influenced by different objectives, motivations and varying levels of agency. In terms of objectives, men often transition towards agroecology with goals of increasing farm productivity and income for economic benefits. In contrast, women focus on gaining independence and enhancing their agency, prioritizing effective resource management on smaller-scale farms and addressing their specific needs for nutrition and food safety. Recognizing and supporting these diverse drivers through participatory methods that emphasize local knowledge and address socio-cultural and economic factors can optimize the contributions of all stakeholders in the agroecological transition and positively influence their individual or collective agency. This, she reported, requires strengthening collective action through inclusive capacity building, promoting engagement across the entire agri-food system, and tailoring support to meet the specific needs of youth and women in agriculture. Given the interconnected nature of these drivers, Nadia advocated for a systemic approach that simultaneously promotes all enabling drivers of change. She underscored the importance of meaningful December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 20 youth engagement in agriculture, which could be achieved by shifting the focus on including youth as producers and focus more on other parts of the food system that can better align with their aspirations. Finally, she recommended working with households as a whole to foster sustainable agroecological transitions and mitigate potential backlash where individuals in the household might feel excluded and which can trigger intra household conflicts. Additional working area. Unlocking nature’s potential by mapping and utilizing organic resources to build resilient agroecological systems Dr. Anne Kuria, a scientist at CIFOR-ICRAF, presented key highlights from Work Package 5, focusing on its objectives to identify and map the spatial distribution of organic resources that enhance soil health and support agroecological transitions in Makueni and Kiambu counties. She emphasized the diversity of organic resources available, noting that their composition and usage vary between counties, requiring tailored interventions to provide effective agroecological solutions. While significant quantities of diverse resources are being produced, many remain underutilized necessitating awareness creation to optimize organic resources utilization better prices and market opportunities were identified as significant motivators for farmers to adopt agroecology, as many organic resources are used not only for farming but also sold as a source of income. Dr. Kuria highlighted that different organic resources play complementary roles within agricultural systems, underscoring the importance of optimizing synergies between them. However, she also pointed out key challenges in adopting and utilizing organic resources, including technological inefficiencies, weak institutional frameworks, and unsustainable markets. She concluded by advocating for a systemic approach anchored in knowledge co-creation and capacity building to address these barriers effectively. Figure 8: Key messages from additional area of focus on harnessing organic resources December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 21 Discussion points on the key messages Following the presentation of key highlights, a lively discussion ensued among workshop participants. Highlights included: • A central theme that emerged is the need to clearly define and distinguish agroecological products from organic ones in the market. While organic farming emphasizes strict adherence to synthetic input restrictions, agroecology encompasses a broader range of practices. Participants explored the potential of Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) as a more accessible and cost-effective certification mechanism for agroecological products, particularly for local markets. • Another topic was the practical implementation of agroecological business models. Participants recognized the importance of supporting existing businesses in their transition towards agroecological practices. This involved a thorough analysis of existing business models, identifying areas for improvement, and providing targeted capacity building to enhance their adoption of agroecological principles. • Beyond economic motivations, participants acknowledged the intrinsic value of environmental conservation as a significant driver for agroecological adoption. This perspective emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship and a deeper connection to the environment. Further, the discussion also touched upon the challenges of addressing deeply ingrained harmful farming practices. One of the participants from Makueni County eloquently raised concerns about the detrimental impacts of Eucalyptus tree plantations and unregulated borehole drilling in his region. He highlighted the difficulties in addressing these issues due to strong economic interests, using the example of Eucalyptus plantations in Kilome, where economic benefits often outweigh environmental concerns. • Finally, participants stressed the importance of actively promoting agroecological foods in all settings, including workshops. Mr. Kimeu poignantly pointed out the irony of not serving agroecological