Agroecology is both a science and a practice rooted in the understanding that agriculture is deeply embedded in ecological, social, and cultural systems. At the same time, agroecology is a movement that centers farmers’ knowledge, food sovereignty, and social justice. By integrating environmental stewardship with equity and community-led action, agroecology challenges industrial agricultural models that rely heavily on external inputs, often degrade ecosystems, and are responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating the climate crisis. It offers pathways for community climate resilience, building adaptive capacity and contributing to climate change mitigation. Crucially, gender-transformative agroecology (GTAE) recognizes that resilience cannot be achieved without addressing structural inequalities. GTAE goes beyond simply including women in existing systems; it seeks to challenge and reshape power relations, norms, and institutions that perpetuate inequity. It recognizes that sustainable climate solutions require not only ecological transformation but also social transformation.

In this course, participants will engage with conceptions of community climate resilience to draw connections between gender-transformative approaches to agroecology and building climate resilience. Located at Seed Savers Network (SSN)[MT1]  in Gilgil, Kenya, the course will ground concepts and participatory approaches in the work SSN does in centering the expertise of farmers for community-led action in fighting for a more just food system and more resilient, equitable communities. Before arriving at SSN for the in-person course, participants will complete a brief online module introducing key climate change concepts including its causes and impacts, adaptation, mitigation, and resilience. The online module will prepare learners for the deeper in-person exploration of climate resilience and agroecology.

During the 6-day in-person course, we will explore climate resilience and gender-transformative agroecological transitions through strengths-based, participatory, and feminist approaches, grounded in practical, hands-on experiences at the SSN training center and nearby farms. Lead farmers and “Seed Ambassadors” within SSN’s network will also share their insights and co-facilitate sessions, bringing to the course their first-hand experience of navigating and negotiating within unjust food systems. The course aims to equip learners with foundational knowledge and practical, participatory tools and methods to support community-led action for climate resilience through gender-transformative agroecology.