Agroecology and Organic Agriculture Leadership Course - South Africa
The Agroecology Promotion Programme (APP) Capacity Building presents the Agroecology and Organic Agriculture Leadership Course, a transformative learning journey designed to empower current and future leaders in the field of agroecology. This course, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), aims to strengthen leadership, policy influence, and market and business development to foster inclusive, sustainable, and resilient food systems.
Through a dynamic and participatory approach, the course will deepen participants' understanding of agroecological principles and practices while enhancing their leadership, communication, and facilitation skills. By engaging with global experts, innovative tools, and local experiences, participants will build and strengthen knowledge and strategies to promote agroecological transitions in their communities, institutions, and policy spaces.
This hybrid program builds on collaboration, diversity, and systems thinking, equipping participants to become drivers of change within the agroecology and organic agriculture movements.
The Agroecology and Organic Agriculture Leadership Course is a nine-month programme that comprises in-person training elements, as well as virtual sessions as follows:
- 9-month hybrid programme
- 2 face-to-face sessions for the course kick-off and conclusion in Cape Town
- 7 live Zoom sessions with experts
- Online platform for recorded materials and tasks
- Individual development plans coached by experts
The course follows a transformational leadership model, designed to equip participants to become effective change agents in the transition to agroecological food systems. It is a 9-month hybrid program, combining:
- Two face-to-face sessions (at the beginning and end of the course) in Cape Town
- Seven live online sessions with experts
- A digital platform for self-paced learning, assignments, and peer exchange
- Development of a personal Individual Leadership Plan (ILP) to apply course content in participants' real-life contexts
- A strong focus on participatory learning, networking, and reflection
Key topics include agroecological transitions, sustainable food systems, territorial markets, communication and facilitation, entrepreneurial leadership, and transformative policy engagement.
The tentative course schedule is as follows:
- October/November 2025 - Introductory webinar
- 3-7 November 2025 - First face-to-face session (5 full days) - Agroecological, regenerative, biodynamic, and organic transitions in Cape Town
- November 2025 - Webinar 1- Value chains and territorial markets
- December 2025 - Webinar 2 - Sustainable and healthy diets
- January 2026 - Webinar 3 - Participatory Action Research methods & tools
- February 2026 - Webinar 4 - Networking and multi-stakeholder cooperation
- March 2026 - Webinar 5 - Facilitation and communication skills
- April 2026 - Webinar 6 - Agroecological entrepreneurship
- May 2026 - Webinar 7 - Transformative impact chains and policies for agroecology
- June 2026 - Second face-to-face session (3 full days: Graduation, DP presentation, Peer-to-peer evaluation) in Cape Town
This training is for changemakers: community leaders, researchers, farmers, advisors, technicians, policy-makers, government officials and any person interested in developing and strengthening new skills and knowledge in agroecology for more inclusive and sustainable food systems.
This course is only open to applicants based in South Africa. Applicants from outside of the country will not be considered.
Ideal candidates:
- Are engaged in community leadership, research, advisory work, or activism in agroecology
- Demonstrate commitment to participate fully in the course (including both face-to-face sessions and at least 80% of online content)
- Have support from their organisations, communities, or civil society networks
- Are ready to engage critically, reflectively, and collaboratively
- Will develop and implement a concrete Development Plan (DP)
- Show readiness to contribute to wider agroecological networks
The cohort is limited to 25 participants, with attention given to diversity in region, gender, and experience.
The full value of the course, which includes training, course materials, mentoring, and accommodation at the training venue, is €3,000 (approximately R60,000). A significant portion of this cost is generously covered by an international programme.
Participants are expected to contribute by covering:
- Their own travel expenses to and from the venue for the two face-to-face (F2F) modules:
- Module 1: Cape Town, 3–7 November 2025
- Module 2: Cape Town,June 2026
- A portion of the course fee:
- R12,000 for applicants affiliated with an organisation
- R6,000 for individual applicants not affiliated with an organisation
Additional contributions are greatly appreciated, as they help support other change makers who require financial assistance. Individual applicants may also apply for partial or full sponsorship, based on need.
Participants are responsible for covering their own travel expenses. Accommodation and meals as well as course materials will be provided. No additional financial support can be granted. Participants must ensure that they have reliable internet access and appropriate technical equipment to fully engage in the online webinar sessions.
This course is only open to applicants based in South Africa. Applicants from outside of the country will not be considered.
Application
Applications are now open and extended until 10 October 2025. Please submit your completed form by the designated deadline. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged to ensure consideration.
If you have any questions, please send an email to academy@ifoam.bio with the heading “AOLC”.