food at the AE-I workshop itself, emphasizing the need to lead by example. In conclusion, the discussion highlighted the multifaceted challenges and opportunities associated with advancing agroecological transitions. It underscored the need for clear definitions, effective implementation strategies, and a deeper understanding of the social and environmental drivers that motivate farmers to adopt agroecological practices. Furthermore, the discussion emphasized the importance of ethical consumption and a commitment to promoting agroecological foods in all aspects of daily life. 6. Topical panel discussions 6.1. Unlocking Agroecological Financing and Market Opportunities to Strengthen Resilient Food Systems The panel discussion focused on unlocking financing and market opportunities for agroecological food systems. The session featured diverse food system actors ; Mr Alex Muli Mutua , CEO Goshen Farm Exporters Limited, Mr Richard Mwangi , the CEO Organic Fields Ltd, and Mr Anthony Mahira – Investment manager, DoB Equity. Key questions explored included challenges faced by agroecological businesses, reasons for limited financing for agroecology, the development of innovative investment products, strategies for unlocking market opportunities, incentives for investment, and the need for policy and regulatory reforms to create a conducive environment for agroecological investments. December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 22 The panel discussion shed light on several key challenges facing the agroecological sector. Despite the availability of financing from governments, donors, and financial institutions, agroecological funding remains limited. This gap is largely due to low public awareness and the perceived risks of agricultural ventures, such as yield variability and weather uncertainties, which hinder businesses in agroecological practices from accessing finance. To attract more investment, it is essential to address these perceived risks and effectively communicate the long- term environmental and economic benefits of agroecological practices. Additionally, the sector’s need for long-term investments is at odds with the short-term focus of many investors, further limiting funding opportunities. To reduce dependency on financial aid, the panelists emphasized the need for a multi- stakeholder approach to unlocking market opportunities for agroecological products. Key strategies include offering incentives to encourage risk-taking, maintaining the integrity of production processes, and utilizing the expertise of village-based agronomists to train local farmers. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of tailored financing solutions and innovative investment products designed to address the specific needs of smallholder farmers and agroecological businesses. The panelists also underscored the urgency of policy and regulatory reforms at both national and sub-national levels to foster a supportive environment for agroecological investments. This includes increased government backing for innovation, as well as research and development (R&D) within the sector. 6.2. Exploring insights, challenges and prospective opportunities in nurturing the next generation of agroecological scholars This panel discussion focused on key aspects of cultivating the next generation of agroecological scholars. It emphasized identifying major research insights, analysing unexpected outcomes of agroecological practices, devising strategies for effective community engagement and knowledge sharing, and addressing the challenges of youth disengagement from agriculture. The pane discussion brought together students engaged in the AE-I (Pius Gumo, Michael Sakha, Rhoda Njeri, Machio Mbelwa, and Sulman Owili) and was moderated by Dr. Hezekiah Korir, a scientist- Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT. Research Insights: The discussion highlighted the importance of farmer perceptions and gender dynamics in the adoption of agroecological practices. Research on the mango value chain revealed that farmers who adopted agroecological methods were 10% more efficient. Key factors driving adoption included affordability, awareness fostered through social networks, and co-creation of knowledge. Unexpected Outcomes: The value of co-designing practices with farmers was emphasized, with examples showing that combining techniques like mulching and manure application yielded significant benefits. The approach of conducting research collaboratively with farmers, rather than solely about them, was praised for uncovering the rich knowledge and expertise often overlooked in farmers who might initially seem uninformed. Community Integration: Plans were discussed to share research findings with the wider community, focusing on translating insights into practical solutions beyond traditional documentation methods. This is vital for bridging the gap between research and practice, empowering communities to implement sustainable agricultural practices, and encouraging broader adoption. By making insights accessible and actionable, this approach fosters innovation, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability, while also building trust and engagement between researchers and local stakeholders. It ensures that research discoveries are not confined to traditional documentation but are transformed into