Global Academy Empowers Change-Makers in Kenya Through PGS Training
At IFOAM – Organics International, we believe that participatory approaches are key to making organic and agroecological practices more accessible, inclusive, and resilient. That’s why our Global Academy was proud to contribute to a three-day Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) training in Nairobi, Kenya, hosted by Slow Food Kenya and the Kaki PGS Community, with support from Brot für die Welt.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from BIBA Kenya, CTDI Zambia, CTDT Zimbabwe, FIOH Sierra Leone, HEKS/EPER Ethiopia, KATC Zambia, LDS Liberia, MADAM Siera Leone, MAP Ghana, OAIC Kenya, PELUM Malawi, PELUM Kenya, PELUM Tanzania, PELUM Uganda, PELUM Zimbabwe, RODI Kenya, RURCON Nigeria, Scope Malawi, SKI, TENWEK Kenya, WUZDA Ghana, WUZDA Ghana, and ZIMSOFF Zimbabwe.
Together with trainer Patricia Flores and co-trainer Sylvia Kuria, participants were given:
- An introduction to PGS – A farmer-driven, trust-based organic assurance system
- A step-by-step guide on how to build a PGS
- Lessons learned along 20 years of PGS implementation around the world
- A Field visit to a community farming, seed saving and marketing
PGS is a transformative certification tool for empowering organic farmers and consumers, fostering transparency, and strengthening local food economies. By working collectively, we can ensure that organic remains accessible, farmer-led, and deeply rooted in local communities.
Through workshops like this, the Global Academy of IFOAM – Organics International continues to support organic farmers and change agents, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to drive inclusive sustainable change in their regions.