About Mizizi
A digital magazine rooted in Africa’s living, sustainable food and farming systems committed to telling the stories of organic and agroecological farmers, practitioners, wisdom holders, seed keepers and others that are building future-proof food systems.
Why Mizizi exists
Africa’s food and farming systems hold some of the most important stories of our time — stories about climate adaptation, biodiversity, community resilience and the quiet persistence of knowledge that predates industrial agriculture. Yet these stories are rarely told with the depth and care they deserve. Mizizi exists to change that.
From ISAN to Mizizi
ISAN Magazine was born in 2021, through the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Southern Africa, as a space for learning, exchange and advocacy around organic agriculture and agroecology. In 2026, we became Mizizi, the Swahili word for ‘roots’, chosen in its plural form to honour the many knowledge systems, cultures and relationships that sustain food and farming across Africa. As Mizizi, we prioritise grounded stories that are mobile-friendly and that can help build just, resilient food systems.
We are housed at Mycelium Media Colab, a registered cooperative focused on regenerative storytelling. Its network comprises 60+ members skilled in multimedia, from videography to podcasting, writing to websites, and everything inbetween.
What stays the same:
- A strong commitment to agroecology and organic agriculture.
- An emphasis on practitioner-led knowledge and regional learning.
- Careful editing and respect for contributors and communities.
Our editorial approach
Mizizi publishes reflective, credible storytelling rooted in lived experience. We publish four main editions each year, supported by themed special editions that respond to key moments, campaigns or partnerships. Editions include feature stories, photo essays, interviews, funding and project overviews, updates from key movements and on the policy landscapes, and relevant research.
We share a link to the read page and PDF download by email. Subscribe below if you would like to receive monthly notifications about new releases.
Meet the team
Stefanie Swanepoel
Editor-in-Chief, South Africa
Stefanie is a strategic communications leader with 30+ years’ experience across multi-country projects and campaigns. Co-founder of Mycelium Media Colab and director of African Earth Rights, she translates complex ideas into clear, engaging content.
Fortunate Nyakanda
Editor-in-Chief, Zimbabwe
Fortunate is an agroecology and organic agriculture practitioner with 30+ years’ experience across Southern Africa. Founder and Executive Director of ZOPPA, she has advanced farmer training, organic standards and organic guarantee systems, and policy advocacy.
Hannah Hopper
Editorial Associate, South Africa
Hannah is a sustainability and youth development professional working across environmental education, youth leadership and ESG initiatives. As Chair of South African Youth for International Diplomacy, she represents young people at multilateral forums.
Rabecca Botha
Lead staff writer, Zambia
Rabecca is a climate communicator focused on agroecology, climate justice and food sovereignty. With training in climate change, development and journalism, she blends science, policy and storytelling to amplify community knowledge for resilient food systems.
Isaac Mafuel
Lead staff writer, Malawi
Isaac is an experienced communications and advocacy professional and storyteller with over 10 years’ experience, translating complex agroecological ideas into grounded, participatory and gender-transformative narratives for community-led food system change.
Odette Mavunga
Staff writer, Zimbabwe
Odette is a linguist with a BA, specialising in short stories and precise, compelling copy. She is passionate about organic and agroecological food systems, using storytelling to connect language, culture and environment and inspire change towards healthier, more sustainable living.
Makanakaishe Makan'a
Designer, Zimbabwe
Maka is a graphic designer specialising in mobile-friendly, accessible design. With a passion for food systems and storytelling, he creates clear, thoughtful layouts that help complex ideas travel easily across digital and low-data spaces.