tools that drive meaningful, real-world change in agroecological systems. The need to recognize indigenous technical December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 23 knowledge as a guiding tool for farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders was stressed to promote agroecological practices effectively. Youth and Gender Inclusivity in Farming: Negative perceptions of agriculture were identified as key drivers of youth disengagement from farming. To address challenges and re-engage young people in agriculture, it was recommended to transform negative perceptions of farming through targeted awareness campaigns that highlight its potential for innovation and profitability. Providing access to modern farming technologies, training programs, and mentorship opportunities can relieve labour burdens associated with agroecological practices and make agriculture more appealing and accessible to youth. Policies that prioritize youth involvement, create funding opportunities, and encourage entrepreneurship in agriculture were also suggested. Additionally, integrating agriculture into education systems and fostering community support can inspire a new generation to see farming as a viable and rewarding career path. Gender-responsive training, gendered impact assessments, and valuing women’s indigenous knowledge were proposed as essential steps. An intersectionality approach was recommended to support marginalized groups, alongside capacity-building efforts on gender analysis frameworks. Policy Integration: Emphasis was placed on bridging research findings with policy and practice, highlighting the need to address negative perceptions of agriculture among youth and women to foster broader adoption of agroecological practices. The discussion underscored the significance of collaborative research, community engagement, and gender-sensitive approaches in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and nurturing future agroecological leaders. 6.3. Mobilizing farmers and stakeholder networks for accelerated transitions The panel discussion titled "Mobilizing Farmers for Accelerated Transitions" aimed to explore practical strategies and insights to drive agroecological transitions. It sought to identify the greatest drivers and limitations of farmers' adoption of agroecological practices and discuss how organizations like CSHEP and DNRC address these challenges. The session also highlighted the importance of inclusivity in engaging marginalized groups, sharing experiences, motivations, and outcomes of such efforts. PELUM-Kenya provided insights on bridging gaps in strengthening partner collaborations and fostering enabling policies for agroecological transitions. Additionally, the panel discussed effective ways to track, monitor, document, and share success stories from farmer mobilization to inspire broader adoption. Lastly, it addressed the critical need for policy implementation through partner network ownership and active participation in agroecological policy frameworks. Three panellists engaged in this session were: Mr Patrick Kihoro – Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM), Ms. Esther Kagai – Community Sustainable Agriculture and Healthy Environment Program (CSHEP), and Ms. Juliet Murugi – Drylands Natural Resource Center (DNRC). Key insights and challenges in advancing agroecological practices: One of the key issues highlighted was the difficulty of engaging youth in agriculture, as many prioritize quick financial returns over the patience required in farming. To address this, one of the panelists (Juliet Murugi from DNRC) reported that youth groups have been formed to encourage sustainable practices and bridge the gap. Inclusivity was another critical focus, with efforts to engage marginalized groups such as women and individuals affected by alcoholism. Though the process is slow, the emphasis remains on working with those willing to adapt. Strengthening partner collaborations was emphasized on leveraging collective strengths, avoiding duplication of efforts, and advocating for enabling policies. Documentation of success stories: Documenting success stories is crucial to the agroecological transition as it provides tangible examples of how sustainable practices can lead to positive outcomes. These stories serve as powerful tools for inspiring wider adoption by showcasing real-world benefits, such as increased efficiency, environmental sustainability, and improved December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 24 community well-being. By sharing these experiences, communities and stakeholders can learn from one another, replicate successful models, and overcome challenges. Additionally, well- documented success stories help build trust, raise awareness, and foster collaboration between researchers, farmers, policymakers, and other key players, ultimately accelerating the transition to agroecology. Retooling extension officers was identified as a key strategy in grasping success stories from farmers. 