Ruth Nabbagala: « Currently, I work in eight countries with around 300 agroecological enterprises »

AFRICALEADNEWS – (Sénégal) « My name is Ruth Nabbagala. I work with the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa, focusing on agriculture, entrepreneurship, territorial markets, and cross-border trade.

There are many types of businesses, but sustainable businesses are key. At the African Food Systems Forum, we are discussing agricultural enterprises and food systems, especially their economic dimension.

Our goal in coming here was to gather as actors in this space, to understand what we mean by ‘agroecological enterprises,’ what we do, and how these enterprises contribute to food systems. Why should agricultural entrepreneurship be a central theme at the AFS? Because it promotes sustainability, improves people’s health, supports community growth, and strengthens economic resilience.

It is also guided by the principles of agroecology: environmental sustainability, fairness within communities, and diversity—whether in economy or income sources for farmers and entrepreneurs. This holistic approach goes beyond profit for a few; it benefits entire communities.

Currently, I work in eight countries with around 300 agroecological enterprises. Their impact is clear: not only profitability but also improving livelihoods, creating jobs, ensuring access to healthy food, and protecting the environment. That kind of impact is more valuable and sustainable than businesses that generate money while harming people and ecosystems. Agroecological enterprises prove that true profitability comes when communities and the environment also thrive. »