William Moseley's book Decolonizing African Agriculture (CUP,2024) compellingly analyzes why many farming and food policy approaches have failed in Sub-Saharan Africa. Moseley criticizes the dominance of Western, colonial agricultural science, which he argues is deeply entrenched in power dynamics. Moseley advocates a shift towards non-colonial, indigenous agronomy as a crucial step in achieving sustainable food security. According to Moseley, this approach stimulates social innovation essential for supporting small-scale farmers' livelihoods.
In collaboration with Columbia University Press, Columbia Global's Tunis and Nairobi Centers are honored to host William Moseley, who will delve into these themes extensively. The book is structured into four insightful sections:
1. Foundational Concepts: Introduction to Political Agronomy, Political Ecology, and Agroecology.
2. In-depth Case Studies: Comprehensive analysis of Mali, Burkina Faso, South Africa, and Botswana based on extensive field research.
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​​​​​​3. Successful Models and Forward Strategies: Examining successful local initiatives and proposed pathways emphasizing ecological principles in agricultural systems.
4. Towards Resilient Food Systems: Advocacy for transformative development supporting agroecology, vibrant rural communities, and interconnected smaller cities.
The discussion underscored the imperative for global institutional reforms aligned with sustainable farming and food policies.
This session was crafted to engage academic, policy, and broader community audiences keen on international food security issues. It delivered profound insights suitable for those exploring the intersections of food politics, agroecology, and sustainable development.