3rd National Agroecology Symposium Heads to Nairobi

Kenya’s agrifood systems are standing at a crossroads, and the country’s foremost agroecology gathering is calling stakeholders to the table once again. Registration is officially open for the 3rd National Agroecology Symposium (NAS 2026), scheduled for 22nd and 23rd July 2026 at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies in Nairobi. Consequently, farmers, policymakers, researchers, and development partners now have a firm date to plan around. Judith Libaisi, Power for Food Partnership Lead at SNV Kenya, has extended a warm invitation to the event, describing it as an opportunity to showcase how renewable energy and food systems transformation can work hand in hand with smallholder farmers and small and medium enterprises. As a result, the symposium is shaping up to be one of the year’s most important conversations on sustainable agriculture in East Africa.

What Is the National Agroecology Symposium?

First and foremost, the National Agroecology Symposium (NAS) is Kenya’s flagship multi-stakeholder platform for advancing agroecology as a pathway to transforming agrifood systems. Building on the success of the first two editions, which brought together a wide range of actors, sparked policy discussions, and led to a national Call to Action, this year’s gathering aims to go further by prioritizing focused sessions, farmer-centered engagement, and inclusive participation for all.

Meanwhile, the timing is significant. Kenya’s food systems continue to face mounting pressure from a mix of local and global shocks, ranging from unpredictable climate patterns and biodiversity loss to land degradation, rising input costs, and disruptions to supply chains. Therefore, agroecology is being positioned as a transformative response, one that draws on a One Health approach to strengthen resilience across human, animal, and environmental systems.

Why This Symposium Matters

Notably, NAS 2026 is not a standalone event. Rather, it directly supports the rollout of Kenya’s National Agroecology Strategy for Food Systems Transformation (2024–2033), helping shift the country from policy design toward real implementation at both national and county levels. Additionally, organizers have outlined a clear set of objectives for this year’s gathering, including facilitating knowledge exchange on practical agroecological innovations, strengthening policy dialogue, showcasing agroecological technologies and market linkages, and promoting inclusive participation of women, youth, and pastoralists.

Furthermore, the symposium is expected to generate actionable outputs, such as a policy brief and a renewed Call to Action, ensuring the conversation translates into measurable change rather than ending when the sessions close.

Key Themes at NAS 2026

So, what will delegates actually discuss? The symposium’s agenda spans several thematic areas, namely:

• One Health and agroecology for resilient food systems
• Women, social inclusion, and equitable food systems
• Rangelands, pastoralism, and biodiversity
• Policy, governance, and implementation of agroecology

Given this range, the event is designed to appeal to a broad cross-section of participants, from grassroots farmers to national policymakers.

SNV Kenya’s Role in the Conversation

Importantly, SNV Kenya will be among the organizations showcasing tangible solutions at the symposium. Specifically, the organization plans to highlight the productive use of renewable energy alongside food systems transformation efforts, working directly with smallholder farmers and small and medium enterprises. As Judith Libaisi put it, SNV believes in impact that matters, driving change through innovation, partnerships, and collaboration. This philosophy, in turn, reflects the wider spirit of the symposium itself, where cross-sector partnerships are treated as essential to scaling agroecology beyond pilot projects.

How to Register

For those planning to attend, registration is now open online. Participants are invited to fill out the registration form to confirm their spot at a gathering that brings together national and global stakeholders shaping the future of Kenya’s agrifood systems. Interested individuals and organizations can register via the official link: nationalagroecologysymposium.pelumkenya.net.

The symposium is organized under the Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Kenya secretariat, working alongside partners including SNV Kenya and other agroecology stakeholders across the region.

Final Word

Ultimately, as Kenya continues to grapple with climate shocks and food security pressures, gatherings like NAS 2026 offer a rare space where farmers, scientists, and policymakers can align on solutions. Whether you’re a smallholder farmer, a researcher, or a development partner, this symposium presents a timely chance to contribute to Kenya’s agroecological transition. To learn more or secure a spot, visit the registration page today.

Disclaimer Africa Agricultural Network (AAN) is committed to informing and empowering agricultural communities across Africa as per our mandate. This article is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify all event details, registration requirements, and deadlines directly with PELUM Kenya, SNV Kenya, and the relevant organizing bodies before making any travel or participation plans