First WYNA Global Café: Organic Certification Systems

Background

The Building Women & Youth-led Network Alliances for Agroecology and Organic Agriculture (WYNA) Programme builds on the experience and knowledge developed through the Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Africa (KCOA) project. Implemented by GIZ in collaboration with YPARD, PELUM Kenya, and AGSN, the programme promotes collaboration, capacity building, and leadership development across Africa’s agrifood systems.

WYNA raises awareness and equips youth and female professionals with practical skills while fostering entrepreneurship, green jobs, and strong network partnerships. Through inclusion and innovation, the programme empowers the next generation of African agrifood leaders by supporting fellows, interns, and community-driven solutions. To strengthen dialogue, peer learning, and networking among diverse stakeholders across regions, the WYNA Café is organizing a series of WYNA Global Cafés. These sessions provide an interactive platform for knowledge exchange on critical topics shaping agroecology and organic agriculture.

About the Global Café

The WYNA Global Café scheduled for 19 February 2026 will focus on Organic Certification Systems, responding to growing interest from youth, farmer organizations, and agribusiness actors seeking to access sustainable organic markets, comply with organic standards, and understand certification pathways.

Designed as a concise and interactive session, the café will balance technical clarity with practical relevance, while creating space for questions, shared reflections, and peer learning.

Objectives

The café aims to:

• Build participants’ understanding of organic certification systems, including key principles, standards, and global frameworks.
• Clarify organic certification pathways by outlining core processes, requirements, and compliance steps for producers and value-chain actors.
• Highlight the role of organic certification in promoting sustainable production practices and environmental stewardship.
• Demonstrate how organic certification supports the agrifood value chain.

Target Audience

The WYNA Global Café targets a diverse, global audience, including:

• Youth and women engaged in agroecology and sustainable agriculture
• Consumers interested in organic and sustainable food systems
• Smallholder farmers and farmer organizations
• Youth-led agribusinesses and cooperatives
• Extension agents and development practitioners
• Certification bodies and organic sector actors
• Civil society organizations, networks, and policymakers

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the café, participants are expected to:

• Have a clear understanding of what organic certification systems are and how they function
• Gain practical insights into key certification processes and requirements
• Appreciate the importance of organic certification for market access, environmental sustainability, and consumer trust
• Be informed about opportunities and considerations for engaging in organic certification

Partners:

PELUM Kenya,

African Green Store Network (AGSN)

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Africa (KCOA)

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Join the Conversation

The WYNA Global Café on Organic Certification Systems offers a timely opportunity to learn, connect, and exchange experiences with practitioners and stakeholders from across regions. By bringing together youth, women, and organic sector actors, the café contributes to building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems.

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