Launch of the concerted advocacy strategy for agroecology in West Africa and presentation of the report on AGRA's political influence

As part of the African Food Systems Forum 2025 held in Dakar (Senegal) and organised by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the State of Senegal, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) launched the concerted advocacy strategy for agroecology in West Africa and presented the report on AGRA's political influence on Wednesday, 3 September 2025, at the Lat Dior Residence in Thiès, Senegal.

Around sixty people of different nationalities took part in this launch workshop, which was attended by the press.

Mr. Famara DIEDHIOU, Programme Manager for West Africa at AFSA, opened the proceedings by reviewing the workshop's objectives and agenda before handing over to Mr. Jean Michel SENE of 3AO, who delivered the welcome address.

Mr Jean Michel SENE welcomed all participants. He reiterated that this meeting to launch the joint advocacy strategy for agroecology was a significant moment that had come at just the right time. This important meeting was attended by several representatives from African countries who shared a clear and common vision on agroecology. However, Mr. SENE called for increased mobilisation around agroecology for healthy production and sustainable soil management.

Following Jean Michel, Mr Michael from AFSA presented the survey report on AGRA's political influence, in which he highlighted the year AGRA was created (2006), its main donor (the Bill Gates Foundation) and, above all, AGRA's strategy for influencing agricultural policies.  As a result, AGRA integrates its consultants into the ministries of agriculture and finance, organises closed-door meetings, frames the language to appropriate agroecology, aligns itself with the AU and AfDB pacts to develop regional strategies, etc. According to this report, AGRA has only achieved failures in production despite its certified or improved seed policy, fertilisers and pesticides.

Mr Jean Michel SENE welcomed all participants. He reiterated that this meeting to launch the concerted advocacy strategy for agroecology was a significant moment that had come at just the right time. This important meeting was attended by several representatives from African countries who shared a clear and common vision on agroecology. However, Mr. SENE called for increased mobilisation around agroecology for healthy production and sustainable soil management.

Following Jean Michel, Mr Michael from AFSA presented the survey report on AGRA's political influence, in which he highlighted the year AGRA was created (2006), its main donor (the Bill Gates Foundation) and, above all, AGRA's strategy for influencing agricultural policies.  As a result, AGRA integrates its consultants into the ministries of agriculture and finance, organises closed-door meetings, frames the language to appropriate agroecology, aligns itself with the AU and AfDB pacts to develop regional strategies, etc. According to this report, AGRA has only achieved failures in production despite its certified or improved seed policy, fertilisers and pesticides.

Following Michael's presentation, three panellists discussed the topic: agroecology vs. green revolution: challenges and prospects for (West) Africa. They were: Mr Abena from Ghana, Mr Ibrahima Khalil Sabaly from the Senegalese Ministry of Agriculture, and Patrice from Benin. After each panellist had addressed the topic, participants asked questions about financing, farmer seed systems (FSS), biofertilisers, bioprotectors, pesticides, chemical fertilisers, and certified or improved seeds. The panellists provided several answers to these questions.

When asked which type of agriculture they would choose – conventional, agroecological or mixed – Mr Sabaly opted for mixed agriculture, while Patrice remained firm, stating that he wanted productive land, not impoverished land.

During her speech, Ms Absa from Enda Pronat stated that in mixed farming, one type of farming risks overwhelming the other. She added that agroecology is essential for our survival.

The final presentation was given by Mr Mbalo from 3AO, entitled: Concerted Regional Advocacy Strategy for AE, Contribution to the Agroecological Transition in AO/3AO. The main objective of 3AO is to promote and structure the agroecological transition in the region while providing a framework for collaboration between various actors (farmers' organisations, NGOs, research institutes, donors, etc.) to encourage the exchange of experiences and the implementation of adopted policies.