On October 16th 2025, was second day of the Advocacy Engagement between AFSA Members and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). SHIWAKUTA, as part of the dynamic AFSA delegation alongside the Rwanda Organic Movement (ROAM), ESAFF-Uganda, and PELUM-Kenya, proudly presented countless country experiences on agroecology, food sovereignty, and cross-border trade, demonstrating how farmer-led innovations are transforming lives across East Africa.

The AFSA team engaged directly with two key EALA committees-the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources (ATNR) and the Committee on Communication, Trade and Investment. Together, we shared concrete evidence, success stories, and policy insights showing that agroecology is not just a farming approach -it’s a pathway to regional food security, climate resilience, and dignified livelihoods.

We collectively urged for progressive, harmonized regional policies that empower smallholder farmers, remove cross-border trade barriers, and increase public investment in agro ecological transformation. The call was loud and clear: to realize true food sovereignty, East Africa must prioritize farmers, protect their rights, and promote fair, inclusive trade.

As SHIWAKUTA, we stand firm with our AFSA partners – committed to turning advocacy into tangible action. Together, we nurture resilience, dignity, and sovereignty – from our soils to our markets, for a truly sustainable East Africa!