The African Women’s Collaborative for Healthy Food Systems was launched in 2017 at the instigation of Elizabeth Mpofu, organic farmer, activist and leader, who felt compelled to address the continuing marginalization of peasant and indigenous women in Africa. Elizabeth was soon joined by peasant and indigenous women leaders from six African countries who, together, forged the Collaborative’s Statement of Intent.
We wish to highlight the significant role and rights of African women in producing, processing and preparing good food for people in homes and neighbourhoods across the continent, both rural and urban. We are committed to ensuring that the food we eat is nutritious and healthy and is part of a way of life that respects and takes care of Mother Earth. Two key initiatives include:
- Women’s Seeds – The Collaborative highlights the role and contribution of peasant and indigenous women in community food systems. Women have a special relationship with seeds as sorters, savers, and sharers. We recognize the importance of healthy seeds as the source and strength of plants and animals that are central to our food systems. We share our knowledge and experience about women’s seeds and invite others to share their perspectives and actions.
- Women & Agroecology – The Collaborative has a deep understanding of and respect for agroecology through the daily practice of peasant and indigenous women and girls in different parts of Africa. At the same time, we are aware of the widescale marginalisation and minimal participation of peasant and indigenous women in decision-making processes and the lack of respect for their knowledge and expertise as practitioners in all aspects of the food system. We recognize the need for a shared conceptual framework that can be used by individuals, organizations and networks to counter discrimination, inequity, and ill-health while promoting healthy, sustainable systems in policy and practice. We are carrying out a one-year learning project to identify our own path and priorities for women and agroecology, while at the same time building connections with broad-based feminist and agroecological movements campaigning for women’s rights and environmental justice. This is an important undertaking for the Collaborative, given the growing pressures on rural women as food producers and processors due to climate change, natural resource exploitation, and the escalation of industrial agriculture.
The African Women’s Collaborative for Healthy Food Systems is growing rapidly and welcomes your interest and support. If you’d like to volunteer, please let us know what your skills are, what country you are based in, what languages you speak, and how much available time you have. We also welcome donations to support our work. info@africanfoodsystems.org
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