In a major stride towards transforming regional food systems, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has adopted a motion calling on the East African Community (EAC) Council of Ministers and Partner States to promote agroecology. Designed to strengthen both food sovereignty and food security, the motion’s recommendations are legally binding for the eight EAC Partner States.

This move aligns with ongoing efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, improve food security and empower local communities across the EAC, underscoring agroecology’s central role as a pathway to resilient, equitable and environmentally sustainable food systems.

The Importance of Parliamentary Action

East Africa’s move towards agroecology is rooted in years of experience and research. A report following a 2024 training session organized by FAO highlighted that advancements in agroecology – both social and political – hinge on creating and adopting effective institutional frameworks. These must be able to understand, manage and support agrifood systems, ensuring processes are sustainable and inclusive.

Parliamentarians play a pivotal role in this process. Through their legislative powers, oversight functions, budget allocation responsibilities and their role in representation, they can support policy adoption, establish regulatory frameworks, raise awareness, foster stakeholder dialogue, allocate resources and promote policy coherence across sectors. Their involvement is crucial to developing the institutional capacity needed to advance agroecology at local, regional and national levels.

EALA requested FAO’s support in extending its regional efforts – building on ongoing regional collaboration through the Eastern Africa Parliamentary Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition (EAPA-FSN) – which led to a capacity building session in November 2024. Aimed at strengthening parliamentarians’ understanding of agroecology and food systems transformation, the session referred to the Committee on World Food Security’s (CFS) Policy Recommendations on Agroecological and other Innovative Approaches for sustainable agriculture and food systems. These recommendations emphasize a shift towards more sustainable practices that enhance food security and nutrition.

The Motion and its Significance

Following the capacity building session, the EALA Committee on Agriculture, Tourism, and Natural Resources (ATNR) approved a resolution, which was adopted by the full Assembly as a motion on 11 July 2025. Rooted in both regional and international commitments – such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – it emphasizes the critical role of agroecology in the Africa’s development agenda, underscoring several key points:

• Regional Cooperation: Under Article 105 of the EAC Treaty, Partner States commit to cooperating on agriculture to achieve food security through increased production and rational agricultural practices.
• Prioritization of Agroecology: Recognizes agroecology as fundamental to ensuring environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and improved livelihoods.
• Economic Significance: Notes that agriculture forms approximately 27% of EAC’s GDP and employs more than 70% of its population. Some 65% of intraregional trade involves agricultural commodities.
• Global Commitments: Aligns regional efforts with SDG 2 to eradicate hunger and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030.

Hon. Françoise Uwumukiza, Chair of the EALA Committee on ATNR and Member of the International Steering Committee for the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, highlighted the importance of agroecology, stating, "We are supporting agroecology as a moral and a strategic imperative aligned with CAADP strategy, the Kampala Declaration focusing on resilient, inclusive food systems, including women farmers and addressing climate and nutrition challenges."

The motion praises FAO’s support in capacity building and urges regional policymakers to promote sustainable agroecological practices, enhance extension services, increase awareness and foster multistakeholder collaboration. Underlining the need for multistakeholder engagement – including governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, and farming communities to advance agroecology across the region – it also encourages the formation of regional alliances, platforms and knowledge sharing networks to promote best practices, innovations and experiences, emphasizing the vital role of women farmers in helping ensure regional food security.

A Step Forward in Global and Regional Initiatives

This move by EALA aligns with the broader global agenda, notably the Global Parliamentary Pact against Hunger and Malnutrition, which seeks to mobilize parliaments worldwide to accelerate actions against hunger and malnutrition. The adoption of this motion marks a significant step in FAO’s efforts on the Pact and advances the pathway toward the Third Global Parliamentary Summit against Hunger and Malnutrition, set to take place in South Africa in May or June 2026.