Pius Ranee, a senior associate at NESFAS, attended a five-day workshop — Agroecology Fund Global Learning Exchange — that was organized by the Agroecology Fund (AEF), a multi-donor fund supporting agroecological practices and policies. The workshop was held from February 3-7, 2020 in Karnataka, India and was the second learning exchange programme organized by AEF.
The Fund aims to support viable food systems, promote the economic well-being and human rights of small farmers and their communities and mitigate climate change through low input agriculture featuring sustainable soil and water use. It links organizations and movements that advance agroecological solutions locally, regionally and globally. With the guidance of international advisors deeply embedded in the Agroecology movement, the Fund supports some of the most effective farmer organizations, advocates and researchers in the field of Agroecology.
Funded by The Indigenous Partnership (TIP), while in Karnataka Pius said, “Through this gathering, I have been able to learn and network with different alliances that are promoting agroecology in their respective constituencies.” He added, “It has also been a great privilege for me, as I was able to get in touch with people from different walks of life to share our dreams of a future collaboration. I would like to thank NESFAS and TIP for this incredible experience.”
During the programme, a short video portraying Agroecology stories from several communities was screened wherein Pius also explained the ongoing works of the Agroecology Learning Circles (ALC) which are active under NESFAS. He also showcased posters that consisted of TIP’s journey right from the start in 2010 to date.
The forum brought together 102 participants that include, grantees, advisors, organizers, and donors to the southwestern region of India.
The main objective of the workshop was to share knowledge and experiences by the participants across geographies and cultures about how to amplify agroecology. To strengthen relationships and collaboration opportunities among people and organizations affiliated with the Agroecology Fund. To study the Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) process and other agroecology amplification strategies to gain insights into policy and practice change processes for agroecology. They also focused on gathering insights that will inform the next Agroecology Fund’s strategic plan.
