The positive impact of agroecological practices and their environmental, socio-cultural, health, and economic benefits are highlighted in three interesting case studies from the “Building Local Economies in East Africa through Agroecology” project, funded by the Agroecology Fund and launched by Slow Food in collaboration with its local networks in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Throughout 18 intense months of activities, the Slow Food network supported the development of agroecological food systems as key to future food security, improving knowledge and communication on agroecology and including agroecology in policy frameworks.

The activities that have unfolded during the project were focused in particular on training local producers on the potential of agroecology in the local food system, not only by working in the field through collaboration with technicians and Academies, but also by enhancing market opportunities based on direct contact between producers and consumers, which generates higher incomes, more employment, and well-being (as a deep multiplier effect) and contributes to a new narrative around agroecology.

Based on the data collected throughout the project, three case studies have been developed in collaboration with two local experts in Uganda and Kenya: Geoffrey Gabiri and Joseph Karangathi. Through these studies, presented in a Terra Madre Forum, it was possible to document and provide evidence and convey the message that agroecology could be the agriculture of the future.