7. Key workshop takeaways Key takeaways from the workshop proceedings, as shared by Dr. David Kamau, Director of Natural Resource Management & Environmental Sustainability - KALRO and Mr. Eustace Kiarie, CEO-KOAN, emphasized the importance of advancing agroecology through evidence-based approaches, active participation, and improved coordination among stakeholders. The workshop highlighted several critical themes: • The importance of evidence in agroecological transition: The workshop highlighted the need for solid evidence to guide policies and decision-making in agroecological transitions. Without it, advancing agroecological practices at national and international levels would remain challenging. • Shifting from conventional agriculture: The presenters reported that a shift from conventional agriculture was necessary, as a comparison between Uganda’s threefold increase in yield and Kenya’s lower yield despite higher fertilizer use highlighted the need for a paradigm shift. This finding challenged the prevailing assumption that increased fertilizer use directly correlates with higher productivity and refuted the belief that adopting agroecological practices results in reduced yields. Supported by evidence linking agroecological practices to enhanced productivity, the notion that increasing fertilizer application is essential for yield improvement was invalidated. A regenerative agroecological approach emphasizing holistic soil health was emphasized as vital for achieving sustainable food systems. • Government support is crucial, and simplified research findings may aid decision-making: It was emphasized that the involvement and support of both national and county governments were essential for advancing agroecology at scale. Collaborative efforts between government agencies and initiatives such as AE-I were described as key to establishing a foundation for the broader adoption of agroecological practices. To build these partnerships and secure government buy-in, it was recommended that research findings on the benefits of agroecology for sustainable food systems should be shared in a simplified and stakeholder-specific format. By making the information more accessible, especially to farmers and policymakers, the adoption of agroecological practices could be accelerated, as overly technical scientific language might hinder and slow progress. • Agroecology should focus on delivering context-specific solutions designed to foster inclusivity: It was emphasized that agroecological solutions needed to be tailored to address local challenges, such as soil degradation and water scarcity, to ensure they met community needs and aligned with policy priorities. This approach, it was noted, would create a win-win solution that fosters wider adoption. Considering the observation that agroecological transitions are shaped by diverse gendered objectives and motivations, where men often prioritize economic gains and farm productivity, while women focus on resource management, nutrition, food safety, and increasing agency. Recognizing these differences and addressing them through participatory methods, inclusive capacity building, and tailored support can enhance collective action and ensure the contributions of all stakeholders—especially women and youth—are optimized in the transition process. Inclusive strategies must also account for localized socio- cultural and economic factors to foster equitable engagement across the entire food system. December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 25 • Centralized coordination for effective scaling: It was stated that a unified coordination mechanism across sectors was necessary to prevent fragmented efforts. A centralized approach was suggested as a means to streamline resource allocation, promote policy coherence, and secure broader political support. • Collaboration for knowledge Co-creation: Successful agroecological transitions depend on transparent collaboration among diverse actors. Co-creation of knowledge between stakeholders can foster a sense of ownership and drive innovation. • Implementation timelines should be extended by implementing initiatives: Agroecology demands long-term commitment to achieve lasting benefits. Therefore, initiatives should incorporate extended timelines to effectively monitor the progress and assess the long-term impacts of these practices. • Incentivizing private sector investment is key to advancing agroecology: To scale agroecology, private sector investment is essential. Collaboration with the private sector can help expand the market for agroecological products and align them with consumer preferences. • Promoting sustainable consumption and leading by example: The importance of promoting the consumption of agroecologically produced foods was emphasized. Participants called for greater promotion of agroecological foods, even within workshops, to demonstrate commitment to sustainable practices. • Everyone plays a crucial role in driving transitions: The importance of diverse perspectives was highlighted, emphasizing the vital role each participant holds in the agroecological sector. Every voice contributes to shaping and executing effective strategies, ensuring inclusivity and broad representation. Promoting collaboration and ensuring that all voices are heard will help create more inclusive, effective, and widely supported solutions for advancing agroecology. • Coordinative institutional frameworks are needed: The establishment of appropriate coordinative institutional structures was deemed essential for realizing the benefits of agroecology. Improved coordination among stakeholders is key to ensuring that efforts are aligned, resources are efficiently