Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative

EOA

The Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative

The Ecological Organic Agriculture Initiative (EOA-I) is a continental initiative aimed at increasing the productivity of Africa's smallholder farmers while improving food security through ecological and organic farming practices. The initiative originated in 2011 following an African Union Commission (AUC)-supported workshop in Kenya, which led to the development of a concept note, proposal, and the establishment of the Continental Steering Committee (CSC) on organic agriculture.
The AUC expanded the CSC to include representatives from Regional Economic Communities (RECs), AUDA-NEPAD, farmers' organizations, civil society, research and academic institutions, the private sector, certification bodies, AfroNet, and development partners. With support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the AUC also developed the committee's Rules of Procedure, Terms of Reference, and guided the review of the African Organic Action Plan and the development of a strategic plan for Ecological Organic Agriculture.

Since its launch in 2012, the initiative has expanded from six pilot countries to eight countries across Eastern Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania) and West Africa (Mali, Nigeria, Benin, and Senegal). Its overall goal is to mainstream ecological agriculture into national agricultural systems, policies, and development plans. To strengthen the organic sector, the AUC has organized regional training on organic standards and certification, organic production, marketing, and extension services, helping farmers and exporters improve market access. These efforts support the African Union Heads of State and Government decision on organic farming, with achievements, lessons, and challenges documented through various projects under the initiative.