Slow Food Africa leaders’ meeting concludes in Nakuru, Kenya

The Slow Food Africa leaders meeting closed this week in Nakuru, Kenya. The meeting brought together leaders and representatives from across the continent to share experiences, reflect on progress, and strengthen collaboration within the Slow Food movement.

The meeting, organized in collaboration with Slow Food Kenya, focused on advancing agroecology, food sovereignty, and leadership within African communities.

John Kariuki, International Councilor for Eastern Africa, opened the session by commending the efforts of Slow Food leaders working across different countries to promote indigenous foods and vegetables.

He reminded participants that the purpose of the gathering was to deliberate on how to strengthen the Slow Food Africa network and enhance its collective impact.

“We can champion food sovereignty in Africa,” he said, adding that the process has only just begun. John also reiterated that Africa represents the future of the Slow Food movement and encouraged continued commitment to promoting good, clean, and fair food across the continent.

In his address, Edward Mukiibi, Slow Food President, acknowledged the dedication of participants and underlined the importance of Africa’s role in global food systems.

“If Africa is not well-fed, the world cannot be well-fed,” he said, calling for strengthened action to ensure access to good, clean, and fair food.

Edward highlighted Africa’s youthful population as a key asset for building resilient food systems and expressed concern over the ongoing loss of biodiversity. He urged participants to make Africa proud by integrating indigenous knowledge and linking local initiatives to continental and global platforms.

Reflecting on climate challenges, Edward emphasized that life cannot exist without biodiversity and that climate change continues to threaten the continent’s food systems.

He spoke about leadership and mentorship within the movement, noting that communities need leaders who are respected and listened to. Encouraging the audience, he said: “Be the fire and light for people to learn and be inspired,” adding, “If your fire goes out, light it again from your neighbor’s fire.”

Nancy Muhoro, the Board Chair of Slow Food Kenya, thanked participants for choosing Africa, reminding them that the most important investment lies in people and in building strong, capable teams.

Reflecting on the week’s activities, she highlighted the theme “Cultivating Change from the Ground Up” and commended the delegates for their active participation and learning.

Nancy urged everyone to take the lessons gained back to their communities, share them with their teams, and continue expanding Slow Food’s work into new areas, stressing that the journey should be a continuous process rather than a one-time event.

Tunda Lepore, International Councilor for the Slow Food Indigenous Peoples Network during her introduction expressed optimism about the future of the Slow Food Movement, stating that the growing involvement of young leaders is a strong sign of hope and progress for Slow Food Africa.

She also reiterated that Africa represented the future of the Slow Food movement and encouraged continued commitment to promoting good, clean, and fair food across the continent.

Andrea Amato, Network Development Director at Slow Food International, introduced the structure of Slow Food International’s governance and the leadership framework of Slow Food Africa.

Amato emphasized that expanding the number of local communities is crucial to strengthening the movement’s reach and impact. Andrea underscored the essential role of the Slow Food Farms network in expanding the scope and influence of our movement across the entire African continent.

As John Kiwagalo, Director of Slow Food activities in Africa, beautifully concluded, this gathering marked not an end but a renewed beginning.

He reminded the delegates that: “The spirit which unites all of us is our shared commitment to supporting local communities and promoting sustainable food systems across Africa.

“Our strength lays in how united we are; when we work together and share knowledge, we empower local communities, smallholder farmers, artisans, pastoralists, fishers, agroecological entrepreneurs, youths, women, and Indigenous peoples to reclaim their food sovereignty and preserve our rich cultural and gastronomic heritage.

Every small action contributes to the larger Slow Food movement that values good, clean, and fair food for all. He emphasized the importance of communication as a key pillar of our work as a network.

“We must continue to share our stories, successes, and challenges transparently and widely. Through dialogue, we can inspire others, influence policies and practices, and build a resilient food system that honors both people and the planet.”

Kiwagalo concluded with a heartfelt call to action: to remain determined in strengthening partnerships within the Slow Food network in Africa, to support communities to thrive, and to ensure that the future of food in Africa is rooted in sustainability, diversity, and dignity.