African faith leaders, backed by civil society and farmer groups, are demanding “reparations” from donors to Africa’s Green Revolution for their role in allegedly damaging the continent’s food systems through industrial agriculture.
In an open letter published this week, they say that donors should amend past mistakes by supporting agroecology, a system of sustainable farming that works with nature to produce food in ways that benefit the environment. Africa’s Green Revolution is the push to ensure food security by transforming agriculture and raising yields, often through extensive use of synthetic chemicals and fertilizers.
The letter also asks major agriculture funders, particularly the Gates Foundation, to support Africa’s agroecology movement, which they claim can lead to a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable food system.
About the author
David Njagi
David Njagi is a Kenya-based Devex Contributing Reporter with over 12 years’ experience in the field of journalism. He graduated from the Technical University of Kenya with a diploma in journalism and public relations. He has reported for local and international media outlets, such as the BBC Future Planet, Reuters AlertNet, allAfrica.com, Inter Press Service, Science and Development Network, Mongabay Reporting Network, and Women’s Media Center.
