Our Approach to Organic Agriculture in Africa

The Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology is built on the principle of empowering stakeholders across Africa to transform food systems through the promotion of organic agriculture and agroecology. Our project is rooted in collaboration, working through five regional hubs to disseminate knowledge, foster innovation, and strengthen networks that drive sustainable agricultural practices. While the project’s core mission is focused on organic agriculture, it also recognizes that transformative change cannot occur without addressing the systemic inequalities that affect the agricultural sector, including gender disparities.

By integrating a cross-cutting approach to development, the Knowledge Centre ensures that all aspects of the project—whether knowledge dissemination, capacity-building, or advocacy—contribute to a more inclusive and resilient agricultural system. Our goal is to create a space where all participants, regardless of background, can access the tools and networks needed to build a sustainable future.

Our Gender Approach

Gender equality is not just a goal but a critical factor in achieving sustainable agricultural transformation. Women play a pivotal role in African agriculture, yet they face substantial barriers, from limited access to resources and knowledge to systemic discrimination. Addressing these challenges, KCOA incorporates gender-sensitive, gender-responsive, and gender-transformative measures into its framework.

Our gender approach is guided by tools such as the Reach-Benefit-Empower Principle and the Gender Equality Continuum, which ensure that women are not only included in project activities but also benefit meaningfully and are empowered to lead. Through targeted measures, we aim to dismantle the structural barriers that limit women’s participation and create pathways for their leadership and decision-making in agriculture.

From tailored training programs and inclusive knowledge products to advocacy initiatives that challenge harmful norms, our efforts are designed to build a more equitable agricultural landscape. The project’s gender guide serves as a living document, offering practical tools and recommendations to strengthen gender equality in every phase of implementation.

Join the network in building a future where organic agriculture thrives on the contributions of all genders. Together, we can drive the systemic change needed for resilient and just food systems.

Introducing our Gender Guide

Our Gender Guide is a practical resource developed to address the barriers women face in agriculture and to promote gender equality across all aspects of the Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology project. It outlines actionable measures, tools, and case studies designed to ensure women are not only included but also empowered to lead and benefit from sustainable agricultural practices.

Covering theoretical frameworks like the Reach-Benefit-Empower Principle and the Gender Equality Continuum, the guide provides insights into creating gender-sensitive, responsive, and transformative approaches. It also includes recommendations for advocacy, training, and knowledge sharing to drive systemic change in agricultural systems.

For a deeper understanding of our gender approach and how it can be implemented, download the guide below.