Since beginning my Master’s in Agroecology and Food Sovereignty in 2020, I quickly realized that the community of professors and fellow classmates would be one of the most enriching aspects of the program. I still remember the joy and excitement of those first three weeks, feeling connected to such a diverse and vibrant group. But then, the second wave of COVID-19 hit, and I felt something essential was taken away—the opportunity to forge deep, lasting bonds in person. Despite this, we all realized that true connections can transcend distances, and it was this realization that brought me to one of the most incredible journeys of my life: a visit to dear friends in Tanzania that transformed into a profound exploration of agroecology, feminism, and the power of community.
Reuniting with Reguli in Arusha was pure joy after nearly three years apart. Reguli, the coordinator of Slow Food Tanzania and an agroecology officer at WWF had been a constant source of inspiration during our studies. We had many conversations about my passion for connecting nutrition, agroecology, and social justice—so it was no surprise when he decided to take me to visit two Slow Food communities that perfectly embodied these interconnected values.
Helene and the TRMEGA Project: A Feminist Agroecological Revolution
In Arusha, Reguli introduced me to Helene, the founder of a transformative project supporting women suffering from AIDS. When we arrived, Helene welcomed us warmly in the demonstration garden, offering snacks from the garden and tea made from her medicinal herbs. Her kindness was evident even before she spoke, but it was her story that truly captured my heart.
Helene’s initiative empowers women living with AIDS, who are often isolated and denied necessary treatments, by teaching them to grow their own food and medicinal herbs. Many of these women arrive at the project without hope, devastated by their illness. Through the TRMEGA project, Helene and her team teach them how to cultivate food using agroecological methods, both in small plots and urban settings, without needing to invest in seeds, as these are provided by the project. The garden is not just a place of learning; it’s a space of healing. Women regain their strength, both physically and mentally, and they develop new skills that can be the foundation of small businesses since they can sell the products they produce. Helene shared countless stories of families who have been saved by agroecology, highlighting how it is a lifeline for those most in need. Her compassionate yet formidable strength left me deeply inspired.
Feminism and Agroecology: A Shared Struggle
A central theme of my Master’s program in Agroecology and Food Sovereignty is the principle that communities should have the authority to manage their own food systems, with agroecology playing a fundamental role. This model is rooted in traditional wisdom, prioritizes biodiversity, and integrates social and environmental aspects into food production. Although social justice is a core element of food sovereignty, there is often an assumption that gender equality is inherently included in this framework, implying that agroecology is naturally aligned with feminist ideals.
In reality, the situation is more complex. Without a deliberate focus on gender issues, there’s a danger that agroecology and food sovereignty might unintentionally reinforce existing disparities. Women’s contributions to agriculture and food production are frequently undervalued, with their roles often seen as secondary rather than essential to the agroecological movement. Even when women are acknowledged, it can lead to added responsibilities, raising critical concerns about the distribution of household and work duties. The challenge lies in ensuring that as we promote agroecology, we also confront and dismantle the patriarchal systems within it, fully recognizing and supporting women as leaders and innovators in this movement.
Empowering Women Farmers: Umangu association.
The second community we visited was a cooperative of women farmers who have empowered themselves through peer-to-peer learning in agroecology (Umoja wa Maendeleo Ngurdoto means “women together for the development of Ngurdoto” in the local language). They began meeting to support one another, seeking greater power for themselves and their children. Their demonstration garden is a place where they learn together, cultivating local varieties using agroecological methods. The cooperative also doubles as a kindergarten, providing education for their children close to home, sparing them the long and exhausting walks to distant schools. They shared with me that by adopting agroecological practices to grow their food, they are now able to save enough money to hire a teacher for their kindergarten, ensuring their children receive an education.
Sharing a meal with these incredible women, made entirely from their own produce, I felt profoundly grateful and inspired. Their hospitality, strength, and commitment to building a better future for themselves and their communities exemplify the true spirit of feminist agroecology.
As my time in Tanzania drew to a close, I realized that this journey was a profound lesson in the vital role women play in crafting a just and sustainable food system. The stories of Helene and the women’s cooperative revealed that feminist agroecology transcends mere farming practices—it’s about cultivating spaces where women can heal, grow, and take the lead. This experience illuminated the deep resilience and strength within these communities and affirmed the inseparable bond between feminism and agroecology—a connection that will continue to inspire and guide me long after this journey.
The path to feminist agroecology Farming Matters. -Soler Montiel, M., Rivera-Ferre, M., & García Roces, I. (2020).
