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.
Course Structure
The Agroecology and Organic Agriculture Leadership Course (AOLC) 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 at Monkey Valley Resort in Noordhoek, Cape Town
7 live Zoom sessions with experts
Online platform for recorded materials and tasks
Individual development plans coached by experts
Methodological Approach
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) at Monkey Valley Resort in Noordhoek, 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.
When?
The tentative course schedule is as follows:
October 2025 – Introductory webinar
3-7 November 2025 – First face-to-face session (5 full days) – Agroecological, regenerative, biodynamic and organic transitions at Monkey Valley Resort in Noordhoek, 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) at Monkey Valley Resort in Noordhoek, Cape Town
Who is the training for?
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.
Selection Criteria
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.
Tuition
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:
o Module 1: Cape Town, 3–7 November 2025
o Module 2: Cape Town, June 2026
· A portion of the course fee:
o R12,000 for applicants affiliated with an organisation
o R6,000 for individual applicants not affiliated with an organisation
Additional contributions are greatly appreciated, as they help support other changemakers who require financial assistance. Individual applicants may also apply for partial or full sponsorship, based on need.
Please indicate the financial contribution you are able to make toward the course.
Remarks
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.
Application
Applications are now open. Please submit your completed form by 5 October 2025.
To apply, you will need to submit:
- A letter of motivation (make sure to include a referral person (name and contact details) in your motivation letter.
- Your CV.
- An authorisation letter from your employer or a supporting letter from a group or community you are working with.
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 and sasha@saoso.org with the heading “AOLC”.