Meet our new member from Kenya!

We asked Rosinah Mbenya, the Director of PELUM Kenya, to tell us a little bit more about the organisation and its work.

Could you briefly introduce yourself to the network? What is the mission of PELUM Kenya and what are your main activities?

PELUM Kenya is a national network of 74 Civil Society Organizations working to advance agroecological principles and practices among smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and fisherfolk across Kenya. Our offices are located in Juja, Kiambu County.

We believe that the agrifood sector has a critical role to play in creating a safe and healthy planet and building healthy communities. Our vision is empowered, prosperous, healthy, and resilient communities.

Our work is guided by our 2026–2030 Strategic Plan and focuses on five key areas:

• Policy and advocacy: Promoting the integration of agroecology into national and sub-national policies, while strengthening informed grassroots movements and participation.
• Agro-enterprise and market development: Connecting smallholder farmers to local markets, including school meals programmes, and supporting the upscaling of certification for agroecological foods.
• Gender and youth: Providing mentorship, coaching, and business incubation to increase the meaningful participation of women and youth in the agrifood sector and in policy engagement.
• Climate action: Advocating for increased climate financing for agroecology and building the capacity of smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and fisherfolk on climate justice and resilience.
• Knowledge management: Documenting and sharing knowledge on agroecology through knowledge platforms and a trainer-of-trainers approach.

What is your main interest in joining the ECOS network?

PELUM Kenya is interested in joining the ECOS Network because of our shared commitment to advancing a toxic-free agrifood sector and promoting the development and implementation of standards that support safe and healthy food systems while safeguarding the environment.

We see the ECOS Network as an opportunity to contribute our experience in agroecology, grassroots engagement, policy advocacy, and knowledge sharing, while also learning from and collaborating with other actors working toward sustainable, safe, and environmentally responsible food systems.

ECOS is very much looking forward to working together with PELUM Kenya!

Would you like to learn more about ECOS members? Have a look here. Are you interested in membership? Click here!