Agroecology Workshop in Musanze Equips Stakeholders to Advance Agroecological Practices and Climate Resilience in Rwanda

Stakeholders from civil society organizations, academic institutions, government bodies, have convened in Musanze District for a four-day agroecology training workshop focused on strengthening sustainable agriculture and building resilient food systems in the face of climate change.

The training was organized by Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network in collaboration with Trócaire and the University of Rwanda College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Science, with support through its engagement within the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) network, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen agroecological practices and climate resilience in communities across the continent.  

Speaking during the opening session, Salama Gata Sylvia, RCCDN Program Manager noted that the workshop provides a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen collaboration in addressing the linked challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity. She also underscored the need to reinforce agroecology advocacy to advance sustainable food systems, support enabling policies, and build resilient communities through locally adapted and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices.

Salama Gata Sylvia noted that bringing together civil society actors, public institutions, researchers, and technical experts creates an important opportunity to bridge scientific knowledge with grassroots experience in addressing climate change and food security challenges.

“Our food systems must become more resilient and sustainable, and this workshop provides a platform to connect scientific knowledge with community practices,” she said, while encouraging participants to actively exchange ideas, experiences, and lessons learned throughout the training. She further noted that the workshop will enhance participants’ technical knowledge and practical understanding of agroecology principles and practices for climate change adaptation and resilience. It will also serve as a platform for experience sharing, peer learning, and strengthening collaboration among agroecology actors to advance agroecology advocacy within climate actions.

The workshop brought together representatives from RCCDN member organizations, technical experts, facilitators, public institution, local government working in the fields of agroecology, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

Kabeza Angelique Trocaire Program emphasized the importance of partnerships in advancing agroecology and strengthening community resilience.

“Collaborations between organizations such as RCCDN,  UR-CAFF, and other Agroecology Practionners,  are critical in supporting local communities to adapt to climate change while improving sustainable food production systems and protecting natural resources in Rwanda, ” she said.

Kabeza Angelique also encouraged participants to use the workshop as an opportunity to co-create practical solutions that can improve livelihoods, strengthen food systems, and build long-term resilience to climate-related shocks.

The workshop is expected to strengthen stakeholders’ knowledge of agroecology principles and practices, enhance collaboration among participating organizations, support documentation of case studies from partners, and reinforce advocacy efforts for sustainable agriculture.

About RCCDN

Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN) is a network of civil society organizations dedicated to promoting climate resilience, environmental protection, sustainable development, and community empowerment in Rwanda. Through strategic partnerships with organizations such as Trócaire AFSA and academic institutions such as UR-CAFF, RCCDN supports initiatives in agroecology, climate-resilient agriculture, policy advocacy, and the strengthening of local capacities to effectively respond to climate change challenges.