KHSA partner updates
The Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Southern Africa (KHSA) is one of five regional hubs within the continental Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Africa (KCOA). Working through partners in Malawi, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia, KHSA’s work connects farmers, trainers, civil society organisations, researchers, policymakers and communicators to strengthen skills, encourage peer learning, influence policy and increase access to approaches that can build healthier, more resilient and sustainable food systems across Southern Africa.
Read on to find out what KHSA partners have been up to over the past three months.
KHSA partners in Zambia
Over the past three months, PELUM Zambia has combined national media outreach with hands-on farmer training, promoting agroecology on national television while training farmers in post-harvest management and value addition to reduce food losses.
Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre (KATC) has been expanding its work on nutrition, climate-resilient crops, composting and farmer exchanges, while investing in new grain storage facilities to improve post-harvest management and strengthen local food systems.
KHSA partners in Malawi
Soils, Food and Healthy Communities (SFHC) returned from a regional learning exchange in Tanzania with renewed momentum to establish Participatory Guarantee Systems in Malawi. Training involving farmers, government officials and standards bodies is expected to lay the foundation for farmer-led organic certification and stronger local markets.
The Kusamala Institute of Agriculture and Ecology (KIAE) has been engaging with the Director of Land Resources Conservation, the lead institution responsible for coordinating the development of Malawi’s National Agroecology Strategy, as well as a range of other stakeholders involved in the process. At the community level, KIAE continues to demonstrate the practical benefits of agroecology through a series of BMZ-funded projects implemented over the past seven years in Dedza and Mangochi districts.
KHSA partners in Namibia
The Namibian Organic Association (NOA) has continued advancing agroecology through national policy processes, including work on Namibia’s Agri-Food Sector Transformation Strategy and the establishment of monitoring systems for agroecology.
The organisation also expanded Participatory Guarantee Systems, engaged in biosafety policy discussions and showcased organic agriculture at national exhibitions and public events.
KHSA partners in South Africa
The South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO) and PGS SA continue to strengthen South Africa’s organic movement through the expansion of PGS, farmer training and community engagement.
PGS groups in the Eastern Cape have been revitalised through training and public outreach, while a new Cape Peninsula PGS has strengthened urban organic networks. At the same time, SAOSO has invested in a new generation of storytellers through its Mobile Journalism programme, enabling young communicators to capture and share the stories of organic farmers and agroecological communities.
The Sustainability Institute has been exploring how digital innovation can support regenerative agriculture through a pilot project using smart soil monitoring technology. By providing real-time information on soil moisture, temperature and water use, the initiative aims to improve water efficiency, strengthen soil health and create new learning opportunities for students and community gardeners.
KHSA on the regional level
Regional Knowledge Exchange, Lusaka, Zambia
KHSA and the Research Agroecology Network (RAENS) Southern Africa project brought together country partners, civil society organisations, researchers and policymakers for a regional knowledge exchange at Loctaguna Organics in Lusaka. Alongside discussions on regional trends, advocacy and Zambia’s draft National Agroecology Strategy, participants experienced KHSA’s Farm Food Jam methodology, exploring practical agroecological innovations including composting, water harvesting and bio-inputs.
A multi-stakeholder policy dialogue provided valuable input on the strategy’s progress, remaining priorities and the next steps towards its finalisation.
Participatory Theatre Training of Facilitators
KHSA and Content for Development (CfD) launched a pilot online Participatory Theatre Training of Facilitators for participants from all five KCOA Knowledge Hubs. The six-session course equipped 18 participants from seven African countries with participatory theatre tools to facilitate dialogue, explore community challenges and identify local solutions.
The programme culminated in the development and performance of three original plays and will inform the updated edition of KHSA’s Facilitators’ Guide to Participatory Theatre.
Mizizi Magazine special youth edition
On Youth Day, 16 June 2026, Mizizi Magazine launched a special youth edition produced in partnership with YPARD, ICLEI Africa’s AfriFOODLinks programme, KHSA partners SAOSO and SFHC, and Green Action Week. The edition showcases stories, innovations and perspectives from young people helping to shape more sustainable and resilient food systems across Africa.
Find out more about KHSA here.
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