Organic Farming Is Growing, but Certification Remains a Barrier

Across Southern Africa, more farmers are embracing organic and agroecological farming to restore soil health, reduce input costs, and produce safer food. However, one major challenge continues to stand in the way of progress: organic certification.

For many smallholder farmers, conventional third-party certification is:

• Too expensive
• Too complex
• Designed for export markets, not local communities

As a result, farmers who grow food organically often struggle to prove it to consumers. This is where Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) offer a powerful alternative.

What Exactly Is Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS)?

Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) are locally based, farmer-led organic certification systems built on trust, transparency, and shared responsibility.

Unlike commercial certification schemes, PGS:

• Are managed by farmers, consumers, and local stakeholders
• Use peer review and farm visits instead of paid auditors
• Focus on local markets and community trust
• Are affordable and inclusive for small-scale producers

PGS recognises that farmers are not just producers, but custodians of ecosystems and knowledge. It values participation and learning as much as compliance.

Why PGS Matters for Smallholder Farmers in Southern Africa

PGS is more than a certification label. It is a system that empowers farmers and strengthens local food systems.

Affordable Access to Organic Markets

PGS removes the high costs associated with third-party certification, allowing smallholders to access organic markets without financial strain.

Built on Trust and Transparency

Farmers inspect each other’s farms, share experiences, and hold one another accountable. Consumers can see how their food is grown, building genuine trust.

Learning and Knowledge Sharing

PGS encourages peer learning, farmer training, and continuous improvement, making certification a learning journey, not a punishment system.

Strengthening Agroecology and Food Sovereignty

PGS supports agroecological principles such as biodiversity, soil regeneration, and local seed systems, while keeping control of certification in farmers’ hands.

Empowering Communities, Not Corporations

By keeping certification local, PGS ensures that farmers are not dependent on external agencies or corporate interests.

How PGS Works in Practice

A typical PGS system includes:

• A shared organic standard agreed upon by members
• Farmer pledges to commit to organic principles
• Peer farm visits and documentation
• Transparent decision-making bodies
• A PGS seal or label that consumers can trust

This process strengthens both accountability and community cohesion.

Certification That Works for Farmers and Communities

Smallholder farmers deserve a certification system that reflects their realities, values, and knowledge. PGS does exactly that.

Download the Official PGS Poster from the link below:

Author: Rabecca Mwila

Rabecca Mwila is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. With a background in climate change and communications, she has spent years telling the untold stories of the realities of climate change, environmental and climate injustices and how they affect vulnerable communities in Africa and beyond.