allocated, and outputs are optimized. • Enhancing integrity of agroecological products through Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS): It was noted that strengthening the integrity of agroecological products through Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) is essential, with emphasis placed on the significance of community-based certification processes in ensuring quality and building trust.. December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 26 Annex Annex 1: Workshop program Time Activity Facilitator 8:00-9:00 AM Arrival and registration Ms. Edith Anyango & Ms. Nelly Orwaya 9:00-9:15 AM Welcoming remarks and introduction to the CGIAR Transformational Agroecology across Food, Land, and Water Systems Initiative (Initiative on Agroecology) Prof. Alex Awiti Prof. Catherine Muthuri, Kenya Country Coordinator-ICRAF and Prof. Alex Awiti, Agroecology Country lead 9:15-9:45 AM Opening remarks from government partners Prof. Alex Awiti Mr. Martin Munyau, Agricultural officer, County Government of Makueni Hon. David Kuria, County Executive Committee Member (CECM), Water, Environment & Natural Resources-County Government of Kiambu. Eng. Laban Kiplagat, Agricultural Engineering Secretary State Department for Agriculture-Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. 9:45 –10:15 AM Initiative on Agroecology partners statements Prof. Alex Awiti Ms. Esther Kiruthi, CEO Community Sustainable Agriculture and Healthy Environment Program (CSHEP) Ms. Juliet Murugi, Dryland Natural Resource Center (DNRC) Mr Patrick Kihoro, Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Kenya Mr. Martin Oulu, Intersectoral Forum on Agrobiodiversity and Agroecology (ISFAA) Junnie Wangari, Organic Fertilizer and Input Manufacturers Association of Kenya (OFIMAK). 10: 15-10:45 AM Coffee break 10:45-12:00 PM Key insights and high-level messages from Agroecology Initiative Dr. Lisa Fuchs 1. Multi-stakeholder partnerships and co-designing agroecological innovations (Dr. Lisa Fuchs-Scientist, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT) 2. Creating market opportunities through inclusive business models and financing strategies (Dr. Rosina Wanyama-Scientist, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT) 3. Unlocking nature’s potential by mapping and utilizing organic resources to build resilient agroecological systems (Dr. Anne Kuria-Scientist, World Agroforestry) 4. Advancing agroecological transitions by harnessing agency and driving behavioural change (Nadia Guettou – Scientist, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT). 5. Generating evidence to support transitions by comparing 'Business-as-usual' and agroecological alternatives. (Dr. Sylvia Nyawira- Scientist, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT) 6. Creating enabling policy and institutional environments and policies towards agroecological transitions (Prof. Alex Awiti - Scientist, World Agroforestry) Q&A session 12:00-12:45 PM Panel discussion 1: Unlocking Agroecological Financing and Investment Opportunities for agroecological transitions Dr. RosinahRosina Wanyama Mr. Alex Muli Mutua, CEO Goshen Farm Exporters Ltd, Kenya December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 27 Mr. Richard Mwangi, CEO Organic Fields Ltd, Kenya Mr. Anthony Mahira, Investment manager, DoB Equity, 12:45-1:00 PM Poster sessions for students’ research work Mr. Richard Mwangi, CEO Organic Fields Ltd, Kenya Lunch break 1:00-2:00 PM Panel discussion 2: Exploring insights, challenges, and prospective opportunities in naturing next generation of agroecological scholars (Initiative of Agroecology students) Dr. Hezekiah Korir 2:00 –2:45PM Pannel discussion 3: Mobilizing farmers and stakeholder networks for accelerated transitions Dr. Beatrice Adoyo Mr. Patrick Kihoro, Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Ms. Esther Kagai, Community Sustainable Agriculture and Healthy Environment (CSSHEP) Ms. Juliet Murugi, Drylands Natural Resource Center (DNRC) 2:45-3:30PM Key takeaways from the workshop proceedings Dr. David Kamau, Director of Natural Resource Management & Environmental Sustainability -KALRO. Mr. Eustace Kiarii Gacanja, CEO- Kenya Organic Agriculture Network Closing remarks 3:30-4:00 PM Ms. Esther Kagai, CEO- Community Sustainable Agriculture and Healthy Environment Program (CSHEP). Prof. Alex Awiti 4:00-4:30 PM Closure and Coffee break Annex 2: List of workshop participants present physically First name Second name Organization Position/role County Alvin Onyango Rockefeller Foundation Climate Finance Associate Nairobi Amanuel Tamiru International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) Leader, Push-Pull Agroecological Farming Nairobi Amos Meme Biovision Africa Trust Fundraising & Resource Mobilization Nairobi Anita Magoma Kenya News Agency Reporter and information officer Murang'a Anne Kuria World Agroforestry Centre (Kenya) Scientist Nairobi Anne Maina Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya (BIBA Kenya) National Coordinator Thika Antony K'owiti ISFAA Crop Scientist/Agroecology Expert Nairobi Beatrice Adoyo World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF) Scientist Nairobi Benson Kamau MoALD Nairobi Brenda Gwada Worldfish Research Officer Nairobi Celline Brayner Zuwi Afya CBO Director Kisumu Chepchirchi r Leonida Cereal Growers Association