Agroecological Food Futures Prize Celebrates Transformative Innovations in Kigali

Elias Hakizimana Dec 3, 2024Dec 3, 2024 0 Comments

By Elias Hakizimana.

In a spirited evening event held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the “Agroecological Food Futures Award Ceremony” brought together leading voices in agroecology, policymakers, and young innovators in Kigali.

Organized by Biovision in partnership with the IKEA Foundation and supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the event highlighted the urgent need for sustainable food system transformation amidst Africa’s escalating environmental and social challenges.

The Agroecological Food Futures Prize aims to spotlight agroecological enterprises that address global crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity.

Despite agricultural trade advancements, over two billion smallholder farmers globally remain trapped in poverty, living on less than $2 a day. The event seeks to empower these farmers and promote agroecological practices as viable solutions to improve livelihoods and preserve natural ecosystems.

Rwanda was chosen to host the ceremony as a testament to the country’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and its success in integrating agroecological principles into national policies.

(L-R) Dr. Neva Zekeya, Founder of Plant Biodefenders Limited from Tanzania, winner of the Agroecological Food Futures Prize, poses with the runners-up in a celebratory group photo during the award ceremony. / photos by Sued Ndamage, www.onedev.rw

“Rwanda stands out as a regional model for its proactive efforts in balancing food security with environmental stewardship,” said Hans Von Zinkernagel, Programme Manager for Policy and Advocacy at Biovision.

Insights from Keynote Speeches

Michel Evequoz, representing the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), highlighted the intertwined crises of climate change, conflicts, and food insecurity that disproportionately affect sub-Saharan Africa.

“Sustainable, resilient, healthy, and inclusive food systems are the precondition to addressing these challenges,” he noted, urging greater investment in agroecological enterprises.

Michel commended the alignment of agroecology with Switzerland’s 2050 Climate Strategy, emphasizing its potential to transform food systems through local approaches and territorial innovation.

Ruth Nabaggala, from the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), stressed the opportunity to redefine food systems in the face of global crises.

“Agroecology is not just about farming; it’s about resilience, equity, and sustainability,” she remarked, adding that such enterprises address both environmental degradation and food security.

***Ruth Nabaggala, from the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), addresses the audience during the Agroecological Food Futures Award Ceremony in Kigali on December 3, 2024.***

Nabaggala also called for increased donor support to empower women and youth-led initiatives, which often face financial and scalability barriers.

Celebrating Innovation: The Winners

The event culminated in recognizing groundbreaking innovators driving agroecological change.

Dr. Neva Zekeya, Founder of Plant Biodefenders Limited from Tanzania, took home the top prize. Her company produces eco-friendly biopesticides, benefiting over 10,000 smallholder farmers across sub-Saharan Africa.

“This funding will help us train more farmers and expand our reach,” she said, highlighting the need for visibility and financial support for startups.

Pauline Otila Kamwara, Founder of Apiculture Ventures Limited from Kenya, secured the third prize for her work in integrating technology to support bee pollinators.

Known as the “Queen Bee,” she said, “Let’s protect bees and save nature because we depend on it for our survival.” Pauline’s victory also symbolized a stride toward gender inclusivity in agriculture.

**Dr. Neva Zekeya, the winner of the Agroecological Food Futures Prize, speaks during the award ceremony.**

Panel Discussions on Agroecological Innovation

A panel discussion delved into key issues, including funding challenges, gender inclusivity, and youth participation in agriculture. The speakers highlighted the resilience required to overcome barriers to innovation.

“The journey is never easy, but innovation and persistence are key,” Dr. Zekeya advised young entrepreneurs.

Jayadeep Akkireddy, representing Biovision, described the competitive selection process that evaluated 200 applicants from across Africa. “Each project showcased incredible community and environmental impact. It was a tight race,” he said.

A Call to Action

The event concluded with a call for greater policy support and financial backing to empower agroecological enterprises. Zinkernagel reaffirmed Biovision’s commitment to promoting innovations that balance ecological preservation and social equity.

“We hope this event will inspire more investments in agroecology, showing that these solutions are impactful and profitable in the long run,” he said.

The Agroecological Food Futures Prize not only celebrated innovation but also underscored the transformative potential of agroecology in reshaping Africa’s food systems for a sustainable future.