Across Africa, agroecological entrepreneurship and territorial markets are transforming local food systems yet their impact is often overlooked in mainstream media.
Misunderstood as informal, small-scale, or insufficient to feed the continent, these grassroots efforts are in fact key to achieving food sovereignty.
These outdated narratives are being challenged by citizen journalists who are now stepping forward to tell the real story.
At a recent media training hosted by the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) in Addis Ababa, journalists from across the continent gathered to reshape how agroecology is reported.
The goal: to elevate local voices and shine a spotlight on African-led food systems that are ecologically sound, economically viable, and culturally rooted.
“This training is designed to challenge misleading perceptions and equip journalists with the tools to tell powerful, fact-based stories that support African food sovereignty,” said Bridget Mugabe, AFSA’s Project Coordinator.
Mugabe highlighted examples from Ghana, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe, where agroecological entrepreneurs are already making a difference. From fresh produce to indigenous grains, these community-based markets are meeting consumer needs while keeping food systems local and sustainable.
“The media must rewrite the narrative amplifying authentic African voices and showcasing the transformative potential of agroecology and territorial markets,” she added.
Ruth Nabagga, AFSA’s Project Officer for Entrepreneurship and Territorial Markets, reinforced that building journalist capacity is essential.
“Journalists have a responsibility to amplify the voices and innovations that are driving ecologically just and economically inclusive food systems across Africa,” she said.
Agroecology and territorial markets offer a real alternative to industrial agriculture, which often marginalizes African farmers and ecosystems. Yet despite growing evidence of their benefits, many countries still lack the policy frameworks to fully support them.
Dr. Mamadou Goita, a leading voice in sustainable agriculture, addressed these challenges in his presentation on organic agricultural entrepreneurship.
He underscored the harmful influence of multinational corporations that dominate seed and chemical markets across Africa.
“If Africa is to achieve real food security, it must strengthen its capacity to produce and distribute indigenous seeds and crops,” Dr. Goita emphasized.
“These are better suited to local environments and essential for sustainable farming.”he added
Dr. Goita called for African food systems rooted in agroecology systems that support farmers’ rights, protect biodiversity, create local jobs, and restore soil health.
The training brought together experienced journalists from over a dozen countries including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Togo, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia. Together, they committed to using their platforms to uplift agroecological stories and shift the public narrative toward food systems that serve the people and the planet.