Agribusiness Coordinator Nyahururu Collins Kirui African Centre for Technology Studies Agribusiness and Markets System Specialist Kericho Consolata Muindi Connie farm fresh'n'organic mushrooms CEO/FOUNDER Nairobi David Kamau KALRO Director, Environment & Natural Resources Nairobi David Karanja Organic Agriculture Centre of Kenya Director Kangari David Lelei CIFOR-ICRAF Scientist Nairobi Edith Anyango CIFOR-ICRAF Research Technician Nairobi Edward Nderitu icipe Postdoc Fellow & project manager Murang'a Esther Bett RODI Kenya Executive Director Thika Esther Kiruthi CSHEP The DIrector Kiserian Eustace Kiarii KOAN CEO, Team leader Nairobi December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 28 Faith Mumo Iviani Farm CEO & Co-Founder Makueni Francis Muia Slow Food Kenya Regional coordinator Kirinyaga Frederick Baijukya International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Scientist Dar es Salaam Geoffrey Ochieng'Otien o JKUAT Researcher Nairobi Georgine Awuor Joy of Grace Partnership officer Kisumu Getrude Wavinya Makueni County Fruit Processors Co-op Society Ltd Manager wote Gibson Langat Koppert Team Leader Nairobi Hezekiah Korir International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Senior Research Associate Nairobi Hon.David Kuria County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Kiambu County Government Kiambu ilumbi kioko NDULUKU CBO Secretary Makueni Janeth Chepkemoi University Of Nairobi Lecturer Kericho John Waihenya Department of Agriculture- Murang'a County Government Assistant Director of Agriculture Murang'a Joyce kasyoki ICRAF Senior Executive Manager, Global Programs Nairobi Juliet Murugi Drylands Natural Resources Centre(DNRC) M$ E / lead officer initiative project Mbumbuni Juma Mohammed ISFAA Lead, County Engagement TWG Kajiado Kevin Onyango Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT Researcher Nairobi Lisa Elena Fuchs Alliance Bioversity-CIAT Scientist Nairobi Lisa Nixdorf Biovision Africa Trust Integrated Expert Resource Mobilization Nairobi Lucy Mweche Grow Biointensive Agriculture center of kenya Head of Programs Thika Machio Mbelwa IITA Student Researcher Nairobi Martin Oulu ISFAA/GIZ Coordinator/Agroecology Advisor Kisumu Mary Kageni Kenya National Farmers' Federation (KENAFF) Head, KENAFF Climate Action Practise Nairobi Matthias Geck CIFOR-ICRAF Agroecological Systems Scientist Nairobi MERCY AMBANI SEED SAVERS NETWORK Program Officer Kakamega Mercy Musyoki Community Facilitator CIFOR-ICRAF Makueni Michael Sakha IITA Student Nairobi Mourice Fodrick Mofrick Agribiz Solutions - ISFAA Founder Homabay Mr. Gabriel Kuria MoALD Nairobi Muthike Mbiri RODI-KENYA Project Officer Ruiru Mutua Alex Goshen Farm Exporters Ltd CEO/Co-Founder Machakos Nadia Guettou Alliance of Bioversity international & CIAT Gender Specialist Accra Ngunjiri Kihoro PELUM Kenya zonal Coordinator Machakos Pacificah Okemwa Kenyatta University Lecturer Nairobi Patrick Ngunjiri PELUM Kenya Zonal coordinator Machakos Peter BolohBolo Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT Senior Research Associate Nairobi Peter Kimeu Decent Living Institute of Organic Farming Founder /CEO Nunguni Pius Gumo IITA Student Nairobi Ralph Roothaert World Vegetable Center Country Director Nairobi Reuben Chumba County Government of Vihiga Director Kapsabet Rhodah Kombo Porticus Programme Manager Nairobi Richard Munywoki Representative Masongaleni Kilimo Sacco Nairobi Rosina Wanyama Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT Scientist Nairobi Ruth Shighare KEFRI Forester Kibwezi Sam Nderitu G-BIACK Director Thika Samson Waithaka Organic Fields Ltd Director, Marketing Thika Samuel mburu Little farm Founder Thika Sandhya Kumar CIFOR-ICRAF Social Systems Scientist Nairobi Sarah Freed Alliance Bioversity CIAT Scientist, AE-I WP5 lead Nairobi Silas Muthuri Community Facilitator CIFOR-ICRAF Makueni Sulman Olieko International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Masters Student Uthiru sylvester muendo cifor-icraf community facilitator Mtito Andei Sylvia Sarah International Centre for Tropical Agriculture Scientist II Nairobi Sylvia wangui CSHEP Kenya Project Officer Ndeiya Victor Elvis Nyalenda young Turks cbo Director Kisumu Wanga Swaleh ActionAid International Kenya Programme Manage Nairobi Winfred Amina WENDO WA WAANI CBO GROUP Secretary Makueni December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 29 Winnie Nyonje JKUAT Postdoctoral Researcher Juja December 2024 | CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology: Technical Report from the Kenya End-of-Initiative Results Dissemination Workshop. 30 CGIAR is a global research partnership focused on ensuring a food-secure future. CGIAR's scientific efforts are aimed at transforming food, land, and water systems amidst the ongoing climate crisis. The research is conducted by 13 CGIAR Centers and Alliances, working closely with a wide network of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academic institutions, development agencies, and the private sector. For more information, visit www.cgiar.org. We extend our gratitude to all the funders who support this vital research through their contributions to the CGIAR Trust Fund: www.cgiar.org/funders. To learn more about this initiative and others, please visit our website (www.cgiar.org/cgiar). http://www.cgiar.org/ http://www.cgiar.org/funders