Cultivating Capacity for Change: Workshop in Nepal Advances Agroecological Food Systems

From 1-6 September 2025, a 6-day Capacity Building Workshop on Agroecological Food Systems was held in Pokhara in Nepal, under the Himalayan Agroecology Initiative (HAI), coordinated by World Future Council and IFOAM-Organics International, in partnership with our local partner LI-BIRD.

The workshop strengthened participants' knowledge of the food systems approach, agroecology and landscape approaches, and highlighted the importance of investing in direct producer-consumer relations, sustainable value chains and market access opportunities such as landscape, territorial and niche markets. It also included a field visit to the exemplary Maramche Agroecological Model Village and concluded with advocacy strategies for civil society and farmers' organisations. It brought together diverse stakeholders, including representatives from local and provincial governments, civil society organisations, farmers' associations, and youth leaders.

Brief Schedule of the 6-day Capacity Building Workshop

Over six days, participants explored core concepts of food systems and agroecology, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive understanding of agroecology. Not only does the concept represent a set of practices, but it also is an embodiment of science and movement towards resilient food systems that requires interventions at various levels - on the field, at the landscape and in food systems. Practical sessions focused on localising agroecology in Nepal, using real-life examples from LI-BIRD's ongoing initiatives to show how theory is translated into action.

In-depth discussions were held on landscape approaches and territorial markets, with a particular focus on the role of Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) in supporting smallholder organic farmers in Nepal. These sessions highlighted the importance of localised, community-based systems that not only promote economic benefits, but also ecological integrity and social sustainability, including stable incomes and food sovereignty.

To ground these insights in lived experience, participants visited Maramche Agroecological Village and the Annapurna Community Seed Bank. These field visits offered first-hand exposure to agroecological practices and community-led efforts to conserve traditional seed varieties, demonstrating the critical role of local knowledge and collective action in building resilient food systems, whilst acknowledging the challenges stemming from limiting policies and market conditions.

On Day 4, a high-level policy dialogue took place, chaired by Mr. Beni Bahadur Basnet, Secretary of LI-BIRD's Executive Committee. The event featured Hon. Damayanti Ruchal, Chairperson of the Gandaki Province Social Development and Agriculture Committee, as Chief Guest Speakers underscored agroecology as a vital pathway for achieving sustainable agricultural systems and food security in Nepal, particularly in the face of climate challenges, rising inequalities and youth discontent.

The final days of the workshop focused on advocacy planning and strategy development, where participants explored how civil society organisations and farmers' associations can best promote the implementation of Nepal's Agroecology Roadmap-a key outcome being developed under HAI to help transform national food systems.

Throughout the workshop, participants reflected on the growing confusion among producers and consumers due to competing narratives around sustainable agriculture. The sessions worked to build synergies across different approaches, debunking common myths, such as the misconception that agroecology cannot lead to food sovereignty or enduring change. However, many also recognised the need for stronger collaboration, especially between policymakers and civil society, to sustain progress.

A particular highlight of the workshop was the active participation of two young leaders: Mr. Prayash Adhikari, Senior Program Officer at the Digo Bikas Institute, and Mr. Dipesh Nepal, a postgraduate and young farmer who recently left his job to pursue organic and agroecological farming. Mr. Nepal shared his goal of showing fellow farmers that it is possible to make a viable livelihood through organic agriculture.

Their presence stood out for the clarity of their insights, the depth of their engagement with policymakers, and their commitment to reimagining Nepal's agricultural future. At a time when youth disengagement and outmigration remain pressing concerns, their stories served as powerful reminders that the future of agroecology is alive in the hands of the next generation.

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